New Mexico Energy and Sustainability
Education Directory
Compiled by Barbara Ford, Rebundance Consulting
November 2002
Sponsored by the Energy Conservation and Management Division of the
New Mexico Energy, Minerals, and Natural Resources Department
Table of Contents
Welcome to the NM Energy and Sustainability Education Directory......
Why an Energy Education Directory?......
How to Use the Directory......
1) Directory of Classroom Materials: Curricula, Videos, CDs, Posters......
Index: CD-ROM......
Index: Video......
Index: Poster......
Index: Grades K-5......
Index: Grades 6-8......
Index: Grades 10-12......
Detailed Listing of Classroom Materials......
2) Directory of Solar Kits......
Listing of Kits Available at RGHS Library......
Web-Sites of Solar Kits Distributors......
3) Directory of Web-Sites with Free Energy Education Materials......
Renewable Energy Basics, Hands-on Activities, Science Projects......
Energy Conservation and Audits, Energy-Smart Design: School and Home......
School Energy Conservation Audits and Efficient School Design......
Elementary Grades Home Energy Audits......
Middle and High School Home Energy Audits......
On-Line Home Energy Audits......
Passive Solar Design Resources......
Energy Data and Research Resources......
Energy Lesson Plans Listings......
Sustainability Resources......
Resources on Systems Thinking and Ecological Literacy......
Global Warming Resources......
4) School Energy Team Programs......
5) Reference Materials and Consumer Guides......
6) Ecological Literacy: Recommended Reading List......
Welcome to the NM Energy and Sustainability Education Directory
Welcome to the New Mexico Energy and Sustainability Education Directory for K-12 educators! Below you will find a wealth of resources for your classroom and personal reference. Most of these materials are available for free either from a local library or on the internet. Please read this introduction and the table of contents carefully so you can make maximum use of this directory and find what you need as quickly as possible.
Why an Energy Education Directory?
Teaching our young generations about energy efficiency and renewable energy is not only a critical component of “environmental literacy,” it has also become a matter of national security and economic stability. In times of recession, political instability, and fluctuating energy prices, it is essential that we understand the role energy has in our lives so that we can become proactive change agents towards a more sustainable energy future.
There exists a host of educational materials on energy with varying quality. Sorting through the selection can be overwhelming and too time consuming for teachers and organizations assisting teachers. This directory presents a selection of quality educational materials available in energy and sustainability education for all teaching subjects, focusing on inquiry-based, hands-on learning opportunities. Materials selected explore energy issues in their environmental, social, and economic context.
The NM Energy and Sustainability Education Directory was compiled with funding from the Energy Conservation and Management Division of the New Mexico Energy, Minerals, and Natural Resources Department (NMEMNRD).
How to Use the Directory
The directory is a selection of over 200 quality energy and sustainability education resources, including videos, CD-ROMS, hands-on kits, print documents, and web sites. Many of these resources are available at no or low cost from local libraries or the internet. Most items can be used in a variety of teaching subjects, including, but not limited to, science, math, social studies, language arts, art, geography, biology, history, economics, government, and environmental studies.
The directory is organized into 6 sections.
1)Directory of Classroom Materials
This is a list of 87 print curricula, videos, lesson plans, posters, and CD-ROMs, most of which are available at the Rio Grande High School Energy Education Library, or through the Rio Grande Valley Library Systems. They are indexed by grade, medium (print, video, CD-ROM, poster) and teaching subject for easy reference.
The Rio Grande High School Energy Education Library was compiled in 1999-2001 by the Rio Grande Community Development Corporation with funds from the US Department of Energy (DOE) Center of Excellence for Sustainable Development and the NMEMNRD and multiple product donations from public, private, and non-profit sources. The collection is open to the public and can be accessed by Albuquerque Public Schools (APS) teachers through inter-library loans from their local school libraries. Please call RGHS librarian Fey Yao at 873-0220 #247 for more information.
The Rio Grande Valley Library System, a consortium of the City of Albuquerque, Bernalillo County and the City of Rio Rancho with 18 branches, isthe largest public library system in New Mexico.An on-line catalogue is available at
The detailed catalogue is in alphabetical order, and contains the following information.
- Title
- Contact information
- Purchase Price
- Local Availability: RGHS library or Rio Grande Valley Library System.
