Nonrenewable Energy Resources Activities for Middle School Science
The Kesler Science Nonrenewable Resources lesson provides middle school students with engaging, differentiated activities to explore the advantages and disadvantages of nonrenewable energy. The resources below will give students a comprehensive understanding of nonrenewable energy resources. All of the following materials are also included in the Kesler Science Membership.
The Kesler Science Nonrenewable Resources Complete 5E Lesson provides everything you need for an engaging, multi-day learning experience with minimal prep. This fully editable resource includes presentations, worksheets, choice projects, and assessments tailored to student needs. Through differentiated, student-led activities, your junior high students will explore essential questions such as the advantages and disadvantages of nonrenewable resources and how to present their research findings in a debate format.
Built on the proven 5E Model—Engagement, Exploration, Explanation, Elaboration, and Evaluation—the lesson offers a variety of multimodal resources to capture student interest. From interactive PowerPoints and station labs to student-choice projects, activities are designed to meet diverse learning styles. Differentiated materials, including Spanish translations, support all learners while fostering creativity and critical thinking.
Whether in a physical classroom or virtual environment, this lesson offers maximum flexibility with printable and digital formats. Each stage of the 5E Model is enriched with hands-on exploration, visual learning tools, and customizable templates to ensure students gain a thorough understanding of nonrenewable resources while developing essential communication and reasoning skills.
The Kesler Science Nonrenewable Resources Complete 5E Lesson provides everything you need for an engaging, multi-day learning experience with minimal prep. This fully editable resource includes presentations, worksheets, choice projects, and assessments tailored to student needs. Through differentiated, student-led activities, your junior high students will explore essential questions such as the advantages and disadvantages of nonrenewable resources and how to present their research findings in a debate format.
Built on the proven 5E Model—Engagement, Exploration, Explanation, Elaboration, and Evaluation—the lesson offers a variety of multimodal resources to capture student interest. From interactive PowerPoints and station labs to student-choice projects, activities are designed to meet diverse learning styles. Differentiated materials, including Spanish translations, support all learners while fostering creativity and critical thinking.
Whether in a physical classroom or virtual environment, this lesson offers maximum flexibility with printable and digital formats. Each stage of the 5E Model is enriched with hands-on exploration, visual learning tools, and customizable templates to ensure students gain a thorough understanding of nonrenewable resources while developing essential communication and reasoning skills.
The Kesler Science Nonrenewable Resources Station Lab empowers middle school students to explore energy concepts through a student-led, modular approach. This comprehensive resource encourages learners to research and discuss the advantages and disadvantages of nonrenewable resources while saving teachers valuable prep time. With nine differentiated stations, students direct their own learning while teachers act as facilitators.
The lab's input stations engage students with multimodal activities such as hands-on experiments, research tasks, reading passages, and videos. These stations build foundational knowledge through varied formats, including differentiated texts in English and Spanish for diverse learners. Output stations encourage creativity and critical thinking, with activities like organizing information, drawing models, responding to prompts, and completing task cards. A bonus challenge station offers enriching tasks for early finishers or advanced students.
Designed for both in-person and virtual classrooms, this station lab includes all necessary materials, from signage and task cards to digital versions compatible with PowerPoint or Google Slides. Whether your students are collaborating in small groups or working independently, this resource offers flexibility, engagement, and a personalized learning experience.
The Kesler Science Nonrenewable Resources Station Lab empowers middle school students to explore energy concepts through a student-led, modular approach. This comprehensive resource encourages learners to research and discuss the advantages and disadvantages of nonrenewable resources while saving teachers valuable prep time. With nine differentiated stations, students direct their own learning while teachers act as facilitators.
The lab's input stations engage students with multimodal activities such as hands-on experiments, research tasks, reading passages, and videos. These stations build foundational knowledge through varied formats, including differentiated texts in English and Spanish for diverse learners. Output stations encourage creativity and critical thinking, with activities like organizing information, drawing models, responding to prompts, and completing task cards. A bonus challenge station offers enriching tasks for early finishers or advanced students.
