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In the 5th Grade NGSS standards, students get to learn about energy, specifically how energy from the sun keeps things in everyday life alive and moving. Part of these standards includes engineering practices in which they develop, create, and use models. While working on these standards, students were asked how they could use their knowledge of energy, the sun, and other earth elements to create a sustainable energy project. Too often, students don't think of the impact that they can have on their community and world because they are age. Through this project, students will be asked to think outside the box, to think about how they can make their community and world a better place. How can they get different types of energy to those who need it? How can they help those who do not have the same resources they do? It is not only our job to teach students academics, but our job to teach them how to be contributing members to society. Students will first research what sustainable energy is and how it is used. They will then use their knowledge to pick a category they want to work with (electricity, crop irrigation, water/wells, etc. ) It will then be their task to figure out how to use the earth's natural resources, solar, wind, water, etc., to sketch and design a model. When the design is approved, students will need to use their computer skills to design a 3D model and print a WORKING mini model using the 3D printer. You never know when a small class project will turn into the next major development in earth and environmental science!
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