- * Ready to Teach: materials marked with an asterisk require minimal teacher preparation time
- Grades
- Medium: print, video, CD-ROM, poster
- Teaching subject
- Subject: e.g. energy efficiency, renewable energy, systems thinking
2)Solar Energy Kits
Students learn best and have most fun with hands-on experiences. A selection of hands-on solar energy kits is available at the Rio Grande High School Energy Education Library. In addition, we have listed suppliers of solar energy kits, including low-cost solar panels and cookers.
3)Directory of Web-Sites with Free Energy Education Materials
We have listed over 90 web-sites that offer free energy education materials. We have organized them in the following categories for easier reference:
Renewable Energy Basics, Hands-on Activities and Science Projects
- Energy Conservation and Audits, Energy-Smart Design: School and Home
School Energy Conservation Audits and New School Design
Elementary Grades Home Energy Audits
Middle and High School Home Energy Audits
On-Line Home Energy Audits
Passive Solar Design Resources
- Energy Data and Research Resources
- Energy Lesson Plans Listings
- Sustainability Resources
- Resources on Systems Thinking and Ecological Literacy
- Global Warming Resources
4)Energy Team Programs
This section lists programs that build interdisciplinary energy teams at schools and achieve measurable energy savings on school campuses. Albuquerque Public Schools has an energy saving incentive program where students, teachers, administrators, and custodians help save energy on campus, and schools receive a portion of the savings in return.
5)Reference Materials and Consumer Guides
These are good sources for independent student research, and for you to read up on the latest information on energy. Consumer guidebooks provide useful and up-to-date information that supplements curricula.
6)Ecological Literacy: Recommended Reading List
Energy is a means to an end, not the end in itself. Ultimately, we want to create buildings, communities, and products that produce no waste, use only current solar income, respect diversity, and work like nature – in interdependent systems. This is a list of inspirational literature on ecological literacy, creating systemic change and a restored planet.
Your feedback as to the usefulness of these items and the directory is much appreciated. Please contact us to inform us about any additional resources you find helpful. Please e-mail Barbara Ford, directory coordinator, at with your suggestions. Enjoy!
1) Directory of Classroom Materials: Curricula, Videos, CDs, Posters
Index: CD-ROM
Title / GradeSchoolhouse rock! Rocks / K and up
Get Smart About Energy? Over 250 inquiry and noninquiry energy activities aligned with National Science and Education Standards. / K and up
CLASP Storybook CD-ROM on energy and the environment / K-5
E3: Energy, Economics, Environment: Program 1 / 6 and up
Energy & Environmental Issues / 6 to 9
The Green Home / 9 and up
The Sun's Joules and School Energy Doctor / 9 and up
Index: Video
Index: VideoTitle / Grade
After the Warming, part 1 / 10 and up
After the Warming, part 2 / 10 and up
Bottom of the Barrel / 5 to 7
Connect: A New Ecological Paradigm / 7 and up
Energy / 7 and up
Energy, Technology, and Society: Video / 9 to 12
Its Eco-logic / 4 to 7
Our Fragile Earth – Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy / 7 and up
Renewable Power: Earth's Clean Energy Destiny / 7 and up
Return of the Scorcher (Bicycling) / 7 and up
Simple Things You Can Do To Save Energy At School / 3 and up
The Yes! Tour: Working for Change / 7 and up
Toast / 3 and up
Wake up Freddy / 2 and up
Affluenza / 6 and up
Generation Earth / 7 and up
Planet Neighborhood / 6 and up
Simple Things You Can Do to Save Energy / 3 and up
Smart Growth / 10 and up
Turning Down the Heat: The New Energy Revolution / 7 and up
Index: Poster
Title / GradeEnergy Management in and Around Your School / 5 to 10
Renewable Energy Sources Poster / 5 to 12
Ways to Save Energy in and Around the Home / K-5
Index: Grades K-5
Index: K-5Title / Subject
Albuquerque's Environmental Story: Towards a Sustainable Community / Eng, science,gov., econ., soc.stud, history
Alliance to Save Energy's Green Schools Project: Guide to Project Resources, Elementary Level / Eng, math, science, econ, soc.stud, hist
Alliance to Save Energy's Green School's Project: Guide to Project Resources, Intermediary Level / Eng, math, science, econ, soc.stud, hist
Amazing sun fun activities / Science
At Home with the Sun / Eng, science, soc.stud, hist.
