Lesson 1:
Book Launch

(1 1/2 hours)

Summary
The class reads The Energy Detectives: The Secrets of the Sun, and students engage in corresponding literacy activities.

  • Relevant Frameworks: RI1, RI2, RI3, RI6, RI7, SL1, SL2, L6

 

Lesson 2:
The Sun's Effect on Materials

(2 hours)

Summary
Students go outside to feel different surfaces and record their relative temperatures. They then observe objects that were placed in a sunny spot to assess how the Sun affected them. They also review characteristics of solids and liquids.

  • Relevant Frameworks: K-PS1-1(MA), K-PS3-1, K-MD-A-1&2, STE Practices

Lesson 3:
Guest Speaker

(1 hour)

Summary
The teacher invites a community member to speak about solar energy, polar bears, or another related topic.

  • Relevant Frameworks: STE & ELA Practices, SL1

Lesson 4:
Engineering Project

(2 hours)

Summary
Students design and build a shelter that reduces the warming effect of sunlight on a polar bear’s ice.

Relevant Frameworks
K-ESS3-3, K-PS1-1(MA), K-PS3-2, STE Practices, SL2

Lesson 5:
Presentations and Reflections

(1 hour)

Summary
Students present their shelter prototypes to a live audience. They then reflect on the curriculum and what they learned.

Relevant Frameworks
SL.K.2, K-ESS3-3, K-PS3-2

Lesson 6:
Math Extension

(20 minutes)

Summary
Students participate in cross-curricular, grade-level activities using characters and content from the book.

Relevant Frameworks
K.CC.A.3, K.CC.C.6

Rationale

Heating and cooling of buildings is one of the main sources of greenhouse gas emissions in U.S. cities and towns. Burning of fossil fuels for energy results in high costs to residents as well as pollution that leads to environmental and health concerns.

Illnesses associated with fossil fuel pollution include chronic cough, asthma, lung cancer, bronchitis, and other respiratory ailments. Energy efficiency measures can support good physical and mental health by creating healthier indoor living environments, which include improved air temperatures, noise levels, humidity levels and air quality.

The book Energy Detectives was written by Madelyn Rosenberg, illustrated by Paul Meisel, and funded by Cooler Communities to help children better understand how to conserve energy at home. Our hope is that educators will read the book with students in the classroom and incorporate some or all of our accompanying solutions-based curriculum into their instruction.

Additionally, we hope children will learn to understand and advocate for changes to energy consumption in their communities. This starts with encouraging their adult family members to make changes to more efficiently insulate and power their homes.