4th Grade Science Lesson

Power Up Our City: Renewable vs. Non-Renewable Energy Resources

Shared by A STEM Educator

4th Gradeudl4-ESS3-1, 4-ESS3-245 min

Learning Objective

Students will classify energy sources as renewable or non-renewable, explain trade-offs of each, and propose evidence-based recommendations for a sustainable municipal power grid — demonstrating understanding through their chosen modality.

Lesson Overview

Students explore renewable and non-renewable energy sources through sorting, analysis, and grid-planning tasks set in the context of a city transitioning its power grid. Multiple entry points ensure access for all learners.

Materials

Energy Source Card Set (printed, one set per pair)
T-chart anchor chart: Renewable / Non-Renewable
Colored markers (green for renewable, red for non-renewable)
City Power Grid Planning Sheet (graphic organizer)
Sticky notes (two colors)
Crayons or colored pencils
Optional: small flashlight + battery to demonstrate stored energy
Optional: pinwheel (wind) and small solar garden light for demonstration
Sentence frames posted on chart paper for ELL support
Audio description cards for visually impaired students

Scaffolded Task Progression

1Task 1

The City of Maplewood powers its homes, schools, and buses using a mix of coal, natural gas, solar panels, and wind turbines. City leaders just learned that their coal supply will run out in 25 years AND that burning coal is harming air quality. They need YOUR help to plan a better energy future.

Think about this: What do you already know about where electricity comes from? What questions do you have?

Turn and talk to a partner: 'One thing I know about energy is ___ and one question I have is ___.'

2Task 2

Sort the Energy Source Cards into two groups: Renewable and Non-Renewable.

Rules for sorting:
- Renewable: the source is naturally replenished (replaced) in a short time — sun keeps shining, wind keeps blowing.
- Non-Renewable: the source took millions of years to form and will RUN OUT if we keep using it.

After sorting, answer: Which group has more sources available to Maplewood? Circle one: Renewable / Non-Renewable

Bonus challenge: Can you find one source that surprises you? Write it on a sticky note and explain why it surprised you.

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