Designed for both in-person and virtual classrooms, this station lab includes all necessary materials, from signage and task cards to digital versions compatible with PowerPoint or Google Slides. Whether your students are collaborating in small groups or working independently, this resource offers flexibility, engagement, and a personalized learning experience.
The Kesler Science Nonrenewable Resources Student Choice Projects provide middle school students with creative opportunities to demonstrate their understanding of nonrenewable resources. Featuring six student-led project options and a "design your own" project, this resource fosters autonomy and engagement. A versatile grading rubric supports assessment by teachers, peers, or students themselves, while editable features ensure adaptability to diverse classroom needs.
These projects are designed with differentiation in mind. A modified version of the project page includes targeted options for students needing additional support, while advanced learners can take on multiple projects or more challenging tasks. With multimodal choices, students can express their knowledge through formats that best suit their strengths and preferences.
Easy to implement with everyday classroom supplies, these projects also accommodate digital submissions, making them ideal for in-person or remote learning environments. From hands-on model-building to digital creativity, the Kesler Science Student Choice Projects offer flexibility, engagement, and personalized learning for all students.
The Kesler Science Nonrenewable Resources Student Choice Projects provide middle school students with creative opportunities to demonstrate their understanding of nonrenewable resources. Featuring six student-led project options and a "design your own" project, this resource fosters autonomy and engagement. A versatile grading rubric supports assessment by teachers, peers, or students themselves, while editable features ensure adaptability to diverse classroom needs.
These projects are designed with differentiation in mind. A modified version of the project page includes targeted options for students needing additional support, while advanced learners can take on multiple projects or more challenging tasks. With multimodal choices, students can express their knowledge through formats that best suit their strengths and preferences.
Easy to implement with everyday classroom supplies, these projects also accommodate digital submissions, making them ideal for in-person or remote learning environments. From hands-on model-building to digital creativity, the Kesler Science Student Choice Projects offer flexibility, engagement, and personalized learning for all students.
The Kesler Science Energy Interactive Notebook Bundle offers an engaging way to teach energy concepts with both print and digital options. It’s perfect for traditional classrooms, 1:1 environments, or distance learning, providing flexibility for teachers and students alike.
Topics include conduction, convection, and radiation, energy transformations, renewable and nonrenewable resources, photosynthesis, potential and kinetic energy, and more. The digital version features a unique interactive notebook PowerPoint, compatibility with Google Slides, reflection pages, teacher answer keys, and a modified version for accommodations. The paper version includes blank templates, pre-filled templates for modified needs, and visual guides for assembly.
This bundle ensures students can actively participate in learning energy concepts while offering teachers versatile tools for instruction and assessment in any learning environment.
The Kesler Science Energy Interactive Notebook Bundle offers an engaging way to teach energy concepts with both print and digital options. It’s perfect for traditional classrooms, 1:1 environments, or distance learning, providing flexibility for teachers and students alike.
Topics include conduction, convection, and radiation, energy transformations, renewable and nonrenewable resources, photosynthesis, potential and kinetic energy, and more. The digital version features a unique interactive notebook PowerPoint, compatibility with Google Slides, reflection pages, teacher answer keys, and a modified version for accommodations. The paper version includes blank templates, pre-filled templates for modified needs, and visual guides for assembly.
This bundle ensures students can actively participate in learning energy concepts while offering teachers versatile tools for instruction and assessment in any learning environment.
The Kesler Science Energy Resources Inquiry Lab helps students explore energy sources through both hands-on and digital activities. Students research various renewable and nonrenewable energy resources using resource cards, record their findings in a data table, and evaluate the pros and cons of each source. They also analyze energy consumption trends and apply their knowledge by creating a small-scale conservation plan for their local area.
Both digital and print versions of the lab are included, each offering three differentiated levels—Modified, Dependent, and Independent—to support a range of learners. Students engage with comprehension questions, Claim-Evidence-Reasoning (C.E.R.) prompts, and a final reflection. The digital version features interactive slides and a full video walkthrough of the lab, offering flexibility for absent students or classrooms without materials.
