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Wisconsin/Michigan Education Resources
Wisconsin and Michigan teachers: Xcel Energy has created a variety of educational resources - videotapes, printed materials/posters, and curriculum kits - to assist you in teaching students in grades K-12 about electrical generation, electrical and natural gas safety, energy conservation, environmental issues and alternative energy.
If you are a teacher in the Xcel Energy Wisconsin or Michigan service area, use the request for energy educational materials form to order any of these educational materials. After completing the form, save it to your hard drive and send it as an e-mail attachment to WIcommunityservices@xcelenergy.com. You should receive the requested materials within two to three weeks. Or, print the form and mail it to Wisconsin Education Materials Coordinator, Xcel Energy, P.O. Box 8, Eau Claire, WI 54702-0008. The forms may also be faxed to 715-836-1104.
Order Form
Available materials:
videotapes, classroom curriculum kits, printed materials/posters
Videotapes:
Arcs and Sparks – VT-100 (Length: 13 minutes / Grades: K-6) Electricity – what is it? Where do we find it? How do we make it? This video investigates the kind of electricity we can create ourselves – static electricity. It also takes a look at magnetism and some of the ways it differs from electricity.
Chemistry: Ozone Blanket in the Air – VT-102 (Length: 15 minutes/ Volume 21, Issue 1) This issue examines the array of scientific tools used to discover and confirm ozone depletion in the atmosphere above Antarctica.
Chemistry: Plastics, Problems and Solutions – VT-103 (Length: 13 minutes/ Volume 20, Issue 6) This video explains how plastic is made and goes on to examine the many products and by-products associated with the manufacture and use of this space-aged synthetic.
Ecology: Our Global Greenhouse – VT-104 (Length: 14 minutes/ Volume 22, Issue 2) This video visits laboratories around the world where scientists work to discover the potential ecological impacts of global warming. Animation and video images are used to illustrate the causes and implications of this complex phenomenon.
Ecology: Understanding Biodiversity – VT-105 (Length: 16 minutes/ Volume 26, Issue 6) Research shows the healthiest ecosystems are those with the greatest diversity of life forms. Many scientists are concerned about estimates by some biologists that one quarter of the thirty million species thought to live on our planet will be extinct in fifty years.
Ecology: Understanding Forest Decline – VT-106 (Length: 13 minutes/ Volume 20, Issue 1) The causes of forest decline and the effects of multiple pollutants on trees will be examined.
Electric and Magnetic Field Epidemiologic Studies – VT-107 (Length: 15 minutes/Suitable for grades 7-12) Studies concerning EMG and human health are explained by Electric Power Research Institute, showing the relationship between EMF and human health.
Electrical Safety From A to Zap – VT-108 (Length: 10 minutes / Grades: 1-4) Animated cartoon characters explain electrical energy in a simple, entertaining way, and show precautions that will help us to be electrically safe.
Electrical Safety: Agent Lex Meets the Evil Dr. Blackout – VT-109 (Length: 20 minutes/ Suitable for grades 3-6) When diabolical troublemaker Dr. Blackout tries to wreak havoc on the good people of Metro City, the task of saving the local electricity demands no less than super safety-conscious. In this dazzling urban adventure, youngsters learn the importance of “playing it safe” with electricity.
Electricity: A First Film – VT-110 (Length: 15 minutes / Grades: 4-6) Shows clearly how we generate it, the ways it helps us and the power plants’ effect on the environment.
Electricity: Current of Power – VT-111 (Length: 18 minutes/ Volume 20, Issue 5) This video examines the development and physics of direct current and traces the origins of common electrical terms and formulas used in calculating measurements such as watts, amps and resistance.
Energy Rap – VT-112 (Length: 12 minutes / Grades: 7-12) Make learning about energy fun. The students put to music what they learn about energy in a group discussion. The different types of energy – nuclear, mechanical and chemical are discussed. The video shows how fossil fuels, mainly coal and uranium, are converted to generated electricity. Also discussed is how a nuclear power plant controls the chain reaction with the splitting of atoms to produce electricity.
