This resource is organized around "big ideas" that identify clusters of learning expectations in Science and Technology, Social Studies, and Geography linked to energy conservation.

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Individual Big Ecological Ideas

GRADE 1: Big Ecological Idea
#1: We rely on the constant flow of energy from the sun to live.
#2: Controlling the devices we use allows us to conserve energy.
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY—Understanding Matter and Energy

GRADE 2: Big Ecological Idea
#1: The sun is the source of wind and water energy.
#2: People can use water and wind power to produce electricity that is non-polluting.
#3: There are significant advantages and challenges to using renewable energy sources such as wind and water energy.
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY—Understanding Earth & Space Systems

GRADE 3: Big Ecological Idea
#1: Plants…perform the important (but often overlooked) “service” of moderating outdoor temperatures. This directly affects the amount of energy we use!
SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY—Understanding Life Systems

GRADE 4: Big Ecological Idea
#1: The high consumption of energy in North America has an effect on plant and animal habitats and communities.
SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY—Understanding Life Systems/Earth & Space Systems

GRADE 5: Big Ecological Idea
#1: The extraction, transportation and processing of natural resources use a lot of energy.
#2: Different energy sources have different impacts on the environment.
#3: Devices and systems can be designed to minimize energy use and thus reduce our impact on the environment.
SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY—Understanding Earth & Space Systems

GRADE 6: Big Ecological Idea
#1: The use of electricity improves our lives, but has many different kinds of impacts on the environment.
#2: Conserving energy at home and in school reduces negative impacts on the environment.
SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY—Understanding Structures and Mechanisms

GRADE 7: Big Ecological Idea
#1: Heat is a form of energy…To save energy in buildings one needs to check the heating system for inefficiencies…
SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY—Understanding Earth & Space Systems

GRADE 8: Big Ecological Idea
#1: Efficiency in human mechanisms and structures reduces costs and environmental impacts.
#2: Ecological/environmental factors are increasingly included in manufacturer and consumer decisions.
SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY—Understanding Structures and Mechanisms