6th Grade Scientists Explore Renewable Energy
PVF loves to hear from our teachers about the impact of a Teacher Resource Grant. The projects teachers come up with to connect their classroom lessons to real world experiences are inspiring and we hope that by sharing, other teachers are exposed to new ideas on how to utilize a grant! Read a letter from a 6th grade teacher in San Mateo County below.
“Thank you again for so generously supporting this special project for our 6th grade scientists studying climate change and efficient energy sources. This project was to find an underdeveloped city in the world and research what renewable energy would best help that city if it were implemented. They made large models of their decisions in class, and a google slide deck to present to the class. In addition to researching cultural and religious practices, the students researched each city’s economy and conflicts. [Through] this project they learn so much about the world outside their community.
We had 4 groups each making a model on a 3ft /3ft plywood board. They made houses, volcanoes, wind turbines, and combine handmade objects with purchased materials. They created a budget plan, and stayed within their budget and quickly learned the true cost of materials.
I always enjoy doing this project, because it is very cross curricular combining social studies, science, and religion. They always discover something about their city that they didn’t expect, especially when exploring different cultures. One previous group wanted to put a dam on the Ganges River in India. They quickly learned that wouldn’t be appropriate for their religious/cultural beliefs. Another group discovered that they couldn’t put solar cells on top of existing houses in Chile, because they coudn’t withstand the weight of the solar cells. These are just a couple of many explorations into this project.
The students learned so much about finding an alternative energy for an underserved city. They also researched about their cultural and religious practices, as well as, the cities economy and conflicts. Again, thank you for thinking about funding this wonderful and fulfilling project.”
Click the button below to learn more about PVF’s different Teacher Resource Grant Programs, which will begin accepting applications for the 2026-2027 school year in August.