Bottom of the Barrel / Eng, science, soc.stud,
CLASP Storybook CD-ROM on energy and the environment / Eng, science, soc.stud
Choose Your Future Adventure Game / Eng, science,econ, soc.stud
Connections: A Curriculum in Appropriate Technology for 5th and 6th Grades / Eng, science, econ, soc.stud, history
Done in the Sun: Solar Projects for Children / Science
Ecoteam Workbook: A Program Empowering Americans to Create Earth-Friendly Lifestyles / Eng, math, science, econ., soc.stud
Energy Fun: Integrated Learning Activities for Grades K-3 / Eng, math, science, gov, soc.stud, history
Energy Fundamentals: Integrated Learning Activities for Grades 4-6 / Eng, math, science, gov, soc.stud, history
Energy Glossary / Eng, math, science, soc.stud
Energy, Food, and You: An Interdisciplinary Curriculum Guide for Elementary Schools / Eng, math, science, econ., soc.stud
Energy Management in and Around Your School / Eng, math, science, soc.stud
Fun with the Sun: Teacher's Activity Guide for Elementary Grades K-2 / Eng, math, science, econ, soc.stud
Get Smart About Energy? Over 250 inquiry and noninquiry energy activities aligned with National Science and Education Standards. / Eng, math, science, gove, econ, soc.stud, hist.
Getting Energized! Teacher's Activity Guide for Elementary Grades 3-6 / Eng, math, science, econ, soc.stud
Home Lighting Energy-Saver Detective / Math, science
How Many Light Bulbs Does it Take to Change A People? / Eng, math, science, econ, soc.stud
Renewable Energy Sources Poster / Eng, science, econ, soc.stud
Saving Energy at School: Building Buddies (Elementary) / Math, science, soc.stud
Saving Energy at School: Monitoring & Mentoring (4-6) / Eng, math, science, soc.stud
Science Projects in Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency / Science
Simple Things You Can Do to Save Energy / Eng, science, soc.stud
Simple Things You Can Do To Save Energy At School / Eng, science, soc.stud
Teaching About Climate Change: Cool Schools Tackle Global Warming / Eng, science, econ, soc.stud
Toast / Eng, science, gov, econ, soc.stud,
Schoolhouse rock! Rocks [sound recording] / Eng, science, soc.stud
Wake up Freddy / Eng, science, econ, soc.stud
Watt Watchers of New Mexico: Saving Energy in NM Schools / Eng, math, science, soc.stud
Ways to Save Energy in and Around the Home / Eng, science, soc.stud
Index: Grades 6-8
Index: Grade 6-8Title / Subject
Affluenza / English, economics, soc.stud.
Albuquerque's Environmental Story: Towards a Sustainable Community / Eng, science,gov., econ., soc.stud, history
Alliance to Save Energy's Green School's Project: Guide to Project Resources, Intermediary Level / Eng, math, science, econ, soc.stud, hist
Amazing sun fun activities / Science
At Home with the Sun / Eng, science, soc.stud, hist.
Bottom of the Barrel / Eng, science, soc.stud,
Choose Your Future Adventure Game / Eng, science,econ, soc.stud
Connect: A New Ecological Paradigm / Eng, science, econ, soc.stud, history
Connections: A Curriculum in Appropriate Technology for 5th and 6th Grades / Eng, science, econ, soc.stud, history
Done in the Sun: Solar Projects for Children / Science
E3: Energy, Economics, Environment: Program 1 / Eng., science, econ., social studies
Ecoteam Workbook: A Program Empowering Americans to Create Earth-Friendly Lifestyles / Eng, math, science, econ., soc.stud
Energy / Science
Energy & Environmental Issues / Eng, math, science, econ., soc.stud
Energy Action Activities: Integrated Learning Activities for Grades 6-9 / Eng, math, science, gov., soc.stud
Energy Fundamentals: Integrated Learning Activities for Grades 4-6 / Eng, math, science, gov, soc.stud, history
Energy Glossary / Eng, math, science, soc.stud
Energy Savers Guide / Eng, math, science, soc.stud
Energy, Food, and You: An Interdisciplinary Curriculum Guide for Elementary Schools / Eng, math, science, econ., soc.stud
Energy Management in and Around Your School / Eng, math, science, soc.stud
Environmental Action: Energy Conservation / Eng, science, math, econ, soc.stud
Environmental Action: General Resources / Env. Studies, interdisc.
