Energy Lessons

KEEP provides interdisciplinary curriculum for Wisconsin educators interested in teaching a variety of energy topics including: Energy Concepts, Careers in Energy, Climate Change, Energy Conservation, and Renewable Energy for grade levels K-12.

Focus Area Collections

View lessons grouped by our four focus areas — climate change, energy concepts, energy conservation, and renewable energy.

Climate Change

Explore the relationship between energy and climate change.

A Map is Worth a Million Words | A KEEP Energy Lesson for grades 6-12 in Google | Students will use geospatial data and GIS to ask questions and uncover patterns.
At Watt Rate | A KEEP Energy Lesson for grades 5-9 in Google | Students complete surveys and audits to determine how much energy a variety of appliances use.
Beings on the Move | A KEEP Energy Activity for grades 4-12 in PDF | Participants should gain an understanding of; What climate change effects we might expect in the region; How climate change may affect culturally important beings; How treaty rights and the lifeways of Ojibwe people may be impacted by climate change; How culture of the Menominee may be impacted by climate change
Circuit Circus | A KEEP Energy Lesson for grades 5-8 in Google | Students construct and experiment with simple electrical circuits using batteries, wires, and bulbs.
Classroom Energy Flow | A KEEP Energy Lesson for grades K-4 in Google | Students create an energy flow diagram of their classroom by labeling and describing how objects in their classroom transfer energy.
Detecting Energy Loss – HVAC Systems | A KEEP Energy Lesson for grades 5-9 in Google | Students take temperatures around the classroom to better understand the flow of thermal energy through the building. They learn how they can enhance the operation and performance of the building’s HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) system to support learning, save energy and money, and reduce the building’s carbon footprint.
Digging for Coal | A KEEP Energy Lesson for grades K-4 in Google | Students simulate the coal mining process using chocolate chip cookies.
Diminishing Returns | A KEEP Energy Lesson for grades 5-8 in Google | Students illustrate the concept of energy efficiency through a relay race.
Don’t Throw Away Energy | A KEEP Energy Lesson for grades 5-8 in PDF | Students analyze the energy used to make a product and identify alternatives (reduce, reuse, recycle) to throwing away the product and its energy.
Electric Charades | A KEEP Energy Lesson for grades K-4 in Google | Students illustrate through a whole-body demonstration how electricity flows from the power plant to appliances in their classroom.
Energy Action Plan | A KEEP Energy Lesson for grades 5-9 in Google | Students will conduct an energy audit of an area in their school building, create a report and suggest solutions to reduce energy consumption, cost and carbon emissions.
Energy Savvy Consumers: Your Power, Your Choices | A KEEP Energy Lesson for grades 5-9 in Google | Students will analyze electricity and natural gas bills and consider the impact of electric and gas costs on budgets, investigate sources of residential energy and participate in a mini-energy audit to determine how to reduce energy use, electric and gas costs and carbon emissions. This lesson supports Wisconsin Standards for Family and Consumer Sciences and Wisconsin Standards for Personal Financial Literacy.
Energy Scavenger Hunt | A KEEP Energy Activity for grades K-12 in Qualtrics | The purpose of this activity is to bring attention to energy use and to help increase appreciation of our need for energy. Complete this online scavenger hunt to discover your community’s energy footprint.
Energy Use in an Ecosystem | A KEEP Energy Lesson for grades 5-8 in PDF | Students survey different environments and investigate how sunlight, soil moisture, temperature, and wind affect living elements—plants and animals—in an ecosystem.
Evidence of Energy | A KEEP Energy Lesson for grades K-4 in Google | By investigating motion, sound, heat, and light, children learn that they and other objects in the classroom use energy.
Exploring the Effects of Sun Angle on Solar Panel Electricity Generation | A KEEP Energy Lesson for grades 5-12 in Google | Students will learn how solar panels generate electricity and use KEEP’s Solar Tilt Kit to determine the factors that impact the amount of electricity generated by a solar panel.
How Solar Panels Generate Electricity | A KEEP Energy Lesson for grades K-6 in Google | Students will learn how solar panels generate electricity and use KEEP’s Solar Tilt Kit to determine the factors that impact the amount of electricity generated by a solar panel.
Introduction to Building Energy Detectives | A KEEP Energy Lesson for grades 5-9 in Google | Students will examine what they need to know to answer the anchor phenomenon question, What energy actions can I take at school, at home and in my community to create a more sustainable future?, and make a plan to participate in KEEP activities that will help them discover their answer.
Light and Your Load | A KEEP Energy Lesson for grades 5-9 in Google | Students conduct a lighting audit and take lighting measurements around the classroom.
Online Energy & Climate Resources for Educators | A KEEP Energy Lesson for grades K-12 in Google | Vetted idea or resource KEEP staff use in outreach. Includes sample lesson opportunities with each slide.
Photosynthesis Promenade & Food Chain Game | A KEEP Energy Lesson for grades 4-8 in PDF | By participating in physical activities, students will simulate the process of photosynthesis and transfer of energy between organisms.
Pulling the Plug on Vampire Loads | A KEEP Energy Lesson for grades 5-9 in Google | Students identify classroom appliances that use electricity even when turned off and how using power strips and smart power strips can save electricity. Students will calculate the potential energy and financial savings of power strips.
Renewable Energy Resources | A KEEP Energy Lesson for grades K-8 in Google | Students play a competitive game to simulate consumption of energy resources and explore how decreasing nonrenewable energy consumption, through the use of renewable energy, can help to sustain future energy supplies.
So You Want to Heat Your Home? | A KEEP Energy Lesson for grades 5-12 in Google | Students calculate the amount of energy needed to heat an average-sized home using different types of energy sources and different heating system efficiencies.
Solar Load – Circuits | A KEEP Energy Lesson for grades 4-8 in Google | Students work in a group to investigate how the arrangement of solar panels in an array (series vs. parallel) affects the electrical output (voltage and current) of the system.
Solar Load – Circuits Inquiry | A KEEP Energy Lesson for grades 4-8 in Google | Students participate in a scientific investigation to explore how the arrangement of solar panels in an array (series vs. parallel) affects the performance of different combinations of loads (bulbs, fans, pumps) connect to the array (in series). After the initial investigation, students are encouraged to extend their learning in a student driven inquiry.
Solar Load – Student Inquiry | A KEEP Energy Lesson for grades 4-8 in Google | Students participate in both a teacher-led exploration and student driven inquiry process to learn how solar panels can be used to power items that run on electricity.
Station Break | A KEEP Energy Lesson for grades 5-8 in Google | Students conduct simple investigations to identify different ways that energy conversions take place.
Taking Temperatures | A KEEP Energy Lesson for grades K-4 in PDF | Students use a thermometer to investigate how shading, coloring, and other factors affect temperature.
Waterwheels, Windmills & Turbines | A KEEP Energy Lesson for grades K-8 in Google | Students construct simple turbines to investigate how the energy in wind and water can be harnessed to do work.

