Exploring Renewable Energy

Overview of Lesson

This 90-minute science lesson introduces Year 4 students to the concept of renewable energy, focusing on how humans use and interact with natural resources to create sustainable energy solutions. This lesson is designed in alignment with the Australian Curriculum strand Science as a Human Endeavour (ACSHE062), which encourages students to explore how science knowledge is used in everyday situations and how it influences decision-making.

Through engaging, hands-on activities and age-appropriate discussions, students will develop a deeper understanding of renewable energy forms like wind, solar, and water. They will explore how renewable energy impacts the environment, communities, and the future.

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Curriculum Links

Australian Curriculum – Year 4 Science (Science as a Human Endeavour):

• ACSHE062: Science knowledge helps people to understand the effect of their actions.

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Learning Outcomes

By the end of this lesson, students will be able to:

1. Describe examples of renewable energy sources.
2. Explain why renewable energy is important for sustainability.
3. Demonstrate how renewable energy can be harnessed using simple experiments.
4. Reflect on the impact of human actions on the environment and explore ways to make more sustainable choices.

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Resources Needed

• Poster paper and markers for brainstorming
• Toy pinwheels (1 per pair of students)
• Small desk fans or hair dryers (4, positioned at activity stations)
• Solar-powered toy kits (1 per group of 4 students)
• Clear, safe plastic containers, water, and miniature water wheels (1 per group)
• Access to an outdoor area or sunny classroom spot
• Printed "Energy Journals" for student reflections (one per student)
• Photos of Australian renewable energy projects (e.g., large-scale solar farms, wind turbines in Victoria, hydroelectric dams in Tasmania)

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Lesson Structure

1. Introduction (10 Minutes)

Engage:

• Begin with a class discussion: “What different types of energy do we use every day?” Record student responses on the board (electricity, petrol for cars, etc.).
• Show pictures of renewable energy sources in Australia (e.g., wind turbines, solar panels, hydroelectric stations). Ask: “What do all these energy types have in common?” (Answer: They use energy from natural resources.)
• Explain the focus of the lesson: We will explore how humans use renewable energy and why it is better for the planet.

Quick Concept Check:

• Define both non-renewable (e.g., coal, gas) and renewable energy (e.g., sun, wind, water). Provide one relatable example for each.

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2. Group Brainstorm & Predictions (15 Minutes)

Activity:

• Divide students into groups of 5 and give each group poster paper and markers. Ask:
  • "Why do you think renewable energy is important?"
  • "What do you think might happen if we used up all our non-renewable resources?"
• After 8 minutes, each group shares their key ideas with the class. This encourages collaboration and critical thinking.

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3. Renewable Energy Experiments (40 Minutes)

Break the students into smaller groups of 4-5 for activity rotations. Each station demonstrates how a different type of renewable energy can be harnessed. Allow 10 minutes per station, with 2 minutes for clean-up and transition.

Station 1: Wind Power – Pinwheel Experiment

• Students use toy pinwheels and desk fans to explore wind energy. Ask them to experiment with different fan distances and angles.
  • Observation question: "What happens to the speed of the pinwheel as you get closer to the fan?"

Station 2: Solar Power – Solar Toy Assembly

• Groups assemble simple solar-powered toy kits. Take them outside to a sunny area or use a lamp indoors to observe how the toy operates.
  • Observation question: “What happens when you cover the solar panel with your hand?”

Station 3: Hydropower – Water Wheel Experiment

• Using small water wheels and clear containers filled halfway with water, students pour water over the wheel to make it spin.
  • Observation question: “How can you make the waterwheel go faster?”

Station 4: Real-World Applications – Australian Energy Innovations

• A guided station with teacher-led discussion featuring photos of Australian renewable energy projects. Ask scaffolding questions, such as:
  • “Why do you think wind and solar farms are common in Australia?”
  • “How do you think Indigenous knowledge could help us manage natural resources better?”

Teacher’s Tip: Assign one student per group to record observations from each station in their "Energy Journal."

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4. Reflection Activity (20 Minutes)

Whole-Class Discussion:

• Ask students:
  • “What did you learn today that surprised you?”
  • “Why do you think renewable energy is important for Australia’s future?”

Individual Task:

• Have each student complete a page in their "Energy Journal" with:
  • One fun fact they learned.
  • A drawing of their favourite energy type and a reason why they chose it.
  • One way their family could use renewable energy at home.

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Assessment Opportunities

• Monitor group brainstorm sessions and assess participation and creativity during presentations.
• Evaluate Energy Journal entries for students' understanding of key concepts.
• Use guiding questions during experiments to assess observational skills and critical thinking.

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Extension Ideas for Early Finishers

• Create a campaign poster encouraging families to use renewable energy, using facts from the lesson.
• Write a short fictional story about the life of a wind turbine or solar panel.
• Research an Australian renewable energy innovation and present a fun fact to the class.

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Final Words

This dynamic, hands-on lesson not only teaches Year 4 students practical science but also encourages them to think critically about their role in a sustainable future. By the end of the lesson, students will have gained an appreciation for renewable energy and how science can shape human behaviour to create a better world.