By Tyler King

In a world where climate change and environmental defense are some of the most pressing concerns, empowering the next generation with the knowledge and skills to tackle environmental issues is crucial. Middle schoolers are at the perfect age–their curiosity is spiking, and their capacity to grasp complex topics is growing. Engaging middle-school students in renewable energy activities educates them about sustainability and fosters a sense of empowerment and responsibility towards the planet. So, without further ado, here are three unique renewable energy activities for middle schoolers!
1. Wind Power
This activity showcases the renewable energy form of wind power. First, middle schoolers create their anemometers from limited materials like cardboard, paper cups, and pushpins. Then, they use these anemometers to measure approximate wind speeds in their area. They can use this information to discover how well wind turbines would work in the students’ area that day. Then, students can understand the pros and cons of wind power and learn how to measure wind speed independently!
Activity link: Wind Power – Teachengineering.org
Materials needed: paper cups, push pins, modeling clay, cardboard, scissors, a stapler, markers, and stopwatches.
2. Build Your Own Hydro-Turbine
In this activity, students will learn about hydroelectricity and the power of water. First, they will put together a model water turbine out of materials like cardboard and soda bottles. Then, they will test out their waterwheels by pouring water on them and observing how they respond. This will show students how hydro turbines spin to create electricity! Discuss with them how the wheel’s spinning generates energy that can be turned into electric power. Through this activity, students can better understand the renewable energy source of hydroelectricity!
Activity link: Build a Hydro-turbine – Teachengineering.org
Materials needed: 2-liter soda bottles, scissors, duct tape, wooden dowels, string, cardboard, plastic wrap, water, and stopwatches.
3. Solar Oven S’mores
This activity allows middle schoolers to explore solar energy in a fun and tasty way–s’mores! First, students will create an insulated, reflective “oven” from a cardboard box. This box will use the sun’s rays to conduct heat and eventually make enough heat to melt the marshmallows and chocolate on s’mores. This activity is a fun way to show students the true power of the sun and how it can be used to harness energy for many applications. With sweet treats included, this activity will surely be a hit!
Activity link: Solar Oven S’mores – Climatekids.nasa.gov
Materials needed: a cardboard box with a lid, aluminum foil, clear plastic wrap, glue sticks, tape, a stick, a straightedge, and a box cutter.
Empowering middle schoolers with knowledge and hands-on experience with renewable energy creates a deeper understanding of environmental defense. It instills a sense of responsibility in creating a more sustainable future. With practical activities like these three, students can become eco-empowered individuals ready to take on the vast world of environmental conservation!
Do you want more resources on the topic of renewable energy activities? NSTEM’s vast resources database provides thousands of searchable STEM resources by category, school level, and state. This comprehensive library includes info on enrichment activities, curricula, internships, scholarships, and more. Check out a free sampling here. Or get an NSTEM membership today to unlock the complete list.
Middle school is where students are transformed, entering as children and emerging as young adults. Project-based learning enrichment helps students “connect the dots” between STEM and real life, making math and science relevant for them and keeping them engaged and interested. With a meaningful middle school experience, students are far more likely to focus on STEM disciplines in high school and beyond. To start your 6-8 middle school chapter of the National STEM Honor Society, click here.