Energy Concepts

Beings on the Move | A KEEP Energy Activity for grades 4-12 in PDF | Participants should gain an understanding of; What climate change effects we might expect in the region; How climate change may affect culturally important beings; How treaty rights and the lifeways of Ojibwe people may be impacted by climate change; How culture of the Menominee may be impacted by climate change
Black Leaders in Energy | A KEEP Energy Lesson for grades 7-12 in Google | Students will discover contributions of Black inventors and pioneers in the field of energy efficiency and the assets they possessed that helped them overcome challenges.
Careers in Energy Distribution | A KEEP Energy Lesson for grades 5-12 in Google | Students will be able to describe the jobs of an Electric Superintendent and a Lineworker and the skills needed to be successful in these careers.
Circuit Circus | A KEEP Energy Lesson for grades 5-8 in Google | Students construct and experiment with simple electrical circuits using batteries, wires, and bulbs.
Classroom Energy Flow | A KEEP Energy Lesson for grades K-4 in Google | Students create an energy flow diagram of their classroom by labeling and describing how objects in their classroom transfer energy.
Decoding Wisconsin Utility Bills | A KEEP Energy Activity for grades 9-12 in Google | Students will read and interpret electricity and natural gas bills and consider the impact of electric and gas costs on monthly and annual budgets. This lesson is modeled after a Next Gen Personal Finance Fine Print activity and supports Personal Finance standards related to budgeting.
Detecting Schoolyard Food Chains | A KEEP Energy Lesson for grades K-4 in PDF | Students research organisms in their schoolyard and create simple food chains involving those organisms.
Digging for Coal | A KEEP Energy Lesson for grades K-4 in Google | Students simulate the coal mining process using chocolate chip cookies.
Diminishing Returns | A KEEP Energy Lesson for grades 5-8 in Google | Students illustrate the concept of energy efficiency through a relay race.
Don’t Throw Away Energy | A KEEP Energy Lesson for grades 5-8 in PDF | Students analyze the energy used to make a product and identify alternatives (reduce, reuse, recycle) to throwing away the product and its energy.
Electric Charades | A KEEP Energy Lesson for grades K-4 in Google | Students illustrate through a whole-body demonstration how electricity flows from the power plant to appliances in their classroom.
Energy Divide | A KEEP Energy Lesson for grades 5-8 in PDF | Students play a competitive game to simulate consumption of energy resources and explore how energy conservation (reduction of use and waste) can help to sustain future energy supplies.
Energy Savvy Consumers: Your Power, Your Choices | A KEEP Energy Lesson for grades 5-9 in Google | Students will analyze electricity and natural gas bills and consider the impact of electric and gas costs on budgets, investigate sources of residential energy and participate in a mini-energy audit to determine how to reduce energy use, electric and gas costs and carbon emissions. This lesson supports Wisconsin Standards for Family and Consumer Sciences and Wisconsin Standards for Personal Financial Literacy.
Energy Scavenger Hunt | A KEEP Energy Activity for grades K-12 in Qualtrics | The purpose of this activity is to bring attention to energy use and to help increase appreciation of our need for energy. Complete this online scavenger hunt to discover your community’s energy footprint.
Energy Use in an Ecosystem | A KEEP Energy Lesson for grades 5-8 in PDF | Students survey different environments and investigate how sunlight, soil moisture, temperature, and wind affect living elements—plants and animals—in an ecosystem.
Energy Web | A KEEP Energy Activity for grades 4-12 in PDF | Participants should gain and understanding of: – Natural and human-made components of their outdoor environment – Connections between these components – Energy connections and/or transformations between different components
Evidence of Energy | A KEEP Energy Lesson for grades K-4 in Google | By investigating motion, sound, heat, and light, children learn that they and other objects in the classroom use energy.
Fuel that Power Plant | A KEEP Energy Lesson for grades 5-8 in PDF | Students use mapping skills to locate Wisconsin’s major electric power plants and their fuel supply routes, and also investigate why modern power plants are located next to bodies of water.
How to Read a Meter | A KEEP Energy Activity for grades 5-12 in Google | Students learn how to read electric and natural gas meters and track readings on a home utility meter for the duration of a week.
If I Were a Lineworker | A KEEP Energy Activity for grades K-5 in Google | Students will listen to a reading of If I Were a Lineworker to explore the career of a lineworker, the tools they use, and how to be safe around electricity.
KEEP Adaptations | A KEEP Energy Lesson for grades K-4 in PDF | Refining or Adjusting KEEP Activities and Sparks to Support Energy Understandings
Online Energy & Climate Resources for Educators | A KEEP Energy Lesson for grades K-12 in Google | Vetted idea or resource KEEP staff use in outreach. Includes sample lesson opportunities with each slide.
Photosynthesis Promenade & Food Chain Game | A KEEP Energy Lesson for grades 4-8 in PDF | By participating in physical activities, students will simulate the process of photosynthesis and transfer of energy between organisms.
Renewable Energy Resources | A KEEP Energy Lesson for grades K-8 in Google | Students play a competitive game to simulate consumption of energy resources and explore how decreasing nonrenewable energy consumption, through the use of renewable energy, can help to sustain future energy supplies.
Seeking Shadows – How the Sun Moves | A KEEP Energy Activity for grades K-3 in PDF | Students measure shadow lengths to appreciate how the sun’s height and location in the sky varies throughout the day.
Station Break | A KEEP Energy Lesson for grades 5-8 in Google | Students conduct simple investigations to identify different ways that energy conversions take place.
Taking Temperatures | A KEEP Energy Lesson for grades K-4 in PDF | Students use a thermometer to investigate how shading, coloring, and other factors affect temperature.
Wisconsin Electricity Sort | A KEEP Energy Activity for grades 4-12 in Google | Participants identify the sources used to generate electricity in Wisconsin, and sort them into different categories.
Wisconsin Energy Facts Trivia Slideshow | A KEEP Energy Activity for grades 5-12 in Google | Students will test their knowledge of facts about Wisconsin’s energy generation, sources, uses, and careers. Activity available in three formats: Google slides, Canva, and Kahoot.

Energy Conservation

Appliance Survey | A KEEP Energy Activity for grades 6-12 in PDF | The purpose of this activity is to teach you how to calculate the energy consumption of various appliances around your home or school.
At Watt Rate | A KEEP Energy Lesson for grades 5-9 in Google | Students complete surveys and audits to determine how much energy a variety of appliances use.
Careers in Electric Vehicles | A KEEP Energy Lesson for grades 5-12 in Google | Students will be able to describe the jobs of a Fleet Superintendent / Manager and Fleet Technician, and the skills needed to be successful in these careers. Students will also be able to explain the goals of the Youth Apprenticeship program.
Careers in Energy Auditing and Home Performance | A KEEP Energy Lesson for grades 5-12 in Google | Students will be able to describe the jobs of a Home Performance Consultant and Energy Auditor and the skills needed to be successful in these careers.
Careers in Facilities Operation – Healthcare | A KEEP Energy Lesson for grades 5-12 in Google | Students will be able to describe the job of a Facility Operator and the skills needed to be successful in this career.
Careers in HVAC | A KEEP Energy Lesson for grades 5-12 in Google | Students will be able to explain careers in HVAC and describe the skills needed to be successful in these careers.
Classroom Energy Flow | A KEEP Energy Lesson for grades K-4 in Google | Students create an energy flow diagram of their classroom by labeling and describing how objects in their classroom transfer energy.
Clean Energy Careers – Bundle | A KEEP Energy Lesson for grades 3-12 in Google | Students will investigate the world of work in order to gain knowledge of self in order to make informed career decisions. Examine and evaluate opportunities that could enhance life and career plans and articulate plans to guide decisions and actions.
Decoding Wisconsin Utility Bills | A KEEP Energy Activity for grades 9-12 in Google | Students will read and interpret electricity and natural gas bills and consider the impact of electric and gas costs on monthly and annual budgets. This lesson is modeled after a Next Gen Personal Finance Fine Print activity and supports Personal Finance standards related to budgeting.
Detecting Energy Loss – HVAC Systems | A KEEP Energy Lesson for grades 5-9 in Google | Students take temperatures around the classroom to better understand the flow of thermal energy through the building. They learn how they can enhance the operation and performance of the building’s HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) system to support learning, save energy and money, and reduce the building’s carbon footprint.
Diminishing Returns | A KEEP Energy Lesson for grades 5-8 in Google | Students illustrate the concept of energy efficiency through a relay race.
Don’t Throw Away Energy | A KEEP Energy Lesson for grades 5-8 in PDF | Students analyze the energy used to make a product and identify alternatives (reduce, reuse, recycle) to throwing away the product and its energy.
Energy Action Plan | A KEEP Energy Lesson for grades 5-9 in Google | Students will conduct an energy audit of an area in their school building, create a report and suggest solutions to reduce energy consumption, cost and carbon emissions.
Energy Savvy Consumers: Your Power, Your Choices | A KEEP Energy Lesson for grades 5-9 in Google | Students will analyze electricity and natural gas bills and consider the impact of electric and gas costs on budgets, investigate sources of residential energy and participate in a mini-energy audit to determine how to reduce energy use, electric and gas costs and carbon emissions. This lesson supports Wisconsin Standards for Family and Consumer Sciences and Wisconsin Standards for Personal Financial Literacy.
Introduction to Building Energy Detectives | A KEEP Energy Lesson for grades 5-9 in Google | Students will examine what they need to know to answer the anchor phenomenon question, What energy actions can I take at school, at home and in my community to create a more sustainable future?, and make a plan to participate in KEEP activities that will help them discover their answer.
Light and Your Load | A KEEP Energy Lesson for grades 5-9 in Google | Students conduct a lighting audit and take lighting measurements around the classroom.
Pulling the Plug on Vampire Loads | A KEEP Energy Lesson for grades 5-9 in Google | Students identify classroom appliances that use electricity even when turned off and how using power strips and smart power strips can save electricity. Students will calculate the potential energy and financial savings of power strips.
So You Want to Heat Your Home? | A KEEP Energy Lesson for grades 5-12 in Google | Students calculate the amount of energy needed to heat an average-sized home using different types of energy sources and different heating system efficiencies.
Watt’s Your Appliance? | A KEEP Energy Activity for grades 4-12 in Google | Students try to guess which appliances use the most energy and discuss the results.
Watt’s Your Appliance? Spanish | A KEEP Energy Activity for grades 4-12 in Google | Los participantes serán capaces de – Explicar la diferencia entre la potencia y la energía – Encontrar y calcular los watts/vatios promedio de electrodomésticos comunes – Identificar las acciones que pueden tomar para reducir el consumo de energía