Standard classroom materials include energy resource cards, a container, and a mix of brown and white beans for the data collection activity. The lab is editable, compatible with Google Slides, and comes with teacher resources, answer keys, and clearly defined objectives to streamline lesson planning and delivery.
The Kesler Science Energy Resources Inquiry Lab helps students explore energy sources through both hands-on and digital activities. Students research various renewable and nonrenewable energy resources using resource cards, record their findings in a data table, and evaluate the pros and cons of each source. They also analyze energy consumption trends and apply their knowledge by creating a small-scale conservation plan for their local area.
Both digital and print versions of the lab are included, each offering three differentiated levels—Modified, Dependent, and Independent—to support a range of learners. Students engage with comprehension questions, Claim-Evidence-Reasoning (C.E.R.) prompts, and a final reflection. The digital version features interactive slides and a full video walkthrough of the lab, offering flexibility for absent students or classrooms without materials.
Standard classroom materials include energy resource cards, a container, and a mix of brown and white beans for the data collection activity. The lab is editable, compatible with Google Slides, and comes with teacher resources, answer keys, and clearly defined objectives to streamline lesson planning and delivery.
The Kesler Science Energy Escape Room offers a thrilling and immersive way for middle school students to demonstrate their understanding of renewable and nonrenewable energy. With eight independent puzzles, teachers can customize the experience to fit any class period length, ensuring flexibility and engagement.
This escape room can be set up with minimal materials, using manila envelopes, or enhanced with locks and UV pens for a more authentic feel. It also includes digital options: a Single Student Digital Version for online platforms like Google Slides and a printable version for at-home use.
The resource is packed with features: teacher directions, a detailed answer key, printable props, a video challenge, and editable templates. Students can enjoy eight unique puzzles, while teachers can utilize digital answer sheets and reward templates, making it perfect for both in-person and virtual classrooms.
The Kesler Science Energy Escape Room offers a thrilling and immersive way for middle school students to demonstrate their understanding of renewable and nonrenewable energy. With eight independent puzzles, teachers can customize the experience to fit any class period length, ensuring flexibility and engagement.
This escape room can be set up with minimal materials, using manila envelopes, or enhanced with locks and UV pens for a more authentic feel. It also includes digital options: a Single Student Digital Version for online platforms like Google Slides and a printable version for at-home use.
The resource is packed with features: teacher directions, a detailed answer key, printable props, a video challenge, and editable templates. Students can enjoy eight unique puzzles, while teachers can utilize digital answer sheets and reward templates, making it perfect for both in-person and virtual classrooms.
The Kesler Science Energy Sources Reading Comprehension activity engages middle school students with a nonfiction article exploring the pros and cons of different energy resources. Students answer comprehension questions and complete a mini-project by researching the advantages and disadvantages of their household energy source. This activity boosts science literacy and fosters critical thinking.
The resource includes two leveled articles (Lexile: 1100-1300) with 5-7 questions, a hands-on mini-project, and a Cornell notes template. Featuring vibrant, printable graphics, it’s perfect for grades 6-8 and adaptable for advanced 5th graders. Teachers can integrate it into sub plans, whole-class instruction, or extra credit assignments.
Designed for flexibility, this resource is ideal for in-class or virtual learning through platforms like Google Classroom and MS Teams. Students can interact with digital files directly, ensuring seamless use for remote environments. The activity builds comprehension skills, sparks meaningful discussions, and supports diverse instructional needs.
The Kesler Science Energy Sources Reading Comprehension activity engages middle school students with a nonfiction article exploring the pros and cons of different energy resources. Students answer comprehension questions and complete a mini-project by researching the advantages and disadvantages of their household energy source. This activity boosts science literacy and fosters critical thinking.
The resource includes two leveled articles (Lexile: 1100-1300) with 5-7 questions, a hands-on mini-project, and a Cornell notes template. Featuring vibrant, printable graphics, it’s perfect for grades 6-8 and adaptable for advanced 5th graders. Teachers can integrate it into sub plans, whole-class instruction, or extra credit assignments.
