STEM Activites
The Utah Office of Energy Development is your state-level resource for engaging, hands-on energy education. We are dedicated to providing free, SEEd-aligned curriculum and activities to help educators bring the fascinating world of energy and mineral development into the classroom
UV Beads and Solar Energy
- These two hands-on activities use UV beads to introduce solar energy to kindergarten and first-grade students. Our team developed these kits, allowing students to take them home and create a chameleon or a flower.
- The UV beads change color in sunlight, demonstrating how solar energy affects different objects. All grade levels enjoy this activity and learn more about solar energy in the process.
- This activity supports the following Utah SEEd Standards for educators:
- K.1.3
- K.1.4
- 1.3.2
- 1.3.3.
Solar Power Flower
Solar Chameleon
Circuit Buddies
- This hands-on activity is designed to introduce fourth-grade students and older to the basics of simple circuits. Using a battery, copper tape and an LED, students will learn how to light a simple circuit. This will provide a foundational understanding of energy transfer and electrical components necessary for supporting Utah SEEd Standard 4.2 Energy Transfer.
Download Circuit Buddy Templates
One-Battery Circuit Buddies (Biomass, Wind, Natural Gas, Nuclear, Hydropower)
Two-Battery Circuit Buddies (oil, coal, solar, geothermal)
Pinwheels and Wind Energy
- Introduce young students to the power of wind energy with this hands-on activity. Our team has developed various pinwheel templates, ultimately allowing students to design their own.
- For younger grades, this activity serves as a fun way to discuss the effect of wind on the spinning blades and the historical uses of windmills.
- For older grades, this can be a starting point for discussing the benefits of different wind blade designs or as a phenomena to inspire a STEM challenge to design a better wind turbine.
- This activity supports the following Utah SEEd Standards for Educators
- K.2.4
- K.3.1
- Lessons introducing engineering concepts, STEM challenges or the scientific process
- 3.3
- 4.2
Downloads
Energy Bike
- Energy is the ability to do work, but many of us don’t truly grasp how much work is required to power our daily lives. The energy bike is an immersive experience designed to change our perspective of that.
- As students, or adults, pedal the bike, they are converting their own mechanical energy into electrical energy, which then lights up an LED light board. This demonstration makes the abstract concept of energy transfer concrete and unforgettable!
- Our goal is to show students that their household appliances don’t just “magically” turn on. Behind the scenes, many processes happen to bring energy to our homes, schools and businesses. Whether it is the burning of fossil fuels, wind turbine generating power, or a geothermal plant creating steam… energy cannot be created from nothing. It must be generated through work!
- We bring the energy bike to events with students attending ages 9 and older, or for those whose parents are comfortable with them riding it. We are also developing a hand crank to demonstrate this same concept to younger students, which will be available in the Fall of 2025.
Trivia Wheel
- There is something about a wheel that gets everyone excited to learn! Our Energy trivia wheel is designed to engage students and adults in a fun and interactive way.
- With a wide variety of questions ranging in difficulty, the wheel can help students grasp fundamental concepts about energy right here in Utah. This is a fun tool to reinforce key takeaways from other activities and spark curiosity.
School and Classroom Visits
Our team is excited to go beyond community events and bring our hands-on energy education directly to your school. We offer engaging, classroom-friendly visits designed to spark student curiosity about the world of energy. Our school and classroom visits can include:
- Hands-on energy activities aligned with Utah SEEd standards for grades 4-12.
- Guest speakers from the energy industry.
- Presentation and opportunities for students to learn about careers in energy, engineering and related fields.
We are passionate about bringing the exciting world of energy to your students in a fun, educational, and memorable way!
Professional Development
We believe the best way to support students is by supporting our educators.
If your school or district is interested in free professional development opportunities, please contact our team. If you are looking to enhance your teaching with hands-on energy lessons, we invite you to contact us. We would love to host a free professional development event where you can:
- Get hands-on experience with our lesson plans.
- See how to integrate our activities with your curriculum.
- Ensure alignment with Utah SEEd science standards.
- Earn relicensure points to meet your professional goals.
Contact Us:
Education Specialist email: [email protected]
Phone: 801-949-1259