Renewable Energy

A Map is Worth a Million Words | A KEEP Energy Lesson for grades 6-12 in Google | Students will use geospatial data and GIS to ask questions and uncover patterns.
AgriSolar Animal Systems | A KEEP Energy Lesson for grades 5-12 in Google | Students learn about the different types of grazing and what happens when animals and solar panels share the same space in agrivoltaic systems. Students identify animals suited for AgriSolar systems in Wisconsin, examine data from a solar grazing sheep farm and create a scale drawing of an AgriSolar animal system.
AgriSolar Photovoltaic Systems | A KEEP Energy Lesson for grades 5-12 in Google | Students participate in a hands-on activity to explore how solar panels generate electricity and the factors that affect the amount of electricity they generate. They examine the details included in solar leases and apply what they learn to create a scale drawing of a solar photovoltaic system on a farm.
AgriSolar Plant Systems | A KEEP Energy Lesson for grades 5-12 in Google | Students explore how land can be used for both agriculture and solar energy production. During this lesson students discuss the basic needs of plants and research the types of plants that grow successfully in agrivoltaic systems. Students predict which types of plants could grow successfully in an AgriSolar system in Wisconsin and create a scale drawing of an AgriSolar plant system.
AgriSolar System Design | A KEEP Energy Lesson for grades 5-12 in Google | Students use scale measurement to create a scale drawing or model of an AgriSolar System, explain the agricultural, economic and environmental benefits of the system and at least five key lease terms that are needed to support the long-term success of the system.
Can Wisconsin Go Solar? | A KEEP Energy Lesson for grades 6-12 in Google | Students will be able to use geospatial data and GIS to ask questions and uncover patterns.
Careers in Hydropower | A KEEP Energy Lesson for grades 5-12 in Google | Students will be able to describe what Operators do in Hydro Power Plants and the skills needed to be a successful Operator.
Careers in Solar Energy | A KEEP Energy Lesson for grades 5-12 in Google | Students will be able to describe the jobs of a Solar Project Manager, Solar Energy Technician, and Solar Site Assessor and the skills needed to be successful in these careers.
Catch That Wind | A KEEP Energy Lesson for grades 5-12 in PDF | Students sequence career titles of those responsible for siting, installing, and maintaining a wind farm.
Clean Energy Careers – Bundle | A KEEP Energy Lesson for grades 3-12 in Google | Students will investigate the world of work in order to gain knowledge of self in order to make informed career decisions. Examine and evaluate opportunities that could enhance life and career plans and articulate plans to guide decisions and actions.
Don’t Waste Waste | A KEEP Energy Lesson for grades 5-8 in PDF | Students “harvest” celery to demonstrate waste accumulation from timber practices and brainstorm uses for the waste products.
Energy Savvy Consumers: Your Power, Your Choices | A KEEP Energy Lesson for grades 5-9 in Google | Students will analyze electricity and natural gas bills and consider the impact of electric and gas costs on budgets, investigate sources of residential energy and participate in a mini-energy audit to determine how to reduce energy use, electric and gas costs and carbon emissions. This lesson supports Wisconsin Standards for Family and Consumer Sciences and Wisconsin Standards for Personal Financial Literacy.
Exploring the Effects of Sun Angle on Solar Panel Electricity Generation | A KEEP Energy Lesson for grades 5-12 in Google | Students will learn how solar panels generate electricity and use KEEP’s Solar Tilt Kit to determine the factors that impact the amount of electricity generated by a solar panel.
How can I design better blades? | A KidWind Energy Lesson for grades 6-12 | Courtesy of KidWind – Students will learn how different blade design variables affect power output and work to create the most optimal blades.
How does a windmill work? | A KidWind Energy Lesson for grades 6-12 | Courtesy of KidWind – Students will construct small windmill models that convert wind energy into mechanical energy by lifting weights.
How Solar Panels Generate Electricity | A KEEP Energy Lesson for grades K-6 in Google | Students will learn how solar panels generate electricity and use KEEP’s Solar Tilt Kit to determine the factors that impact the amount of electricity generated by a solar panel.
MacGyver Windmills | A KidWind Energy Lesson for grades 3-7 | Courtesy of KidWind – Students will use a limited amount of materials to design and build functioning windmill models. They will use these models to convert wind into mechanical energy in order to lift weights.
Renewable Energy Resources | A KEEP Energy Lesson for grades K-8 in Google | Students play a competitive game to simulate consumption of energy resources and explore how decreasing nonrenewable energy consumption, through the use of renewable energy, can help to sustain future energy supplies.
Shadows in the Schoolyard | A KEEP Energy Lesson for grades K-4 in PDF | Students measure shadow lengths to appreciate how the sun’s height and location in the sky varies throughout the day.
Shoebox Solar Cooker | A KEEP Energy Lesson for grades K-8 in PDF | Students build and use a simple solar cooker and experiment using the sun to heat food.
Solar Dashboard Exploration for Lower Elementary | A KEEP Energy Lesson for grades 1-4 in Google | Students use solar dashboards to explore how the amount of energy produced by solar panels compares to the amount of energy used in school.
Solar Dashboard Exploration Slideshow | A KEEP Energy Lesson for grades 5-12 in Google | Students will use solar dashboards to explore differences in solar generation of a local solar array and how the electricity generated compares to the average electricity usage of their household.
Solar Energy Potential Geo Inquiry | A KEEP Energy Lesson for grades 7-12 in Google | Students will explore differences in solar potential and solar power generation as well as the challenges of using solar energy to meet energy demand across the globe.
Solar Load – Circuits | A KEEP Energy Lesson for grades 4-8 in Google | Students work in a group to investigate how the arrangement of solar panels in an array (series vs. parallel) affects the electrical output (voltage and current) of the system.
Solar Load – Circuits Inquiry | A KEEP Energy Lesson for grades 4-8 in Google | Students participate in a scientific investigation to explore how the arrangement of solar panels in an array (series vs. parallel) affects the performance of different combinations of loads (bulbs, fans, pumps) connect to the array (in series). After the initial investigation, students are encouraged to extend their learning in a student driven inquiry.
Solar Load – Student Inquiry | A KEEP Energy Lesson for grades 4-8 in Google | Students participate in both a teacher-led exploration and student driven inquiry process to learn how solar panels can be used to power items that run on electricity.
Solar Relay | A KEEP Energy Activity for grades 4-12 in Google | Modeling the movement of electrons through a solar cell
Waterwheels, Windmills & Turbines | A KEEP Energy Lesson for grades K-8 in Google | Students construct simple turbines to investigate how the energy in wind and water can be harnessed to do work.
What is AgriSolar? | A KEEP Energy Lesson for grades 5-12 in Google | Students engage in reading, writing and discussion activities to explore what AgriSolar production is and its applications in Wisconsin. They examine the potential benefits of establishing agrivoltaic farms in their communities and create a scale drawing of an AgriSolar farm.
Which blades are best? | A KidWind Energy Lesson for grades 6-12 | Courtesy of KidWind – Students are introduced to blade design testing. Students collect, evaluate, and present data about different blade design variables and how they performed in an energy production test.
Wind in the World – How Does the Wind Work? | A KEEP Energy Lesson for grades K-3 in PDF | Students make observations about the wind outside using their senses, make a list, and talk about them.
Wind Scale – How Fast is the Wind? | A KEEP Energy Lesson for grades 4-6 in PDF | Students build and use simple wind measurement instruments to record air movements in their schoolyard.
Wisconsin Electricity Sort | A KEEP Energy Activity for grades 4-12 in Google | Participants identify the sources used to generate electricity in Wisconsin, and sort them into different categories.

Purpose-Built Collections

All lessons in Purpose-Built Collections can also be found in Focus Area Collections, but are grouped for specific uses.

AgriSolar

Dig into the dual-use of land for agriculture and energy in Wisconsin.

What is AgriSolar? | A KEEP Energy Lesson for grades 5-12 in Google | Students engage in reading, writing and discussion activities to explore what AgriSolar production is and its applications in Wisconsin. They examine the potential benefits of establishing agrivoltaic farms in their communities and create a scale drawing of an AgriSolar farm.
AgriSolar Photovoltaic Systems | A KEEP Energy Lesson for grades 5-12 in Google | Students participate in a hands-on activity to explore how solar panels generate electricity and the factors that affect the amount of electricity they generate. They examine the details included in solar leases and apply what they learn to create a scale drawing of a solar photovoltaic system on a farm.
AgriSolar Plant Systems | A KEEP Energy Lesson for grades 5-12 in Google | Students explore how land can be used for both agriculture and solar energy production. During this lesson, students discuss the basic needs of plants and research the types of plants that grow successfully in agrivoltaic systems. Students predict which types of plants could grow successfully in an AgriSolar system in Wisconsin and create a scale drawing of an AgriSolar plant system.
AgriSolar Animal Systems | A KEEP Energy Lesson for grades 5-12 in Google | Students learn about the different types of grazing and what happens when animals and solar panels share the same space in agrivoltaic systems. Students identify animals suited for AgriSolar systems in Wisconsin, examine data from a solar grazing sheep farm and create a scale drawing of an AgriSolar animal system.
AgriSolar System Design | A KEEP Energy Lesson for grades 5-12 in Google | Students use scale measurement to create a scale drawing or model of an AgriSolar system, explain the agricultural, economic and environmental benefits of the system, and identify at least five key lease terms needed to support its long-term success.
Solar Relay | A KEEP Energy Activity for grades 4-12 in Google | Modeling the movement of electrons through a solar cell.
Wisconsin Electricity Sort | A KEEP Energy Activity for grades 4-12 in Google | Participants identify the sources used to generate electricity in Wisconsin and sort them into different categories.

