This section identifies energy related instructional materials and standards-linked K-12 curricula for classrooms.

Auditing a school's energy consumption is only one aspect of creating an educated energy conscious society. Energy choices and challenges have become increasingly complicated, especially in a society that simultaneously relies upon technology. Multiple programs provide innovative curricula designed for grades K-12.

Education is the tool that will guide changes in behavior. The world-energy market is quite fluid and increasingly complicated. New stakeholders, new resources, new challenges, and new strategies emerge annually. These make it more challenging for teachers to prepare future leaders and decision makers.

The Alliance to Save Energy's (ASE) Green Schools program works with schools to assist them with energy reduction. They work with a team of teachers, custodial staff, administrators, and students. They offer workshops that help the teams create customized plans for their schools. A major component of this planning process is to create school-wide energy awareness through education. The ASE Green Schools typically saves 5 to 15 percent on electric costs.

Numerous programs such as ASE exist nationally and locally, through state government, local not-for-profits, and through federal government, with curricula and workshops that can assist teachers by providing high quality and accurate information that is responsive to changes resulting from scientific research. Many of these programs teach using a hands-on approach that encourages students to assess their community's consumption of energy as well as their individual usage. "Community" in this case is the school.

Energy costs concern everyone and through this concern educators and school administrators everywhere are realizing the simple steps necessary to reduce energy costs. They are also recognizing that they have a role in helping students better understand their roles and their options in reducing energy waste and consumption. In order for the energy efficient strategies incorporated in a school to be effective, everyone needs to practice and understand the goals and techniques. This is where education can help guide the way and create stewards.

This section provides resources for lesson plans, curricula, and educational materials for teaching students and children about energy, particularly energy efficiency and renewable energy. While there are many resources available, we will attempt to identify those with the broadest scope, not only for energy efficiency but also to better understand the options. Curricula will include classroom material as well as teacher and administrator education. This section of the topic hub offers a selection of high-quality educational tools for teachers. Links to existing energy education materials are provided, including the following:

• Multi-disciplinary educational K-12 materials (For resources search these keywords : Elementary School, Middle School, High School, or College)
• Alternative energy educational K-12 materials (For resources search these Keywords: Elementary School, Middle School, High School, or College)
• On-line curricula (many are linked to local and or national standards) and activities developed by education experts that promote energy efficiency in schools
• Professional development for school administrators, school boards, and educators (For resources search the following keyword: Professional development)

(Additional curricula resources are provided at the bottom of the list on the right side of this page.)