Archives: Resources

Baseload vs Peak Demand

Canada’s electricity consumption has two major components: baseload (constant, steady demand) and peak demand (surges in electricity consumption). Patterns of electricity demand affect what types of electricity generation are used (e.g. nuclear and hydro for baseload and natural gas for peak). By altering patterns of usage, there is less reliance on generation methods which have greater environmental impact.

• Grade 10

Scrappy Circuits

Scrappy Circuits is an innovative and scrappy way to learn about electrical circuits for less than $2 per person. Scrappy circuits are made of pieces of cardboard with dissected electronic elements attached to create bricks. The attached elements may include small binder clips, alligator clips, aluminum foil, LED bulbs and/or batteries. Once you connect some bricks together, you have a Scrappy Circuit!

• Grade 10

What do you want to do when you grow up?

In 2019, the average length of time for a Canadian to hold the same job was 101 months (about 8 years, 5 months). As a result, over a 35-year career someone could be expected to hold more than 4 different jobs. This activity provides an opportunity to explore career options that may (one day) appeal to students.

• Grade 6
• Grade 7
• Grade 8

Science 10 Energy Unit Resources

Students build an understanding of the nature of science through inquiry activities supported by core ideas and concepts connected to Physical Sciences, and Earth and Space Sciences. They also draw from personal learning experiences, funds of knowledge, cultural worldviews, and science capital they already possess.

This resource is meant to supplement existing classroom materials and activities for the new Science 10 Energy unit.
*French resources included

• Grade 10

Radioactive Me – Immediate Text

This lesson invites students to build close-reading skills, especially seeing the benefits of multiple readings of a text to boost comprehension. Comprehension is also improved through discussion with others, asking relevant questions, and writing and reflection. This infographic was selected from Canada’s Nuclear Safety Commission

• Grade 10
• Grade 9

Realities of Radiation

In these 3 sessions, students will investigate the various types of radiation and the role that each plays in our lives.

• Grade 10

Peak Oil Game

In this activity, students will simulate the extraction of oil from a well. Each group will compete to maximize production without causing environmental damage or wasting this precious resource.- Toolkit would be used here and connections to frameworks, where appropriate, embedded in the activity instructions.

• Grade 10
• Grade 11
• Grade 12
• Grade 6
• Grade 7
• Grade 9

Why is Renewable Energy Important?

What happens when teachers from multiple disciplines collaborate to develop a unit plan on a relevant global concern? You have this inquiry-based, multi-genre unit plan created by teachers Colleen and Justine from Kennebecassis Valley High School! Their quest was to bring energy-related content into the ELA classroom. Through speeches, podcasts, infographics, articles and art, this intriguing collection of texts will easily facilitate curiosity and discussion about the importance of renewable energy.

• Grade 10
• Grade 9

The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind – Picture Book

Imagine the power of a young boy’s knowledge, creativity and determination changing a community forever! Learners will be inspired to put their own learning and imagination into action after reading the true story of “The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind”. This guide provides pre and post reading activities, as well as a wind energy building challenge!

• Grade 1
• Grade 2
• Grade 3
• Grade 4
• Grade 5
• Kindergarten

The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind

This text was selected as a read-aloud (or as part of a book club) for late elementary-middle school classes to incorporate content related to sustainability, energy, and climate change beyond science classes. We endeavor to provide resources that target literacy across all curriculums for many grade levels. Teachers are invited to pick-and-choose prompts, questions, and activities that best fit their students and classroom.

• Grade 6
• Grade 7
• Grade 8

Wind Energy Challenge

In this challenge, students are provided with materials to design and build their own wind turbine blades. The goal is to generate the greatest amount of energy possible. Students can iterate with the number, shape, size, position, materials and pitch of the blades.

If your school requires a Wind Turbine Kit, please contact the COE-Energy lead.
*French Resources Available as Attachments

• Grade 10
• Grade 6
• Grade 7
• Grade 8
• Grade 9

Build Your Own Hydroelectric Generator

Learners follow directions to construct a water-powered electrical generator using a turbine made from plastic spoons. The model generates a surprising amount of electricity, enough to light a small light bulb, and closely resembles real micro-hydro designs. Use this activity to introduce learners to renewable energy and water as a source of energy.

• Grade 10
• Grade 11
• Grade 9