Energy Savers – VT-113 (Length: 9 minutes / Grades: 3-8) Goofy, Donald, Mickey and Pluto learn how to save energy around the house. The four friends demonstrate wise uses of energy, as well as wasteful uses of energy and describe energy-saving tips for lighting, cooking, washing, heating and cooling.
Energy: Nuclear Waste Management – VT-114 (Length: 15 minutes/ Volume 19, Issue 9) This edition informs viewers of the importance of nuclear waste management and answers questions about this energy alternative to fossil fuels.
Energy: Power From Thin Air – VT-115 (Length: 15 minutes/ Volume 21, Issue 3) Wind is energy to do work! This issue traces the development of windmills from their humble beginnings almost 2,000 years ago, to today’s modern-day wind farms.
Everything is Something (Matter) – VT-116 (Length: 13 minutes / Grades: K-6) In this film we discover that everything we see and feel is made up of particles so small that a grain of sand contains millions of them – atoms. The different atoms form materials of differing qualities.
Fusion: Work In Progress – VT-117 (Length: 25 minutes / Grades: 7-12) This National Geographic Society presentation deals with fusion technology today – how far we’ve come and how far we still have to go. It answers the question “What is nuclear fusion?”
GO – VT-118 (Length: 10 minutes / Grades: 1-4) An energy conservation film for young children, this video starts with a roller coaster ride and students learn it is energy that makes things go. Narrated by a child, it examines three sources of energy.
Let’s All Recycle! – VT-119 (Length: 8 minutes/ Suitable for grades K-6) The purpose of this video is to introduce children to the concepts of trash disposal, recycling and the preservation of our environment. Included with the tape are fact sheets, activity sheets and puzzles that are grade-level specific.
Louie the Lightning Bug’s “Play It Safe Around Electricity” – VT-120 (Length: 11 minutes / Grades: Early Elementary) This video does an excellent job explaining electrical safety for young children. “Louie” goes through the process by which electricity is generated and then goes on to warn his little buddies about downed power lines, electrical outlets, and climbing trees and flying kites near power lines. Louie calls attention to the dangers of substations and overloading outlets, as well as radios and hair dryers around baths and showers.
NSP (Xcel Energy) Hydropower – Much More Than Just Kilowatts – VT-121 (Length: 10 minutes / Grades: 4-12) This video explains the most efficient and pollution-free source of power for Xcel Energy’s customers. Xcel Energy operates 19 hydroelectric plants used to provide power to its customers in Northwest Wisconsin and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.
Nuclear Power Production – VT-122 (Length: 25 minutes / Grades: 6-12) Ample animation explains the process of atomic chain reaction. It shows how tremendous amounts of energy are drawn from the tiny atom. Further graphics demonstrate the two types of nuclear power plants prevalent in the United States and Canada: The Boiling Water Reactor and the Pressurized Water Reactor..
Physics: Superconductivity for the 21st Century – VT-123 (Length: 11 minutes/ Volume 24, Issue 4) A superconductor is a substance capable of allowing electrical current to pass through it without resistance. This means no wasted energy. This can also create a means to store, distribute and use electricity efficiently and in hundreds of ways we have never been able to do.
Recycle, Reduce, Reuse – VT-124 (Length: 33 minutes/ Suitable for grades 8-12) This set of three videotapes teaches the “3R’s” of protecting the environment: recycle, reduce and reuse. Recycle shows how recycling enables people to conserve nonrenewable resources and limit the amount of trash discarded. Reduce explains why dependence on landfills must be reduced and details ways in which the use of resources can be reduced. Reuse details ways that resources can be reused to benefit the environment.
Refuse-Derived Fuel – A New Energy Source (French Island, La Crosse) – VT-125 (Length: 9 minutes) La Crosse County, Wisconsin, was chosen as the waste-to-energy alternative for the disposal of solid waste. In 1985, Xcel Energy was selected to build a facility that would turn garbage into a fuel that can be burned to produce electricity. This RDF (refused-derived-fuel) facility removes and recycles non-combustible materials from the trash, then chops and shreds the rest into a uniformly-sized fluffy material that is burned with waste wood in two boilers at the plant.