Building Energy Detectives

Conduct an energy audit of your school.

Introduction to Building Energy Detectives | A KEEP Energy Lesson for grades 5-9 in Google | Students will examine what they need to know to answer the anchor phenomenon question, “What energy actions can I take at school, at home, and in my community to create a more sustainable future?”, and make a plan to participate in KEEP activities that will help them discover their answer.
At Watt Rate | A KEEP Energy Lesson for grades 5-9 in Google | Students complete surveys and audits to determine how much energy a variety of appliances use.
Pulling the Plug on Vampire Loads | A KEEP Energy Lesson for grades 5-9 in Google | Students identify classroom appliances that use electricity even when turned off and learn how using power strips and smart power strips can save electricity. Students will calculate the potential energy and financial savings of power strips.
Detecting Energy Loss – HVAC Systems | A KEEP Energy Lesson for grades 5-9 in Google | Students take temperatures around the classroom to better understand the flow of thermal energy through the building. They learn how to enhance the operation and performance of the building’s HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) system to support learning, save energy and money, and reduce the building’s carbon footprint.
Light and Your Load | A KEEP Energy Lesson for grades 5-9 in Google | Students conduct a lighting audit and take lighting measurements around the classroom.
Energy Action Plan | A KEEP Energy Lesson for grades 5-9 in Google | Students will conduct an energy audit of an area in their school building, create a report, and suggest solutions to reduce energy consumption, cost, and carbon emissions.
Wisconsin Electricity Sort | A KEEP Energy Activity for grades 4-12 in Google | Participants identify the sources used to generate electricity in Wisconsin and sort them into different categories.

Careers in Energy

Encourage young minds to consider career opportunities within the energy sector.

Black Leaders in Energy | A KEEP Energy Lesson for grades 7-12 in Google | Students will discover contributions of Black inventors and pioneers in the field of energy efficiency and the assets they possessed that helped them overcome challenges.
Careers in Electric Vehicles | A KEEP Energy Lesson for grades 5-12 in Google | Students will be able to describe the jobs of a Fleet Superintendent/Manager and Fleet Technician, the skills needed to be successful in these careers, and the goals of the Youth Apprenticeship program.
Careers in Energy Auditing and Home Performance | A KEEP Energy Lesson for grades 5-12 in Google | Students will be able to describe the jobs of a Home Performance Consultant and Energy Auditor and the skills needed to be successful in these careers.
Careers in Energy Distribution | A KEEP Energy Lesson for grades 5-12 in Google | Students will be able to describe the jobs of an Electric Superintendent and a Lineworker and the skills needed to be successful in these careers.
Careers in Facilities Operation – Healthcare | A KEEP Energy Lesson for grades 5-12 in Google | Students will be able to describe the job of a Facility Operator and the skills needed to be successful in this career.
Careers in HVAC | A KEEP Energy Lesson for grades 5-12 in Google | Students will be able to explain careers in HVAC and describe the skills needed to be successful in these careers.
Careers in Hydropower | A KEEP Energy Lesson for grades 5-12 in Google | Students will be able to describe what operators do in hydropower plants and the skills needed to be successful in this role.
Careers in Solar Energy | A KEEP Energy Lesson for grades 5-12 in Google | Students will be able to describe the jobs of a Solar Project Manager, Solar Energy Technician, and Solar Site Assessor and the skills needed to be successful in these careers.
Catch That Wind | A KEEP Energy Lesson for grades 5-12 in PDF | Students sequence career titles of those responsible for siting, installing, and maintaining a wind farm.
Clean Energy Careers – Bundle | A KEEP Energy Lesson for grades 3-12 in Google | Students will investigate the world of work to gain knowledge of self, evaluate opportunities that enhance life and career plans, and articulate plans to guide decisions and actions.
If I Were a Lineworker | A KEEP Energy Activity for grades K-5 in Google | Students will listen to a reading of “If I Were a Lineworker” to explore the career of a lineworker, the tools they use, and how to be safe around electricity.

Discovering Energy in Nature

Investigate energy concepts outside your school building.

Energy Web | A KEEP Energy Activity for grades 4-12 in PDF | Participants should gain and understanding of: – Natural and human-made components of their outdoor environment – Connections between these components – Energy connections and/or transformations between different components
Taking Temperatures | A KEEP Energy Lesson for grades K-4 in PDF | Students use a thermometer to investigate how shading, coloring, and other factors affect temperature.
Energy Use in an Ecosystem | A KEEP Energy Lesson for grades 5-8 in PDF | Students survey different environments and investigate how sunlight, soil moisture, temperature, and wind affect living elements—plants and animals—in an ecosystem.
Photosynthesis Promenade & Food Chain Game | A KEEP Energy Lesson for grades 4-8 in PDF | By participating in physical activities, students will simulate the process of photosynthesis and transfer of energy between organisms.
Beings on the Move | A KEEP Energy Activity for grades 4-12 in PDF | Participants should gain an understanding of; What climate change effects we might expect in the region; How climate change may affect culturally important beings; How treaty rights and the lifeways of Ojibwe people may be impacted by climate change; How culture of the Menominee may be impacted by climate change

Elementary Energy Explorations

Challenge students to explain how flipping a light switch lights up a room.

Evidence of Energy | A KEEP Energy Lesson for grades K-4 in Google | By investigating motion, sound, heat, and light, children learn that they and other objects in the classroom use energy.
Classroom Energy Flow | A KEEP Energy Lesson for grades K-4 in Google | Students create an energy flow diagram of their classroom by labeling and describing how objects in their classroom transfer energy.
Waterwheels, Windmills & Turbines | A KEEP Energy Lesson for grades K-8 in Google | Students construct simple turbines to investigate how the energy in wind and water can be harnessed to do work.
Digging for Coal | A KEEP Energy Lesson for grades K-4 in Google | Students simulate the coal mining process using chocolate chip cookies.
Renewable Energy Resources | A KEEP Energy Lesson for grades K-8 in Google | Students play a competitive game to simulate consumption of energy resources and explore how decreasing nonrenewable energy consumption, through the use of renewable energy, can help to sustain future energy supplies.
Station Break | A KEEP Energy Lesson for grades 5-8 in Google | Students conduct simple investigations to identify different ways that energy conversions take place.
Electric Charades | A KEEP Energy Lesson for grades K-4 in Google | Students illustrate through a whole-body demonstration how electricity flows from the power plant to appliances in their classroom.
Diminishing Returns | A KEEP Energy Lesson for grades 5-8 in Google | Students illustrate the concept of energy efficiency through a relay race.
Circuit Circus | A KEEP Energy Lesson for grades 5-8 in Google | Students construct and experiment with simple electrical circuits using batteries, wires, and bulbs.

Pre-Service

Appliance Survey | A KEEP Energy Activity for grades 6-12 in PDF | The purpose of this activity is to teach you how to calculate the energy consumption of various appliances around your home or school.
Beings on the Move | A KEEP Energy Activity for grades 4-12 in PDF | Participants should gain an understanding of; What climate change effects we might expect in the region; How climate change may affect culturally important beings; How treaty rights and the lifeways of Ojibwe people may be impacted by climate change; How culture of the Menominee may be impacted by climate change
Digging for Coal | A KEEP Energy Lesson for grades K-4 in Google | Students simulate the coal mining process using chocolate chip cookies.
Energy Use in an Ecosystem | A KEEP Energy Lesson for grades 5-8 in PDF | Students survey different environments and investigate how sunlight, soil moisture, temperature, and wind affect living elements—plants and animals—in an ecosystem.
Energy Web | A KEEP Energy Activity for grades 4-12 in PDF | Participants should gain and understanding of: – Natural and human-made components of their outdoor environment – Connections between these components – Energy connections and/or transformations between different components
Photosynthesis Promenade & Food Chain Game | A KEEP Energy Lesson for grades 4-8 in PDF | By participating in physical activities, students will simulate the process of photosynthesis and transfer of energy between organisms.
Renewable Energy Resources | A KEEP Energy Lesson for grades K-8 in Google | Students play a competitive game to simulate consumption of energy resources and explore how decreasing nonrenewable energy consumption, through the use of renewable energy, can help to sustain future energy supplies.
Solar Relay | A KEEP Energy Activity for grades 4-12 in Google | Modeling the movement of electrons through a solar cell
Watt’s Your Appliance? | A KEEP Energy Activity for grades 4-12 in Google | Students try to guess which appliances use the most energy and discuss the results.
Watt’s Your Appliance? Spanish | A KEEP Energy Activity for grades 4-12 in Google | Los participantes serán capaces de – Explicar la diferencia entre la potencia y la energía – Encontrar y calcular los watts/vatios promedio de electrodomésticos comunes – Identificar las acciones que pueden tomar para reducir el consumo de energía
Wisconsin Electricity Sort | A KEEP Energy Activity for grades 4-12 in Google | Participants identify the sources used to generate electricity in Wisconsin, and sort them into different categories.