Designed for flexibility, this resource is ideal for in-class or virtual learning through platforms like Google Classroom and MS Teams. Students can interact with digital files directly, ensuring seamless use for remote environments. The activity builds comprehension skills, sparks meaningful discussions, and supports diverse instructional needs.
The Kesler Science Energy Sources Writing Prompt Activity engages middle school students in a persuasive essay task, combining science reasoning with writing skills. The activity encourages students to explore energy sources while enriching their ability to craft arguments in a structured and engaging way. Designed for physical science units, it provides a creative approach to reinforcing concepts.
This resource includes teacher directions, rubrics, pre-writing strategies, and both full-sized and half-sheet handouts that can be printed or added to interactive notebooks. A digital PowerPoint version is also included, which can easily be used with Google Slides for remote or in-class learning. These versatile formats ensure accessibility for diverse teaching environments.
Perfect for cross-curricular activities, early finishers, extra credit, or differentiation exercises, this activity enhances science literacy while fostering persuasive writing skills. It’s an excellent choice for elaboration or review in conjunction with other Kesler Science products, making it a flexible tool for any science classroom.
The Kesler Science Energy Sources Writing Prompt Activity engages middle school students in a persuasive essay task, combining science reasoning with writing skills. The activity encourages students to explore energy sources while enriching their ability to craft arguments in a structured and engaging way. Designed for physical science units, it provides a creative approach to reinforcing concepts.
This resource includes teacher directions, rubrics, pre-writing strategies, and both full-sized and half-sheet handouts that can be printed or added to interactive notebooks. A digital PowerPoint version is also included, which can easily be used with Google Slides for remote or in-class learning. These versatile formats ensure accessibility for diverse teaching environments.
Perfect for cross-curricular activities, early finishers, extra credit, or differentiation exercises, this activity enhances science literacy while fostering persuasive writing skills. It’s an excellent choice for elaboration or review in conjunction with other Kesler Science products, making it a flexible tool for any science classroom.
The Kesler Science Energy WIKI Tickets provide flexible, formative assessments for 6th-8th grade science topics in a fun and engaging format. This set includes 18 assessments, each aligned to NGSS and TEKS standards, covering topics like energy transformations, thermal energy transfer, wave characteristics, and more. WIKI Tickets can be used in various formats, including projection, printable handouts, and interactive digital versions for virtual or in-person learning.
Each topic offers five formats: full-screen projection, full-, half-, and quarter-page handouts, and editable PPT or Google Slides files for digital use. A bonus table of contents aligns each ticket to specific standards, ensuring comprehensive coverage. These assessments are perfect for exit tickets, bellringers, or gauging student understanding throughout a lesson.
"WIKI" stands for "What I Know Is," emphasizing student reflection and learning. Whether used in a traditional classroom or remote setting, these colorful and versatile assessments help you monitor progress effectively while keeping students engaged.
The Kesler Science Energy WIKI Tickets provide flexible, formative assessments for 6th-8th grade science topics in a fun and engaging format. This set includes 18 assessments, each aligned to NGSS and TEKS standards, covering topics like energy transformations, thermal energy transfer, wave characteristics, and more. WIKI Tickets can be used in various formats, including projection, printable handouts, and interactive digital versions for virtual or in-person learning.
Each topic offers five formats: full-screen projection, full-, half-, and quarter-page handouts, and editable PPT or Google Slides files for digital use. A bonus table of contents aligns each ticket to specific standards, ensuring comprehensive coverage. These assessments are perfect for exit tickets, bellringers, or gauging student understanding throughout a lesson.
"WIKI" stands for "What I Know Is," emphasizing student reflection and learning. Whether used in a traditional classroom or remote setting, these colorful and versatile assessments help you monitor progress effectively while keeping students engaged.
The Kesler Science Energy Lesson Extensions provide engaging, student-choice activities designed for early finishers or as a wrap-up to energy lessons. These extensions offer rigorous, fun opportunities for critical thinking and creativity while aligning with NGSS and TEKS energy standards.