Refuse-Derived Fuel: Electricity from Household Trash – VT-126 (Length: 9 minutes / Grades: 4-Adult) Xcel Energy’s French Island Plant in La Crosse, Wisconsin, is a processing facility, which turns trash into fuel for electric generation. Converting trash into electricity helps solve landfill problems and provides a renewable fuel for power plant boilers.
Renewable Energy – VT-127 (Length: 12 minutes / Grades: 6-12) These five short videos provide a general overview of renewable energy technology research managed by the Electric Power Research Institute. The first is a general look at all technologies (2:45 minutes). The second is about wind turbines (2.32 minutes). The third is about photovoltaics research (2.32 minutes). The fourth is about photovoltaics in the field (1:57 minutes). The fifth is about geothermal energy and how it is and can be put to use (3:10 minutes).
Solar Cells – VT-128 (Length: 15 minutes / Grades: 8-12) Solar-powered homes, cars, appliances, even generating plants may become a reality in the not-too-distance future. This program explains the process that transforms sunlight into electricity and discusses the problems that must be overcome for solar energy to be used on a widespread basis. A discussion guide is included.
Solar Energy: A Bright Future – VT-129 (Length: 15 minutes/ Volume 22, Issue 6) In this video, exciting new technology on clean, renewable solar energy is showcased as a large-scale producer. Solar is also being used to power satellites, decontaminate water and create new superconductive materials.
The Greenhouse Effect…To What Degree? – VT-130 (Length: 22 minutes / Grades: 6-12) This video shows where the gases come from and what they do. Scientists explain that because of the way we live, we are each personally responsible for the various gases in the environment.
The Shocking Truth – VT-131 (Length: 19 minutes / Grades: 4-12) This 19-minute video raises awareness of the dangers of electricity and also promotes good safety practices around electricity. This video is also used during safety demonstrations preformed by Xcel Energy representatives.
Zap Rap – VT-132 (Length: 15 minutes / Grades 6-12) Zap Rap is an electrical safety program designed to educate students about the wonders and dangers of electricity. Zap Rap helps the audience gain an understanding of what electricity is, how it’s generated, transmitted and distributed. It encourages respect for the power of electricity. Zap Rap is shown at each safety demonstration given in the schools.
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Classroom Curriculum Kits
People Power - KT-103
Grades: 5-6
1 unit per classroom
This unit combines classroom study about energy use and efficiency with a personal home energy survey. Through various activities, demonstrations, and People Power problems, students learn how we use energy, why it is important to use energy wisely, and how to save energy.
Materials:
Teacher’s guide
Future World Video
Class Poster
Student booklets
Home Energy Surveys
Pre-tests and Post-tests
Stickers
Think Earth - KT-104
Kindergarten
1 unit per classroom
This unit focuses on conserving trees and other resources. Students learn that trees provide us with many benefits, including fresh air, wood, and paper, and they learn to use the resources wisely.
The unit includes:
Think Earth Video
Teacher Guide
2 Class Posters
Story Cards, Jay’s Tree
Story Cards, The Treehouse Party
Reproducible Masters:
• Practice exercises
• Family activity sheet
• Mini-posters.
• Hanging Badge
Think Earth - KT-105
Grade: 2
1 unit per classroom
This unit focuses on the 3 R's - reduce, reuse and recycle. Students learn that by practicing the 3 R's, we not only reduce the amount of solid waste that we bury in landfills, but we also conserve natural resources, save energy, and reduce pollution.
The unit includes:
Think Earth Video
Teacher's Guide
2 Class Posters
Story Cards, The Rascals
Story Cards, The 3 R's
Trash/resource cards
• Pre-test
• Post-test
• Practice exercises
• Mini-poster
• Family activity sheet
Think Earth - KT-106
Grade: 4
1 unit per classroom
This unit's focus is reducing waste. Students learn where our trash comes from, where waste goes, and effects waste has on the environment.