Personal Finance

Evaluate energy bills and how they impact a household budget.

Energy Savvy Consumers: Your Power, Your Choices | A KEEP Energy Lesson for grades 5-9 in Google | Students will analyze electricity and natural gas bills and consider the impact of electric and gas costs on budgets, investigate sources of residential energy and participate in a mini-energy audit to determine how to reduce energy use, electric and gas costs and carbon emissions. This lesson supports Wisconsin Standards for Family and Consumer Sciences and Wisconsin Standards for Personal Financial Literacy.
Decoding Wisconsin Utility Bills | A KEEP Energy Activity for grades 9-12 in Google | Students will read and interpret electricity and natural gas bills and consider the impact of electric and gas costs on monthly and annual budgets. This lesson is modeled after a Next Gen Personal Finance Fine Print activity and supports Personal Finance standards related to budgeting.
How to Read a Meter | A KEEP Energy Activity for grades 5-12 in Google | Students learn how to read electric and natural gas meters and track readings on a home utility meter for the duration of a week.
Wisconsin Electricity Sort | A KEEP Energy Activity for grades 4-12 in Google | Participants identify the sources used to generate electricity in Wisconsin, and sort them into different categories.

Solar Load

Develop inquiry skills using solar panels and different loads.

Solar Load – Student Inquiry | A KEEP Energy Lesson for grades 4-8 in Google | Students participate in both a teacher-led exploration and student driven inquiry process to learn how solar panels can be used to power items that run on electricity.
Solar Load – Circuits | A KEEP Energy Lesson for grades 4-8 in Google | Students work in a group to investigate how the arrangement of solar panels in an array (series vs. parallel) affects the electrical output (voltage and current) of the system.
Solar Load – Circuits Inquiry | A KEEP Energy Lesson for grades 4-8 in Google | Students participate in a scientific investigation to explore how the arrangement of solar panels in an array (series vs. parallel) affects the performance of different combinations of loads (bulbs, fans, pumps) connect to the array (in series). After the initial investigation, students are encouraged to extend their learning in a student driven inquiry.
Wisconsin Electricity Sort | A KEEP Energy Activity for grades 4-12 in Google | Participants identify the sources used to generate electricity in Wisconsin, and sort them into different categories.

Solar TILT

Examine how solar panels can be used to generate electricity.

How Solar Panels Generate Electricity | A KEEP Energy Lesson for grades K-6 in Google | Students will learn how solar panels generate electricity and use KEEP’s Solar Tilt Kit to determine the factors that impact the amount of electricity generated by a solar panel.
Exploring the Effects of Sun Angle on Solar Panel Electricity Generation | A KEEP Energy Lesson for grades 5-12 in Google | Students will learn how solar panels generate electricity and use KEEP’s Solar Tilt Kit to determine the factors that impact the amount of electricity generated by a solar panel.
Solar Relay | A KEEP Energy Activity for grades 4-12 in Google | Modeling the movement of electrons through a solar cell
Wisconsin Electricity Sort | A KEEP Energy Activity for grades 4-12 in Google | Participants identify the sources used to generate electricity in Wisconsin, and sort them into different categories.

Wind

Examine how solar panels can be used to generate electricity.

Catch That Wind | A KEEP Energy Lesson for grades 5-12 in PDF | Students sequence career titles of those responsible for siting, installing, and maintaining a wind farm.
How does a windmill work? | A KidWind Energy Lesson for grades 6-12 | Courtesy of KidWind – Students will construct small windmill models that convert wind energy into mechanical energy by lifting weights.
Which blades are best? | A KidWind Energy Lesson for grades 6-12 | Courtesy of KidWind – Students are introduced to blade design testing. Students collect, evaluate, and present data about different blade design variables and how they performed in an energy production test.
How can I design better blades? | A KidWind Energy Lesson for grades 6-12 | Courtesy of KidWind – Students will learn how different blade design variables affect power output and work to create the most optimal blades.
MacGyver Windmills | A KidWind Energy Lesson for grades 3-7 | Courtesy of KidWind – Students will use a limited amount of materials to design and build functioning windmill models. They will use these models to convert wind into mechanical energy in order to lift weights.

Grade Level Collections

Browse KEEP’s lessons by grade range to view lessons that can be used for a wider range of grade levels.

Grades k-4

Beings on the Move | A KEEP Energy Activity for grades 4-12 in PDF | Participants should gain an understanding of; What climate change effects we might expect in the region; How climate change may affect culturally important beings; How treaty rights and the lifeways of Ojibwe people may be impacted by climate change; How culture of the Menominee may be impacted by climate change
Classroom Energy Flow | A KEEP Energy Lesson for grades K-4 in Google | Students create an energy flow diagram of their classroom by labeling and describing how objects in their classroom transfer energy.
Clean Energy Careers – Bundle | A KEEP Energy Lesson for grades 3-12 in Google | Students will investigate the world of work in order to gain knowledge of self in order to make informed career decisions. Examine and evaluate opportunities that could enhance life and career plans and articulate plans to guide decisions and actions.
Detecting Schoolyard Food Chains | A KEEP Energy Lesson for grades K-4 in PDF | Students research organisms in their schoolyard and create simple food chains involving those organisms.
Digging for Coal | A KEEP Energy Lesson for grades K-4 in Google | Students simulate the coal mining process using chocolate chip cookies.
Electric Charades | A KEEP Energy Lesson for grades K-4 in Google | Students illustrate through a whole-body demonstration how electricity flows from the power plant to appliances in their classroom.
Energy Scavenger Hunt | A KEEP Energy Activity for grades K-12 in Qualtrics | The purpose of this activity is to bring attention to energy use and to help increase appreciation of our need for energy. Complete this online scavenger hunt to discover your community’s energy footprint.
Energy Web | A KEEP Energy Activity for grades 4-12 in PDF | Participants should gain and understanding of: – Natural and human-made components of their outdoor environment – Connections between these components – Energy connections and/or transformations between different components
Evidence of Energy | A KEEP Energy Lesson for grades K-4 in Google | By investigating motion, sound, heat, and light, children learn that they and other objects in the classroom use energy.
How Solar Panels Generate Electricity | A KEEP Energy Lesson for grades K-6 in Google | Students will learn how solar panels generate electricity and use KEEP’s Solar Tilt Kit to determine the factors that impact the amount of electricity generated by a solar panel.
If I Were a Lineworker | A KEEP Energy Activity for grades K-5 in Google | Students will listen to a reading of If I Were a Lineworker to explore the career of a lineworker, the tools they use, and how to be safe around electricity.
KEEP Adaptations | A KEEP Energy Lesson for grades K-4 in PDF | Refining or Adjusting KEEP Activities and Sparks to Support Energy Understandings
MacGyver Windmills | A KidWind Energy Lesson for grades 3-7 | Courtesy of KidWind – Students will use a limited amount of materials to design and build functioning windmill models. They will use these models to convert wind into mechanical energy in order to lift weights.
Online Energy & Climate Resources for Educators | A KEEP Energy Lesson for grades K-12 in Google | Vetted idea or resource KEEP staff use in outreach. Includes sample lesson opportunities with each slide.
Photosynthesis Promenade & Food Chain Game | A KEEP Energy Lesson for grades 4-8 in PDF | By participating in physical activities, students will simulate the process of photosynthesis and transfer of energy between organisms.
Renewable Energy Resources | A KEEP Energy Lesson for grades K-8 in Google | Students play a competitive game to simulate consumption of energy resources and explore how decreasing nonrenewable energy consumption, through the use of renewable energy, can help to sustain future energy supplies.
Seeking Shadows – How the Sun Moves | A KEEP Energy Activity for grades K-3 in PDF | Students measure shadow lengths to appreciate how the sun’s height and location in the sky varies throughout the day.
Shadows in the Schoolyard | A KEEP Energy Lesson for grades K-4 in PDF | Students measure shadow lengths to appreciate how the sun’s height and location in the sky varies throughout the day.
Shoebox Solar Cooker | A KEEP Energy Lesson for grades K-8 in PDF | Students build and use a simple solar cooker and experiment using the sun to heat food.
Solar Dashboard Exploration for Lower Elementary | A KEEP Energy Lesson for grades 1-4 in Google | Students use solar dashboards to explore how the amount of energy produced by solar panels compares to the amount of energy used in school.
Solar Load – Circuits | A KEEP Energy Lesson for grades 4-8 in Google | Students work in a group to investigate how the arrangement of solar panels in an array (series vs. parallel) affects the electrical output (voltage and current) of the system.
Solar Load – Circuits Inquiry | A KEEP Energy Lesson for grades 4-8 in Google | Students participate in a scientific investigation to explore how the arrangement of solar panels in an array (series vs. parallel) affects the performance of different combinations of loads (bulbs, fans, pumps) connect to the array (in series). After the initial investigation, students are encouraged to extend their learning in a student driven inquiry.
Solar Load – Student Inquiry | A KEEP Energy Lesson for grades 4-8 in Google | Students participate in both a teacher-led exploration and student driven inquiry process to learn how solar panels can be used to power items that run on electricity.
Solar Relay | A KEEP Energy Activity for grades 4-12 in Google | Modeling the movement of electrons through a solar cell
Taking Temperatures | A KEEP Energy Lesson for grades K-4 in PDF | Students use a thermometer to investigate how shading, coloring, and other factors affect temperature.
Waterwheels, Windmills & Turbines | A KEEP Energy Lesson for grades K-8 in Google | Students construct simple turbines to investigate how the energy in wind and water can be harnessed to do work.
Watt’s Your Appliance? | A KEEP Energy Activity for grades 4-12 in Google | Students try to guess which appliances use the most energy and discuss the results.
Watt’s Your Appliance? Spanish | A KEEP Energy Activity for grades 4-12 in Google | Los participantes serán capaces de – Explicar la diferencia entre la potencia y la energía – Encontrar y calcular los watts/vatios promedio de electrodomésticos comunes – Identificar las acciones que pueden tomar para reducir el consumo de energía
Wind in the World – How Does the Wind Work? | A KEEP Energy Lesson for grades K-3 in PDF | Students make observations about the wind outside using their senses, make a list, and talk about them.
Wind Scale – How Fast is the Wind? | A KEEP Energy Lesson for grades 4-6 in PDF | Students build and use simple wind measurement instruments to record air movements in their schoolyard.
Wisconsin Electricity Sort | A KEEP Energy Activity for grades 4-12 in Google | Participants identify the sources used to generate electricity in Wisconsin, and sort them into different categories.