Each Lesson Extension includes four activities: Puzzler for problem-solving, Maker Space for hands-on STEAM projects, Tech Connection for digital media integration, and Word Master for creative writing. Resources include teacher directions, answer keys, digital projection versions, and printable handouts.
Topics covered range from kinetic and potential energy to photosynthesis, thermal energy, and more. These versatile activities scaffold learning and engage students in deeper exploration of energy concepts, making them perfect for independent learners and classroom enrichment.
The Kesler Science Energy Lesson Extensions provide engaging, student-choice activities designed for early finishers or as a wrap-up to energy lessons. These extensions offer rigorous, fun opportunities for critical thinking and creativity while aligning with NGSS and TEKS energy standards.
Each Lesson Extension includes four activities: Puzzler for problem-solving, Maker Space for hands-on STEAM projects, Tech Connection for digital media integration, and Word Master for creative writing. Resources include teacher directions, answer keys, digital projection versions, and printable handouts.
Topics covered range from kinetic and potential energy to photosynthesis, thermal energy, and more. These versatile activities scaffold learning and engage students in deeper exploration of energy concepts, making them perfect for independent learners and classroom enrichment.
This Amazing Anchors Phenomenon Lesson introduces the different types of energy through a real-world connection to the Brock Environmental Center. Students begin with an introductory reading that includes comprehension and extension questions to spark curiosity and set the stage for learning. A second reading explains the science behind various energy types in accessible language, followed by questions that reinforce key concepts.
Aligned to TEKS standards, this no-prep resource includes teacher directions, answer keys, and both print and digital materials. The lesson comes with editable projection slides, full- and half-page handouts for interactive notebooks, and versions suitable for classroom or virtual learning. Differentiated supports are included, offering a modified version with sentence starters to guide students who need additional assistance.
Designed to supplement core instruction, these materials are ideal for the Engagement and Elaborate phases of a 5E lesson plan. They are intended to bookend your main lesson with engaging, standards-based science literacy activities that deepen understanding through context and reflection.
This Amazing Anchors Phenomenon Lesson introduces the different types of energy through a real-world connection to the Brock Environmental Center. Students begin with an introductory reading that includes comprehension and extension questions to spark curiosity and set the stage for learning. A second reading explains the science behind various energy types in accessible language, followed by questions that reinforce key concepts.
Aligned to TEKS standards, this no-prep resource includes teacher directions, answer keys, and both print and digital materials. The lesson comes with editable projection slides, full- and half-page handouts for interactive notebooks, and versions suitable for classroom or virtual learning. Differentiated supports are included, offering a modified version with sentence starters to guide students who need additional assistance.
Designed to supplement core instruction, these materials are ideal for the Engagement and Elaborate phases of a 5E lesson plan. They are intended to bookend your main lesson with engaging, standards-based science literacy activities that deepen understanding through context and reflection.
Year-Round Resources
These year-round activities will increase your students' understanding of many middle school science topics. All of these activities are also included in the Kesler Science Membership.
Visual Data & Graphing
You're not alone if your students struggle with understanding graphs, charts, and tables. It's a skill that takes an enormous amount of practice. This resource will help students build a strong foundation in analyzing data and creating their own data visualizations.
Bell Ringers and Warm-Ups
These middle school science bell ringers are an excellent way to engage your students as soon as they walk into your classroom. This comprehensive FULL YEAR resource includes everything you need to start off each science class with an interesting warm-up activity.
Review Board Games
Each game board has been carefully designed to keep students engaged. There are 10 different action spaces on each board and dozens of question cards. All of the actions are related to science concepts and keep the students motivated throughout the game.
Each game is ready to play. Simply print out the board and the cards and let the students enjoy reviewing nine different units.
Essential Questions
Below are the essential questions associated with the lessons and activities included in this unit. This topic is only one of more than 100 middle school science topics included in the Kesler Science Membership.
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What are the advantages and disadvantages of nonrenewable energy resources?
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How can my research findings be presented in a debate format?
Kesler Science Membership
Imagine never having to search for another middle school science lesson again. The membership gives you access to ALL of the Kesler Science products in one place (Yes, including everything above).
Say goodbye to long hours of lesson prep.