The unit includes:
Video
Teacher Guide
2 Class Posters
Hazardous and Solid Waste Cards
Reproducible Masters:
• Pre-test
• Post-test
• Hand-outs
• Practice exercises
• Family activity sheet
• Mini-posters
• Hanging Badge
Think Earth - KT-107
Middle School
1 unit per classroom
This unit focuses on air care. Students learn about the causes and effects of air pollution and how technology plays a role.
This kit includes:
Video
Teacher’s Guide
The Last Gasp Gazette (100 copies)
Transparencies:
• What is Air?
• Combustion Chemistry
• Smog Chemistry
• National Ambient Air Quality Standards
• Federal Car Exhaust Standards
• Catalytic Converter Reactions
Reproducible masters:
• Pre- and Post- Tests
• Quiz: Causes and Effects of Air Pollution
• Quiz: Battling Smog
• Quiz: Technology
• Pollutant Properties Cards
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Printed Materials/Posters
About Electric Power And Our Environment - PM-100
Grades: 3-Adult
Classroom quantities
Focuses on the need for a balance between affordable energy and a clean environment. Explains how electric utilities are working to provide both. This booklet also provides illustrations of how electricity is made and delivered.
My Electrical Safety Activity Book - PM-101
Grades: 1-3
Classroom quantities
Kato the Safety Cat’s STOP sign provides an easy-to-understand guide to electrical hazards. Early learning activities & coloring pages teach young students how to spot danger fast.
Kato’s Electrical Safety Coloring and Activity Book - PM-102
Grades: K-2
Classroom quantities
Kato the Safety Cat is serious about keeping kids safe. Coloring pages, games and puzzles nourish youngsters’ interest in electrical safety .
Electrical Safety In and Around the Home Poster - PM-103
Grades: K-5
1 per classroom
Illustrates the vital subject of electrical safety. It includes basic electrical safety lesson and electrical safety check list.
Electrical Safety Wheel - PM-104
Grades: 3-12
Classroom quantities
Take a spin! This wheel gives kids all the indoor and outdoor safety information they need in one colorful, fun-to-use guide. The outdoor side includes instruction on what to do in case of an electrical fire and if someone is being shocked by electricity as well as 12 other safety tips. The indoor side also contains 12 do’s and don’ts, such as how to handle burnt toast, frayed cords, overloaded outlets, power outages and more. This easy-to-understand wheel is something they can share with their whole family.
Electricity From Water, Wind, and Sunlight - PM-105
(Energy Skill Builders)
Grades: 4-6
Classroom quantities
Students build working devices to convert wind and water power to electricity. Cut-out patterns for wind and water turbines are provided. To detect the electricity they generate, students first construct a cup, wire, pin, magnet, cardboard, and a straw. Experiments with a photovoltaic cell are also suggested.
Energy Fun - PM-106
Grades: K-3
1 per classroom
An energy and science resource guide for teachers of grades K-3. This guide is filled with simple, fun and idea-packed energy lessons. Each is teacher tested and can be easily incorporated into the agenda for mathematics, social studies, or science instruction.
Energy Fundamentals - PM-107
Grades: 4-6
1 per classroom
An exciting new energy education concept for students in grades 4-6. Includes 31 lesson plans, a collection of “Just for Fun” activities and an energy glossary. The lessons are conveniently correlated with curricular subjects such as social studies, language arts, science, math and art.
Exploring Your Environment - PM-108
Grades: 3-6
Classroom quantities
Using this discovery guide workbook, students will learn to link the wise use of energy with helping the environment, and they’ll learn about steps they can take themselves or with their families. This workbook is full of activities that help kids develop their higher-order reasoning skill, such as observing, analyzing and evaluating.
It’s A Wired World - Experiments in Electrical Safety - PM-109
Grades: 4-8
Classroom quantities
This experimental booklet encourages teamwork as students learn how electricity works through these experiments. By studying electrical circuits, electricity’s path to the ground, students learn how to stay safe.
Let’s Learn About Recycling: A Coloring and Activity Booklet - PM-110
Grade: 4-6
Classroom quantities
Games and puzzles teach kids why recycling is important and how to recycle. Points out variety of items that can be recycled and explains the various programs in use.