Grades 5-8

A Map is Worth a Million Words | A KEEP Energy Lesson for grades 6-12 in Google | Students will use geospatial data and GIS to ask questions and uncover patterns.
AgriSolar Animal Systems | A KEEP Energy Lesson for grades 5-12 in Google | Students learn about the different types of grazing and what happens when animals and solar panels share the same space in agrivoltaic systems. Students identify animals suited for AgriSolar systems in Wisconsin, examine data from a solar grazing sheep farm and create a scale drawing of an AgriSolar animal system.
AgriSolar Photovoltaic Systems | A KEEP Energy Lesson for grades 5-12 in Google | Students participate in a hands-on activity to explore how solar panels generate electricity and the factors that affect the amount of electricity they generate. They examine the details included in solar leases and apply what they learn to create a scale drawing of a solar photovoltaic system on a farm.
AgriSolar Plant Systems | A KEEP Energy Lesson for grades 5-12 in Google | Students explore how land can be used for both agriculture and solar energy production. During this lesson students discuss the basic needs of plants and research the types of plants that grow successfully in agrivoltaic systems. Students predict which types of plants could grow successfully in an AgriSolar system in Wisconsin and create a scale drawing of an AgriSolar plant system.
AgriSolar System Design | A KEEP Energy Lesson for grades 5-12 in Google | Students use scale measurement to create a scale drawing or model of an AgriSolar System, explain the agricultural, economic and environmental benefits of the system and at least five key lease terms that are needed to support the long-term success of the system.
Appliance Survey | A KEEP Energy Activity for grades 6-12 in PDF | The purpose of this activity is to teach you how to calculate the energy consumption of various appliances around your home or school.
At Watt Rate | A KEEP Energy Lesson for grades 5-9 in Google | Students complete surveys and audits to determine how much energy a variety of appliances use.
Beings on the Move | A KEEP Energy Activity for grades 4-12 in PDF | Participants should gain an understanding of; What climate change effects we might expect in the region; How climate change may affect culturally important beings; How treaty rights and the lifeways of Ojibwe people may be impacted by climate change; How culture of the Menominee may be impacted by climate change
Black Leaders in Energy | A KEEP Energy Lesson for grades 7-12 in Google | Students will discover contributions of Black inventors and pioneers in the field of energy efficiency and the assets they possessed that helped them overcome challenges.
Can Wisconsin Go Solar? | A KEEP Energy Lesson for grades 6-12 in Google | Students will be able to use geospatial data and GIS to ask questions and uncover patterns.
Careers in Electric Vehicles | A KEEP Energy Lesson for grades 5-12 in Google | Students will be able to describe the jobs of a Fleet Superintendent / Manager and Fleet Technician, and the skills needed to be successful in these careers. Students will also be able to explain the goals of the Youth Apprenticeship program.
Careers in Energy Auditing and Home Performance | A KEEP Energy Lesson for grades 5-12 in Google | Students will be able to describe the jobs of a Home Performance Consultant and Energy Auditor and the skills needed to be successful in these careers.
Careers in Energy Distribution | A KEEP Energy Lesson for grades 5-12 in Google | Students will be able to describe the jobs of an Electric Superintendent and a Lineworker and the skills needed to be successful in these careers.
Careers in Facilities Operation – Healthcare | A KEEP Energy Lesson for grades 5-12 in Google | Students will be able to describe the job of a Facility Operator and the skills needed to be successful in this career.
Careers in HVAC | A KEEP Energy Lesson for grades 5-12 in Google | Students will be able to explain careers in HVAC and describe the skills needed to be successful in these careers.
Careers in Hydropower | A KEEP Energy Lesson for grades 5-12 in Google | Students will be able to describe what Operators do in Hydro Power Plants and the skills needed to be a successful Operator.
Careers in Solar Energy | A KEEP Energy Lesson for grades 5-12 in Google | Students will be able to describe the jobs of a Solar Project Manager, Solar Energy Technician, and Solar Site Assessor and the skills needed to be successful in these careers.
Catch That Wind | A KEEP Energy Lesson for grades 5-12 in PDF | Students sequence career titles of those responsible for siting, installing, and maintaining a wind farm.
Circuit Circus | A KEEP Energy Lesson for grades 5-8 in Google | Students construct and experiment with simple electrical circuits using batteries, wires, and bulbs.
Clean Energy Careers – Bundle | A KEEP Energy Lesson for grades 3-12 in Google | Students will investigate the world of work in order to gain knowledge of self in order to make informed career decisions. Examine and evaluate opportunities that could enhance life and career plans and articulate plans to guide decisions and actions.
Detecting Energy Loss – HVAC Systems | A KEEP Energy Lesson for grades 5-9 in Google | Students take temperatures around the classroom to better understand the flow of thermal energy through the building. They learn how they can enhance the operation and performance of the building’s HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) system to support learning, save energy and money, and reduce the building’s carbon footprint.
Diminishing Returns | A KEEP Energy Lesson for grades 5-8 in Google | Students illustrate the concept of energy efficiency through a relay race.
Don’t Throw Away Energy | A KEEP Energy Lesson for grades 5-8 in PDF | Students analyze the energy used to make a product and identify alternatives (reduce, reuse, recycle) to throwing away the product and its energy.
Don’t Waste Waste | A KEEP Energy Lesson for grades 5-8 in PDF | Students “harvest” celery to demonstrate waste accumulation from timber practices and brainstorm uses for the waste products.
Energy Action Plan | A KEEP Energy Lesson for grades 5-9 in Google | Students will conduct an energy audit of an area in their school building, create a report and suggest solutions to reduce energy consumption, cost and carbon emissions.
Energy Divide | A KEEP Energy Lesson for grades 5-8 in PDF | Students play a competitive game to simulate consumption of energy resources and explore how energy conservation (reduction of use and waste) can help to sustain future energy supplies.
Energy Savvy Consumers: Your Power, Your Choices | A KEEP Energy Lesson for grades 5-9 in Google | Students will analyze electricity and natural gas bills and consider the impact of electric and gas costs on budgets, investigate sources of residential energy and participate in a mini-energy audit to determine how to reduce energy use, electric and gas costs and carbon emissions. This lesson supports Wisconsin Standards for Family and Consumer Sciences and Wisconsin Standards for Personal Financial Literacy.
Energy Scavenger Hunt | A KEEP Energy Activity for grades K-12 in Qualtrics | The purpose of this activity is to bring attention to energy use and to help increase appreciation of our need for energy. Complete this online scavenger hunt to discover your community’s energy footprint.
Energy Use in an Ecosystem | A KEEP Energy Lesson for grades 5-8 in PDF | Students survey different environments and investigate how sunlight, soil moisture, temperature, and wind affect living elements—plants and animals—in an ecosystem.
