Renewable Energy Sources Lesson Plan
Learning Objective
Students will be able to identify different types of renewable energy sources and explain how they work.
Materials
- Brush Ninja animated gif maker
- Laptops or tablets for each student or pair of students
- Research materials on renewable energy sources (books, websites, articles)
- Paper and pencils for planning and sketching out ideas
Procedure
- Begin by discussing with the class what renewable energy sources are and why they are important.
- Divide students into pairs or small groups and assign each group a different type of renewable energy source to research (such as solar power, wind power, hydroelectric power, geothermal power).
- Have the groups use their laptops/tablets to research their assigned topic. Encourage them to take notes and sketch out ideas for their animated gif while researching.
- Once the groups have completed their research, introduce Brush Ninja as a tool for creating animated gifs.
- Demonstrate how to use Brush Ninja by creating a simple animation on the board.
- Allow students time to create their own animated gifs that illustrate how their assigned renewable energy source works. Encourage them to be creative in showing how the technology operates.
- Once the students have finished creating their animations, have them present them to the class one at a time.
- After each presentation, ask the presenting group questions about their animation and have classmates offer feedback.
Assessment
Assessment will be based on:
- Students’ completion of research notes/plans for their animations
- Quality of animations created using Brush Ninja
- Clarity of explanation during presentations
Extension
To extend this lesson:
- Have students write short essays about why renewable energy sources are important and how they could see these technologies being used in our community/society in the future.
← Reducing Waste Strategies for Sustainable LivingSequences, Series, and Patterns →
How to animate with Brush Ninja
This video teaches the basics of using Brush Ninja
More Science Lessons
Examples of Brush Ninja in Education
3rd grade got creative using Brush Ninja to demonstrate how molecules move in different states of matter.
Tweeted by Emily ArnoldSs were introduced to animation this week using #BrushNinja….I love their creativity and excitement for learning new skills #proudtobeEP #makersgonnamake @EastPointeElem
Tweeted by Megan WhitsonMs. Wallace and her 2nd graders did an amazing job with their animations today!
Tweeted by Jonathon MillerOn Friday, students created an animated gif depicting an element of feudalism of their choice. They loved using @BinaryMoon‘s awesome https://Brush.Ninja application.
Tweeted by Sara McConnel7th grade scientists demonstrate their knowledge of DNA using brush.ninja on Chromebooks.
Tweeted by Goddard TitansIn 4th grade we put our digital art skills to the test today. We did a fun warm up with @GoogleForEdu Quick Draw and tested our gif making skills with Brush Ninja!
Tweeted by Mr. Lane the STEM Guy