Let’s Save Energy: An Information and Activity Book - PM-111
Grades: 3-6
Classroom quantities
An interesting explanation of the sources of energy and the way fuel is converted into energy. The book focuses on the many things kids can do to save energy every day.
Louie’s Electric’s - PM-112
Grades: 4-6
Classroom quantities
Games, puzzles, mind bogglers, and brain teasers about safety and electricity starring Louie the Lightning Bug.
Mouse House - PM-113
Grades: K-2
1 kit per classroom
A beautifully illustrated full-color storybook (with worksheets) tells what a mouse family experiences when the electric line to their home goes down in a storm. Although daily life is interrupted, adversity turns into a learning experience as the mouse children discover the importance of electricity in their lives, where electricity comes from, and how to use it safely. Activities in the student booklets include distinguishing between electrical and non-electrical items, tracing the flow of electricity from the mouse power plant to the mouse house, through the wall and outlet to an electric appliance and decisions that involve electric safety.
Natural Gas Safety Wheel - PM-114
Grades: 3-12
Classroom quantities
Take a spin! In simple, concise language, this wheel explains why natural gas is a safe, clean, economical fuel. It takes a “whole family approach” to natural gas safety explaining things like how to use natural gas appliances and equipment more safely. It includes information on the importance of scheduling family safety drills, playing safely near gas appliances, and teaching kids what to do if they smell gas and adults are away. Gives a total of 16 helpful hints.
Natural Gas: Your Invisible Friend - PM-115
Grades: 3-12
Classroom quantities
Youngsters explore where natural gas comes from, how it’s used, and why it’s important to be careful around natural gas. Full-color pictures depict real kids in real-life situations. Fun-filled puzzles, lessons and games meet the new National Science Education Standards.
Nuclear Energy: How Nuclear Power Plants Work - PM-116
Grades: 4-12
Classroom Quantities
While Supplies last
When you flip on your TV, log on to your computer, use the microwave, or light up a room, it’s a good bet that some of your electricity comes from a nuclear power plant. Throughout the U.S. there are more than 100 nuclear power plants providing electricity. How do they work? Well, maybe it takes an engineer to understand the details but the rest of us can easily understand the basics. How is water turned into steam? What does the uranium look like? How do you control chain reactions? Are nuclear power plants safe? What happens to the used-up fuel? Learn the answers to your questions in this well-done brochure.
Science Projects in Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency - PM-117
Grades: 5-12
1 per classroom
This book focuses on experimental projects with a variety of levels of difficulty. By explaining the process and including extensive suggestions of resources - both nationally and locally - this book makes science projects more approachable and enjoyable.
Sources of Electricity - PM-118
(Energy Skill Builders)
Grades: 5-9
Classroom quantities
Students are asked to select a new energy source to provide additional electricity for an area whose population is growing. Each potential source is reviewed in terms of where it is found, how it is converted to electricity, and its impact on the environment. Emphasizes cooperative learning skills.
The Greenhouse Effect and Global Warming - PM-119
(Energy Skill Builders)
Grades: 6-9
Classroom quantities
Carbon dioxide and other trace gases in the earth’s atmosphere help the earth retain its heat. The burning of fossil fuel is increasing the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. Will the earth grow warmer? Scientists are working in many areas to try to answer this question.
The Shocking Truth - PM-120
Grades: 4-8
Classroom quantities
Inspire students’ interest in electrical and natural gas safety with this outstanding discovery workbook. The students are sure to relate to the real-life examples. This activity book teaches how to assess risk and avoid accidents.
The Treehouse Team Saves the Forest - PM-121
Grade: 2-3
Classroom quantities
A resourceful group of forest animals, “The Treehouse Team” adopts a variety of energy conservation measures so their village will not have to cut down part of their forest to make room for a new power plant. The booklet includes simple mathematic problems and introduces beginning readers to important energy conservation tips.
Using Our Resources Wisely - PM-122
(Energy Skill Builders)
Grades: 7-12
Unlimited while supplies last
This unit focuses on two resources, trees, a source of raw material and the other coal, an energy source that happens to come from ancient “trees.”
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