Energy Web | A KEEP Energy Activity for grades 4-12 in PDF | Participants should gain and understanding of: – Natural and human-made components of their outdoor environment – Connections between these components – Energy connections and/or transformations between different components
Exploring the Effects of Sun Angle on Solar Panel Electricity Generation | A KEEP Energy Lesson for grades 5-12 in Google | Students will learn how solar panels generate electricity and use KEEP’s Solar Tilt Kit to determine the factors that impact the amount of electricity generated by a solar panel.
Fuel that Power Plant | A KEEP Energy Lesson for grades 5-8 in PDF | Students use mapping skills to locate Wisconsin’s major electric power plants and their fuel supply routes, and also investigate why modern power plants are located next to bodies of water.
How can I design better blades? | A KidWind Energy Lesson for grades 6-12 | Courtesy of KidWind – Students will learn how different blade design variables affect power output and work to create the most optimal blades.
How does a windmill work? | A KidWind Energy Lesson for grades 6-12 | Courtesy of KidWind – Students will construct small windmill models that convert wind energy into mechanical energy by lifting weights.
How Solar Panels Generate Electricity | A KEEP Energy Lesson for grades K-6 in Google | Students will learn how solar panels generate electricity and use KEEP’s Solar Tilt Kit to determine the factors that impact the amount of electricity generated by a solar panel.
How to Read a Meter | A KEEP Energy Activity for grades 5-12 in Google | Students learn how to read electric and natural gas meters and track readings on a home utility meter for the duration of a week.
If I Were a Lineworker | A KEEP Energy Activity for grades K-5 in Google | Students will listen to a reading of If I Were a Lineworker to explore the career of a lineworker, the tools they use, and how to be safe around electricity.
Introduction to Building Energy Detectives | A KEEP Energy Lesson for grades 5-9 in Google | Students will examine what they need to know to answer the anchor phenomenon question, What energy actions can I take at school, at home and in my community to create a more sustainable future?, and make a plan to participate in KEEP activities that will help them discover their answer.
Light and Your Load | A KEEP Energy Lesson for grades 5-9 in Google | Students conduct a lighting audit and take lighting measurements around the classroom.
MacGyver Windmills | A KidWind Energy Lesson for grades 3-7 | Courtesy of KidWind – Students will use a limited amount of materials to design and build functioning windmill models. They will use these models to convert wind into mechanical energy in order to lift weights.
Online Energy & Climate Resources for Educators | A KEEP Energy Lesson for grades K-12 in Google | Vetted idea or resource KEEP staff use in outreach. Includes sample lesson opportunities with each slide.
Photosynthesis Promenade & Food Chain Game | A KEEP Energy Lesson for grades 4-8 in PDF | By participating in physical activities, students will simulate the process of photosynthesis and transfer of energy between organisms.
Pulling the Plug on Vampire Loads | A KEEP Energy Lesson for grades 5-9 in Google | Students identify classroom appliances that use electricity even when turned off and how using power strips and smart power strips can save electricity. Students will calculate the potential energy and financial savings of power strips.
Renewable Energy Resources | A KEEP Energy Lesson for grades K-8 in Google | Students play a competitive game to simulate consumption of energy resources and explore how decreasing nonrenewable energy consumption, through the use of renewable energy, can help to sustain future energy supplies.
Shoebox Solar Cooker | A KEEP Energy Lesson for grades K-8 in PDF | Students build and use a simple solar cooker and experiment using the sun to heat food.
So You Want to Heat Your Home? | A KEEP Energy Lesson for grades 5-12 in Google | Students calculate the amount of energy needed to heat an average-sized home using different types of energy sources and different heating system efficiencies.
Solar Dashboard Exploration Slideshow | A KEEP Energy Lesson for grades 5-12 in Google | Students will use solar dashboards to explore differences in solar generation of a local solar array and how the electricity generated compares to the average electricity usage of their household.
Solar Energy Potential Geo Inquiry | A KEEP Energy Lesson for grades 7-12 in Google | Students will explore differences in solar potential and solar power generation as well as the challenges of using solar energy to meet energy demand across the globe.
Solar Load – Circuits | A KEEP Energy Lesson for grades 4-8 in Google | Students work in a group to investigate how the arrangement of solar panels in an array (series vs. parallel) affects the electrical output (voltage and current) of the system.
Solar Load – Circuits Inquiry | A KEEP Energy Lesson for grades 4-8 in Google | Students participate in a scientific investigation to explore how the arrangement of solar panels in an array (series vs. parallel) affects the performance of different combinations of loads (bulbs, fans, pumps) connect to the array (in series). After the initial investigation, students are encouraged to extend their learning in a student driven inquiry.
Solar Load – Student Inquiry | A KEEP Energy Lesson for grades 4-8 in Google | Students participate in both a teacher-led exploration and student driven inquiry process to learn how solar panels can be used to power items that run on electricity.
Solar Relay | A KEEP Energy Activity for grades 4-12 in Google | Modeling the movement of electrons through a solar cell
Station Break | A KEEP Energy Lesson for grades 5-8 in Google | Students conduct simple investigations to identify different ways that energy conversions take place.
Waterwheels, Windmills & Turbines | A KEEP Energy Lesson for grades K-8 in Google | Students construct simple turbines to investigate how the energy in wind and water can be harnessed to do work.
Watt’s Your Appliance? | A KEEP Energy Activity for grades 4-12 in Google | Students try to guess which appliances use the most energy and discuss the results.
Watt’s Your Appliance? Spanish | A KEEP Energy Activity for grades 4-12 in Google | Los participantes serán capaces de – Explicar la diferencia entre la potencia y la energía – Encontrar y calcular los watts/vatios promedio de electrodomésticos comunes – Identificar las acciones que pueden tomar para reducir el consumo de energía
What is AgriSolar? | A KEEP Energy Lesson for grades 5-12 in Google | Students engage in reading, writing and discussion activities to explore what AgriSolar production is and its applications in Wisconsin. They examine the potential benefits of establishing agrivoltaic farms in their communities and create a scale drawing of an AgriSolar farm.
Which blades are best? | A KidWind Energy Lesson for grades 6-12 | Courtesy of KidWind – Students are introduced to blade design testing. Students collect, evaluate, and present data about different blade design variables and how they performed in an energy production test.
Wind Scale – How Fast is the Wind? | A KEEP Energy Lesson for grades 4-6 in PDF | Students build and use simple wind measurement instruments to record air movements in their schoolyard.
Wisconsin Electricity Sort | A KEEP Energy Activity for grades 4-12 in Google | Participants identify the sources used to generate electricity in Wisconsin, and sort them into different categories.
Wisconsin Energy Facts Trivia Slideshow | A KEEP Energy Activity for grades 5-12 in Google | Students will test their knowledge of facts about Wisconsin’s energy generation, sources, uses, and careers. Activity available in three formats: Google slides, Canva, and Kahoot.

