Learning Resource Type

Classroom Resource

Scientist Profile: Renewable Energy Scientist

Subject Area

Science

Grade(s)

4

Overview

This DragonflyTV segment introduces renewable energy engineer Sandra Begay-Campbell, who works to bring alternative energy to remote parts of the Navajo Nation. A Navajo herself, Begay-Campbell works with the U.S. Department of Energy and the Navajo Nation to find energy solutions. This video is also available in Spanish.

    Science (2015) Grade(s): 4

    SC15.4.5

    Compile information to describe how the use of energy derived from natural renewable and nonrenewable resources affects the environment (e.g., constructing dams to harness energy from water, a renewable resource, while causing a loss of animal habitats; burning of fossil fuels, a nonrenewable resource, while causing an increase in air pollution; installing solar panels to harness energy from the sun, a renewable resource, while requiring specialized materials that necessitate mining).

    Unpacked Content

    UP:SC15.4.5

    Vocabulary

    • natural resources
    • natural renewable resources
    • nonrenewable resources
    • fossil fuels
    • air pollution
    • pollution
    • solar energy
    • environment
    • effects
    • affects
    • habitat
    • solar panel
    • impact
    • solution
    • derived
    • harness

    Knowledge

    Students know:
    • How energy is derived from natural resources.
    • How energy resources derived from natural resources address human energy needs.
    • Positive and negative environmental effects of using each energy resource.
    • The role of technology in improving or mediating the environmental effects of using a given resource.

    Skills

    Students are able to:
    • Waves, which are the regular patterns of motion, can be made in water by disturbing the surface.
    • When waves move across the surface of deep water, the water goes up and down in place; there is no net motion in the direction of the wave except when the water meets a beach.
    • Waves of the same type can differ in amplitude (height of the wave) and wavelength (spacing between wave peaks).

    Understanding

    Students understand that:
    • Energy and fuels that humans use are derived from natural sources, and their use affects the environment in numerous ways.
    • Resources are renewable over time, while others are not.

    Scientific and Engineering Practices

    Obtaining, Evaluating, and Communicating Information

    Crosscutting Concepts

    Cause and Effect
    Link to Resource

    CR Resource Type

    Audio/Video

    Resource Provider

    PBS
    Accessibility

    Accessibility

    Video resources: includes closed captioning or subtitles
    License

    License Type

    CUSTOM
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