Generation Earth / Eng, math, science, gove, econ, soc.stud
Get Smart About Energy? Over 250 inquiry and noninquiry energy activities aligned with National Science and Education Standards. / Eng, math, science, gove, econ, soc.stud, hist.
Getting Around Clean and Green / Eng, math, science, econ, soc.stud
Getting Around Without Gasoline / Eng, math, science, econ, soc.stud
Getting Energized! Teacher's Activity Guide for Elementary Grades 3-6 / Eng, math, science, econ, soc.stud
Home Lighting Energy-Saver Detective / Math, science
How Many Light Bulbs Does it Take to Change A People? / Eng, math, science, econ, soc.stud
Its Eco-logic / Eng, science, soc.stud
Lighting in the Library: A Student Energy Audit / Math, science, soc.stud
Our Fragile Earth – Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy / Eng, science, gov., econ.
Quick Energy and Beyond / Eng, math, science, econ., soc.stud
REACT: Renewable Energy Activities – Choices for Tomorrow. Teacher's Activity Guide for Middle Level Grades 6-8 / Eng, math, science
Renewable Energy Sources Poster / Eng, science, econ, soc.stud
Renewable Power: Earth's Clean Energy Destiny / Eng, math, science, gov, econ, soc.stud, hist
Return of the Scorcher (Bicycling) / Eng, science, soc.stud, hist.
Saving Energy at School: Learning and Conserving: (7-12) / Math, science, soc.stud
Saving Energy at School: Monitoring & Mentoring (4-6) / Eng, math, science, soc.stud
Saving Money – Boosting the Local Economy: How Bernalillo County's South Valley Can Benefit from Energy Efficiency. A Sourcebook for the People of the South Valley / Eng, math, science, econ, soc.stud, hist.
Science Projects in Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency / Science
Simple Things You Can Do to Save Energy / Eng, science, soc.stud
Simple Things You Can Do To Save Energy At School / Eng, science, soc.stud
Stuff: the Secret Lives of Everyday Things / Eng, science, econ, soc.stud
Stuff Curriculum and Resource Guide / Eng, science, econ, soc.stud
Teaching About Climate Change: Cool Schools Tackle Global Warming / Eng, science, econ, soc.stud
The Yes! Tour: Working for Change / Eng, science, gov, econ, soc.stud, hist
Toast / Eng, science, gov, econ, soc.stud,
Turning Down the Heat: The New Energy Revolution / Eng, science, gov., econ, soc.stud, hist
Schoolhouse rock! Rocks [sound recording] / Eng, science, soc.stud
Wake up Freddy / Eng, science, econ, soc.stud
Watt Watchers of New Mexico: Saving Energy in NM Schools / Eng, math, science, soc.stud
Index: Grades 10-12
Index: Grades 10-12Title / Subject
A Permaculture Curriculum / English, science, soc.stud.
Active Physics: Home / Math, science
Active Physics: Light up my Life / Math, science
Affluenza / English, economics, soc.stud.
After the Warming, part 1 / Eng, science,gov., econ., soc.stud, history
After the Warming, part 2 / Eng, science,gov., econ., soc.stud, history
Albuquerque's Environmental Story: Towards a Sustainable Community / Eng, science,gov., econ., soc.stud, history
Alliance to Save Energy's Green School's Project: Guide to Project Resources, Intermediary Level / Eng, math, science, econ, soc.stud, hist
Alliance to Save Energy's Philadelphia Green Schools Project: Guide to Project Resources, High School Level / Eng, math, science, econ, soc.stud, hist
Amazing sun fun activities / Science
Cars of Tomorrow & The American Community / Eng, math, science, econ, soc.stud, hist.
Choose Your Future Adventure Game / Eng, science,econ, soc.stud
Connect: A New Ecological Paradigm / Eng, science, econ, soc.stud, history
Earth Algebra: College Algebra with Applications to Environmental Issues / Math
E3: Energy, Economics, Environment: Program 1 / Eng., science, econ., social studies
Ecoteam Workbook: A Program Empowering Americans to Create Earth-Friendly Lifestyles / Eng, math, science, econ., soc.stud
Energy / Science
Energy & Environmental Issues / Eng, math, science, econ., soc.stud
Energy Action Activities: Integrated Learning Activities for Grades 6-9 / Eng, math, science, gov., soc.stud
Energy Glossary / Eng, math, science, soc.stud
Energy projects for young scientists / Science
Energy Savers Guide / Eng, math, science, soc.stud
Energy, Food, and You: An Interdisciplinary Curriculum Guide for Elementary Schools / Eng, math, science, econ., soc.stud
Energy, Technology, and Society / Eng, math, science, econ, soc.stud
Energy, Technology, and Society: Video / Eng, science, econ, soc.stud,
Environmental Action: Energy Conservation / Eng, science, math, econ, soc.stud
Environmental Action: General Resources / Env. studies, interdisc.
