Renewable Resources Activities for Middle School Science
The Kesler Science Renewable Resources resources provide a comprehensive, student-centered approach to teaching renewable energy concepts. The resources below will give students a comprehensive understanding of renewable resources. All of the following materials are also included in the Kesler Science Membership.
The Kesler Science Renewable Resources Complete 5E Lesson is a comprehensive, student-centered resource that covers everything you need for an engaging multi-day lesson. This minimal prep lesson helps students explore renewable energy through various activities and allows for flexible, multimodal learning formats—printable or digital.
The lesson follows the well-researched 5E Model (Engagement, Exploration, Explanation, Elaboration, Evaluation) to guide students through answering essential questions, such as the advantages and disadvantages of renewable energy and presenting findings in a debate. Included are differentiated materials, editable PowerPoints, and Spanish translations for a diverse classroom experience.
Students will engage with nine modular stations that cater to different learning styles, including hands-on demos, research tasks, readings, and videos. Plus, bonus activities are available for early finishers. Whether in-person or remote, this complete lesson is designed to fit any teaching environment.
The Kesler Science Renewable Resources Complete 5E Lesson is a comprehensive, student-centered resource that covers everything you need for an engaging multi-day lesson. This minimal prep lesson helps students explore renewable energy through various activities and allows for flexible, multimodal learning formats—printable or digital.
The lesson follows the well-researched 5E Model (Engagement, Exploration, Explanation, Elaboration, Evaluation) to guide students through answering essential questions, such as the advantages and disadvantages of renewable energy and presenting findings in a debate. Included are differentiated materials, editable PowerPoints, and Spanish translations for a diverse classroom experience.
Students will engage with nine modular stations that cater to different learning styles, including hands-on demos, research tasks, readings, and videos. Plus, bonus activities are available for early finishers. Whether in-person or remote, this complete lesson is designed to fit any teaching environment.
The Kesler Science Renewable Resource Station Lab engages middle school students with a hands-on, student-led approach to learning about energy and environmental impact. This modular lesson includes eight differentiated stations, plus a challenge station for early finishers, providing a flexible and personalized learning experience.
Students will explore renewable resources through a variety of activities, such as hands-on experiments, digital research, reading, and video analysis. Each station allows students to interact with content in multiple ways, whether it's organizing, illustrating, writing, or assessing their understanding.
The stations are designed for easy implementation, requiring minimal prep and basic materials you likely already have. With both physical and digital versions available, these stations are perfect for in-person or remote learning, making it easy to adapt to any classroom setting.
The Kesler Science Renewable Resource Station Lab engages middle school students with a hands-on, student-led approach to learning about energy and environmental impact. This modular lesson includes eight differentiated stations, plus a challenge station for early finishers, providing a flexible and personalized learning experience.
Students will explore renewable resources through a variety of activities, such as hands-on experiments, digital research, reading, and video analysis. Each station allows students to interact with content in multiple ways, whether it's organizing, illustrating, writing, or assessing their understanding.
The stations are designed for easy implementation, requiring minimal prep and basic materials you likely already have. With both physical and digital versions available, these stations are perfect for in-person or remote learning, making it easy to adapt to any classroom setting.
The Kesler Science Renewable Resources Student Choice Projects empower middle school students to select a project that suits their preferred output style. With nine options plus the ability to "design your own," students can explore renewable energy topics through a variety of formats. Each project comes with a grading rubric that can be modified to meet specific teaching needs.
The projects are differentiated to support all learners, with a modified version offering simpler options for students who need extra help. For advanced learners, teachers can assign multiple projects while using the same rubric, ensuring challenges are tailored to students' abilities.
Designed with flexibility in mind, these projects use standard classroom supplies such as paper, markers, and scissors, making them easy to implement. Many projects are digital-friendly, allowing for remote learning or digital presentation. This adaptable approach helps students develop a deeper understanding of renewable resources in creative and meaningful ways.
The Kesler Science Renewable Resources Student Choice Projects empower middle school students to select a project that suits their preferred output style. With nine options plus the ability to "design your own," students can explore renewable energy topics through a variety of formats. Each project comes with a grading rubric that can be modified to meet specific teaching needs.
The projects are differentiated to support all learners, with a modified version offering simpler options for students who need extra help. For advanced learners, teachers can assign multiple projects while using the same rubric, ensuring challenges are tailored to students' abilities.
Designed with flexibility in mind, these projects use standard classroom supplies such as paper, markers, and scissors, making them easy to implement. Many projects are digital-friendly, allowing for remote learning or digital presentation. This adaptable approach helps students develop a deeper understanding of renewable resources in creative and meaningful ways.
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 students to different types of energy through a real-world example—the Brock Environmental Center. It begins with an engaging introductory reading and accompanying comprehension and extension questions, setting the stage for deeper exploration. A second explanatory reading breaks down the science behind energy types in a clear and accessible way, with additional questions to reinforce learning.
The resource includes teacher directions, answer keys, editable PowerPoint slides, and print-friendly handouts in full- and half-sheet formats, making it adaptable for interactive notebooks or digital learning platforms. All materials are TEKS-aligned and available in both dependent and modified versions to support diverse student needs, with differentiated language and sentence starters in the modified set.
Designed to bookend any science lesson, this no-prep activity works especially well during the Engagement and Elaborate phases of the 5E model. Whether used in the classroom or virtually, this lesson helps students connect scientific concepts to real-world contexts and build a stronger understanding of energy.
This Amazing Anchors Phenomenon Lesson introduces students to different types of energy through a real-world example—the Brock Environmental Center. It begins with an engaging introductory reading and accompanying comprehension and extension questions, setting the stage for deeper exploration. A second explanatory reading breaks down the science behind energy types in a clear and accessible way, with additional questions to reinforce learning.
The resource includes teacher directions, answer keys, editable PowerPoint slides, and print-friendly handouts in full- and half-sheet formats, making it adaptable for interactive notebooks or digital learning platforms. All materials are TEKS-aligned and available in both dependent and modified versions to support diverse student needs, with differentiated language and sentence starters in the modified set.
Designed to bookend any science lesson, this no-prep activity works especially well during the Engagement and Elaborate phases of the 5E model. Whether used in the classroom or virtually, this lesson helps students connect scientific concepts to real-world contexts and build a stronger understanding of energy.
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 renewable energy resources?
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How can my research findings be presented in a debate form?
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.