Elementary students, as scientists, investigate where the energy we (and NASCAR) use comes from. Students figure out that energy comes from different sources including renewable and nonrenewable resources.

Click the Download PDF button above for the complete Lesson Plan.

Student Materials

Per Student

• Paper or whiteboard
• pencils/markers

Per Small Group (2 to 4 students)

• Electric Choice: Electricity for Kids (article)—Have students stop reading when they get to the section on lightning.
• PBS Energy Explained: Where does it come from and how much do we use? (article)
  Students can start reading at the beginning or at the section titled “Where does the energy we use come from?” 

PBS Energy Explained: Where does it come from and how much do we use?  (video)

Teacher Materials

• NASCAR on Fox: 2021 Coke Zero Sugar 400 at Daytona from 2:16 to 3:30
• Orlando News 6: Daytona International Speedway Making Solar History
• NASCAR Green website 
• Article to set up stations

Autoweek: Six NASCAR Tracks Powered by Solar Energy

Student resource choices

• Electric Choice: Electricity for Kids (article)—Have students stop reading when they get to the section on lightning. 
• PBS Energy Explained: Where does it come from and how much do we use? (article)

Students can start reading at the beginning or at the section titled “Where does the energy we use come from?” 

PBS Energy Explained: Where does it come from and how much do we use?  (video)

Optional Teacher Resources

• none