Generation Earth / Eng, math, science, gove, econ, soc.stud
Get Smart About Energy? Over 250 inquiry and noninquiry energy activities aligned with National Science and Education Standards. / Eng, math, science, gove, econ, soc.stud, hist.
Getting Around Clean and Green / Eng, math, science, econ, soc.stud
Getting Around Without Gasoline / Eng, math, science, econ, soc.stud
Lighting in the Library: A Student Energy Audit / Math, science, soc.stud
Our Fragile Earth – Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy / Eng, science, gov., econ.
Plug in the Sun: Energy for the 21st Century. Study Notes and Activities Ages 11 – 16+ / Math, science, econ.
Quick Energy and Beyond / Eng, math, science, econ., soc.stud
REACT: Renewable Energy Activities – Choices for Tomorrow. Teacher's Activity Guide for Middle Level Grades 6-8 / Eng, math, science
Renewable Energy Sources Poster / Eng, science, econ, soc.stud
Renewable Power: Earth's Clean Energy Destiny / Eng, math, science, gov, econ, soc.stud, hist
Renewables are Ready: A Guide to Teaching Renewable Energy in Junior and Senior High School Classrooms / Eng, math, science, gov, econ, soc.stud,
Research Projects in Renewable Energy for High School Students / Science
Return of the Scorcher (Bicycling) / Eng, science, soc.stud, hist.
Saving Energy at School: Learning and Conserving: (7-12) / Math, science, soc.stud
Saving Money – Boosting the Local Economy: How Bernalillo County's South Valley Can Benefit from Energy Efficiency. A Sourcebook for the People of the South Valley / Eng, math, science, econ, soc.stud, hist.
Science Projects in Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency / Science
Simple Things You Can Do to Save Energy / Eng, science, soc.stud
Smart Growth / Eng, gov, econ, soc.stud
Stuff: the Secret Lives of Everyday Things / Eng, science, econ, soc.stud
Stuff Curriculum and Resource Guide / Eng, science, econ, soc.stud
Teacher's Guide to World Resources: Biodiversity / Eng, science, econ, soc.stud
Teacher's Guide to World Resources: Car Trouble / Eng, science, econ, soc.stud
Teacher's Guide to World Resources: Citizen Action / Eng, science, econ, soc.stud
Teacher's Guide to World Resources: Energy, Atmosphere, and Climate / Eng, science, econ, soc.stud
Teacher's Guide to World Resources: Exploring Sustainable Communities / Eng, science, econ, soc.stud
Teacher's Guide to World Resources: Natural Resource Economics / Eng, science, econ, soc.stud
Teacher's Guide to World Resources: Population, Poverty & Land Degradation / Eng, science, econ, soc.stud
Teacher's Guide to World Resources: Sustainable Development / Eng, science, econ, soc.stud
Teacher's Guide to World Resources: Watershed Pollution / Eng, science, econ, soc.stud
Teaching About Climate Change: Cool Schools Tackle Global Warming / Eng, science, econ, soc.stud
The Fuel Savers: A Kit of Solar Ideas for your Home, Apartment, or Business / Eng, science
The Green Home / Eng, math, science, econ, soc.stud
The Sun's Joules and School Energy Doctor / Eng, math, science, gov., econ, soc.stud, hist
The Yes! Tour: Working for Change / Eng, science, gov, econ, soc.stud, hist
Toast / Eng, science, gov, econ, soc.stud,
Turning Down the Heat: The New Energy Revolution / Eng, science, gov., econ, soc.stud, hist
Schoolhouse rock! Rocks [sound recording] / Eng, science, soc.stud
Wake up Freddy / Eng, science, econ, soc.stud
Watt Watchers of New Mexico: Saving Energy in NM Schools / Eng, math, science, soc.stud
Detailed Listing of Classroom Materials
A Permaculture Curriculum