How can I Borrow a General Energy Classroom Kit?
To request a kit, please complete the form below. If you are not sure what kit would serve your needs best, please feel free to email case@jmu.edu and one of our staff is happy to help you plan your energy module using the most effective kits/activities.
General Energy Classroom Kits:
Breakout EDU Boxes
We have a set of four Breakout EDU boxes available for teachers to borrow to do innovative lessons that involve teamwork. We have a renewable energy lesson from the Breakout EDU website that is available to borrow with the kits or teachers can make up their own lessons.
NEED Genecon Activities
The Genecon is a great way for students to learn how electricity is generated. We have many of these in the library for loan and each comes with a guidebook. Teachers can also use these with most any NEED curriculum. These are also good to use with various loads such as motors or lights - also available for loan from the library as requested.
KidWind Powergrid
The Power Grid Kit is the first fully functioning grid model that provides educators with a one-of-a-kind opportunity to explore power grid systems and solutions with students of all ages. The accessible wooden block design coupled with integrated electronics makes it easy to demonstrate how the grid and its components work together to bring electricity to our homes and businesses. Explore core science standards and the challenges of new technologies with this hands-on, project-based learning tool.
The Power Grid Kit models the flow of electricity from nuclear, coal, natural gas, wind, hydro and solar power sources through substations before being distributed to industrial, commercial, and residential consumers. The platform also models distributed generation in the form of solar gardens and private residential wind turbines to demonstrate the broad range of energy options possible in the future.
Electronic Quiz Card
The Electronic Quiz Card kit is a fun way for students to learn about electricity basics. Student will create electronic quiz cards and come up with questions and answers for their study guide on electricity.
LEGO eLab Renewable Energy
This eLAB Renewable Energy Set investigates concepts of energy, electricity, and the environment. Students will be introduced to solar, wind and water energy, explore the capabilities of each, as well as understand types of energy and transformations from mechanical energy to electrical energy. This kit comes with the Renewable Energy set as well as the Activity Pack. There are 49 total activities which are divided into two different levels to be taught sequentially or individually. These lessons are for middle and high school level learners. These kits are designed to be used among 2-4 students and educators may borrow up to 12 kits.
Energy Conservation Classroom Kits:
Kilowatt Ours
Kilowatt Ours is a documentary that explores the environmental issues resulting from fossil fuels and nuclear energy. It provides insight into the benefits of energy efficiency and renewable power as well as practical ideas for consumers to lower their energy bills, showcasing successful examples of homes, businesses, schools, and entire cities that are saving big on power costs. Along with the documentary, this kit includes a 3-day lesson plan including all the materials and handouts needed. This lesson will encourage students to make energy-saving decisions every day.
NEED Building Buddies
Building Buddies is designed to be the classroom education component to a total energy management plan for elementary schools. Companion units are designed for primary and upper elementary students. A comprehensive energy management plan would also include retrofitting of the school and training of the building manager, administrators, and maintenance staff. This unit begins with a brief overview of what energy is and how we use it. Teachers then take students through the process of examining energy use at the school level. When students become aware of how energy is used at school, they can expand that knowledge in examining how energy is used in their individual homes.
NEED Mentoring and Monitoring
Elementary and intermediate students are introduced to methods of measuring energy usage, determining costs, and quantifying environmental effects through a series of activities that includes reading electric and natural gas meters, EnergyGuide labels, and electric nameplates. Students conduct surveys of the school building and school energy consumption—gathering, recording and analyzing data, and monitoring energy usage. The kit includes Teacher Guide, class set of Student Guides, and the materials necessary to conduct the activities. This unit is designed for upper elementary and middle school students and will take approximately 10 class periods as well as some out-of-class research.
NEED Building Science
Residential and commercial buildings consume a lot of energy. The people inside of the buildings are an influential factor in how energy is consumed but the building design and components can also play a major role. Through a series of hands-on investigations, students will explore how hear transfers into and out of a system. They will also learn how to conduct a home energy audit and will use what they learn to design an energy efficient home.
Renewable Energy Classroom Kit Categories:
You may find addtional classroom kits here at our 4H satellite locations.
How can I Borrow a Classroom Kit?
To request a kit, please complete the form below. If you are not sure what kit would serve your needs best, please feel free to email case@jmu.edu and one of our staff is happy to help you plan your energy module using the most effective kits/activities.