Grades 9-12

A Map is Worth a Million Words | A KEEP Energy Lesson for grades 6-12 in Google | Students will use geospatial data and GIS to ask questions and uncover patterns.
AgriSolar Animal Systems | A KEEP Energy Lesson for grades 5-12 in Google | Students learn about the different types of grazing and what happens when animals and solar panels share the same space in agrivoltaic systems. Students identify animals suited for AgriSolar systems in Wisconsin, examine data from a solar grazing sheep farm and create a scale drawing of an AgriSolar animal system.
AgriSolar Photovoltaic Systems | A KEEP Energy Lesson for grades 5-12 in Google | Students participate in a hands-on activity to explore how solar panels generate electricity and the factors that affect the amount of electricity they generate. They examine the details included in solar leases and apply what they learn to create a scale drawing of a solar photovoltaic system on a farm.
AgriSolar Plant Systems | A KEEP Energy Lesson for grades 5-12 in Google | Students explore how land can be used for both agriculture and solar energy production. During this lesson students discuss the basic needs of plants and research the types of plants that grow successfully in agrivoltaic systems. Students predict which types of plants could grow successfully in an AgriSolar system in Wisconsin and create a scale drawing of an AgriSolar plant system.
AgriSolar System Design | A KEEP Energy Lesson for grades 5-12 in Google | Students use scale measurement to create a scale drawing or model of an AgriSolar System, explain the agricultural, economic and environmental benefits of the system and at least five key lease terms that are needed to support the long-term success of the system.
Appliance Survey | A KEEP Energy Activity for grades 6-12 in PDF | The purpose of this activity is to teach you how to calculate the energy consumption of various appliances around your home or school.
At Watt Rate | A KEEP Energy Lesson for grades 5-9 in Google | Students complete surveys and audits to determine how much energy a variety of appliances use.
Beings on the Move | A KEEP Energy Activity for grades 4-12 in PDF | Participants should gain an understanding of; What climate change effects we might expect in the region; How climate change may affect culturally important beings; How treaty rights and the lifeways of Ojibwe people may be impacted by climate change; How culture of the Menominee may be impacted by climate change
Black Leaders in Energy | A KEEP Energy Lesson for grades 7-12 in Google | Students will discover contributions of Black inventors and pioneers in the field of energy efficiency and the assets they possessed that helped them overcome challenges.
Can Wisconsin Go Solar? | A KEEP Energy Lesson for grades 6-12 in Google | Students will be able to use geospatial data and GIS to ask questions and uncover patterns.
Careers in Electric Vehicles | A KEEP Energy Lesson for grades 5-12 in Google | Students will be able to describe the jobs of a Fleet Superintendent / Manager and Fleet Technician, and the skills needed to be successful in these careers. Students will also be able to explain the goals of the Youth Apprenticeship program.
Careers in Energy Auditing and Home Performance | A KEEP Energy Lesson for grades 5-12 in Google | Students will be able to describe the jobs of a Home Performance Consultant and Energy Auditor and the skills needed to be successful in these careers.
Careers in Energy Distribution | A KEEP Energy Lesson for grades 5-12 in Google | Students will be able to describe the jobs of an Electric Superintendent and a Lineworker and the skills needed to be successful in these careers.
Careers in Facilities Operation – Healthcare | A KEEP Energy Lesson for grades 5-12 in Google | Students will be able to describe the job of a Facility Operator and the skills needed to be successful in this career.
Careers in HVAC | A KEEP Energy Lesson for grades 5-12 in Google | Students will be able to explain careers in HVAC and describe the skills needed to be successful in these careers.
Careers in Hydropower | A KEEP Energy Lesson for grades 5-12 in Google | Students will be able to describe what Operators do in Hydro Power Plants and the skills needed to be a successful Operator.
Careers in Solar Energy | A KEEP Energy Lesson for grades 5-12 in Google | Students will be able to describe the jobs of a Solar Project Manager, Solar Energy Technician, and Solar Site Assessor and the skills needed to be successful in these careers.
Catch That Wind | A KEEP Energy Lesson for grades 5-12 in PDF | Students sequence career titles of those responsible for siting, installing, and maintaining a wind farm.
Clean Energy Careers – Bundle | A KEEP Energy Lesson for grades 3-12 in Google | Students will investigate the world of work in order to gain knowledge of self in order to make informed career decisions. Examine and evaluate opportunities that could enhance life and career plans and articulate plans to guide decisions and actions.
Decoding Wisconsin Utility Bills | A KEEP Energy Activity for grades 9-12 in Google | Students will read and interpret electricity and natural gas bills and consider the impact of electric and gas costs on monthly and annual budgets. This lesson is modeled after a Next Gen Personal Finance Fine Print activity and supports Personal Finance standards related to budgeting.
Detecting Energy Loss – HVAC Systems | A KEEP Energy Lesson for grades 5-9 in Google | Students take temperatures around the classroom to better understand the flow of thermal energy through the building. They learn how they can enhance the operation and performance of the building’s HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) system to support learning, save energy and money, and reduce the building’s carbon footprint.
Energy Action Plan | A KEEP Energy Lesson for grades 5-9 in Google | Students will conduct an energy audit of an area in their school building, create a report and suggest solutions to reduce energy consumption, cost and carbon emissions.
Energy Savvy Consumers: Your Power, Your Choices | A KEEP Energy Lesson for grades 5-9 in Google | Students will analyze electricity and natural gas bills and consider the impact of electric and gas costs on budgets, investigate sources of residential energy and participate in a mini-energy audit to determine how to reduce energy use, electric and gas costs and carbon emissions. This lesson supports Wisconsin Standards for Family and Consumer Sciences and Wisconsin Standards for Personal Financial Literacy.
Energy Scavenger Hunt | A KEEP Energy Activity for grades K-12 in Qualtrics | The purpose of this activity is to bring attention to energy use and to help increase appreciation of our need for energy. Complete this online scavenger hunt to discover your community’s energy footprint.
Energy Web | A KEEP Energy Activity for grades 4-12 in PDF | Participants should gain and understanding of: – Natural and human-made components of their outdoor environment – Connections between these components – Energy connections and/or transformations between different components
Exploring the Effects of Sun Angle on Solar Panel Electricity Generation | A KEEP Energy Lesson for grades 5-12 in Google | Students will learn how solar panels generate electricity and use KEEP’s Solar Tilt Kit to determine the factors that impact the amount of electricity generated by a solar panel.
How can I design better blades? | A KidWind Energy Lesson for grades 6-12 | Courtesy of KidWind – Students will learn how different blade design variables affect power output and work to create the most optimal blades.
How does a windmill work? | A KidWind Energy Lesson for grades 6-12 | Courtesy of KidWind – Students will construct small windmill models that convert wind energy into mechanical energy by lifting weights.
How to Read a Meter | A KEEP Energy Activity for grades 5-12 in Google | Students learn how to read electric and natural gas meters and track readings on a home utility meter for the duration of a week.
Introduction to Building Energy Detectives | A KEEP Energy Lesson for grades 5-9 in Google | Students will examine what they need to know to answer the anchor phenomenon question, What energy actions can I take at school, at home and in my community to create a more sustainable future?, and make a plan to participate in KEEP activities that will help them discover their answer.
Light and Your Load | A KEEP Energy Lesson for grades 5-9 in Google | Students conduct a lighting audit and take lighting measurements around the classroom.
Online Energy & Climate Resources for Educators | A KEEP Energy Lesson for grades K-12 in Google | Vetted idea or resource KEEP staff use in outreach. Includes sample lesson opportunities with each slide.
Pulling the Plug on Vampire Loads | A KEEP Energy Lesson for grades 5-9 in Google | Students identify classroom appliances that use electricity even when turned off and how using power strips and smart power strips can save electricity. Students will calculate the potential energy and financial savings of power strips.
So You Want to Heat Your Home? | A KEEP Energy Lesson for grades 5-12 in Google | Students calculate the amount of energy needed to heat an average-sized home using different types of energy sources and different heating system efficiencies.
Solar Dashboard Exploration Slideshow | A KEEP Energy Lesson for grades 5-12 in Google | Students will use solar dashboards to explore differences in solar generation of a local solar array and how the electricity generated compares to the average electricity usage of their household.
Solar Energy Potential Geo Inquiry | A KEEP Energy Lesson for grades 7-12 in Google | Students will explore differences in solar potential and solar power generation as well as the challenges of using solar energy to meet energy demand across the globe.
Solar Relay | A KEEP Energy Activity for grades 4-12 in Google | Modeling the movement of electrons through a solar cell
Watt’s Your Appliance? | A KEEP Energy Activity for grades 4-12 in Google | Students try to guess which appliances use the most energy and discuss the results.
Watt’s Your Appliance? Spanish | A KEEP Energy Activity for grades 4-12 in Google | Los participantes serán capaces de – Explicar la diferencia entre la potencia y la energía – Encontrar y calcular los watts/vatios promedio de electrodomésticos comunes – Identificar las acciones que pueden tomar para reducir el consumo de energía
What is AgriSolar? | A KEEP Energy Lesson for grades 5-12 in Google | Students engage in reading, writing and discussion activities to explore what AgriSolar production is and its applications in Wisconsin. They examine the potential benefits of establishing agrivoltaic farms in their communities and create a scale drawing of an AgriSolar farm.
Which blades are best? | A KidWind Energy Lesson for grades 6-12 | Courtesy of KidWind – Students are introduced to blade design testing. Students collect, evaluate, and present data about different blade design variables and how they performed in an energy production test.
Wisconsin Electricity Sort | A KEEP Energy Activity for grades 4-12 in Google | Participants identify the sources used to generate electricity in Wisconsin, and sort them into different categories.
Wisconsin Energy Facts Trivia Slideshow | A KEEP Energy Activity for grades 5-12 in Google | Students will test their knowledge of facts about Wisconsin’s energy generation, sources, uses, and careers. Activity available in three formats: Google slides, Canva, and Kahoot.

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