Energy All Around Us!
Exploring Energy
Free Educational Resources for Braintree Academy Students
Energy is all around us—from the food we eat and the lights in our homes to the sun warming the Earth and the wind powering turbines. In this Learning Grove post, we’ve gathered engaging, student-friendly resources to help Braintree Academy students explore what energy is, the different types of energy, and how energy is used in everyday life.
These resources are perfect for independent learning, family discussions, science journals, and hands-on exploration.
🔋 What Is Energy? (Foundational Learning)
Start with the basics! These resources introduce energy in a clear, age-appropriate way.
Britannica Kids – Energy Overview Easy-to-understand explanations of what energy is and the many forms it takes. https://kids.britannica.com/kids/article/energy/353100
PBS Learning Media – What Is Energy? (Video)A short video introducing light, heat, and sound energy.https://www.pbslearningmedia.org
Energy Kids – Forms of Energy & Sources – U.S. Energy Information kids site explaining types of energy, including how energy is stored (potential) and in motion (kinetic), with examples. https://www.eia.gov/kids/what-is-energy/forms-of-energy.php
⚡ Forms of Energy & How They Work
Explore how energy moves, changes, and powers the world around us.
U.S. Energy Information Administration – Energy Kids Games, articles, and teacher-approved lessons on electricity, heat, and motion. https://www.eia.gov/kids
TeachEngineering NGSS-aligned lessons on energy transformations, circuits, and real-world engineering. https://www.teachengineering.org
🧠 Potential & Kinetic Energy
Learn how energy is stored and released through motion.
Science Buddies – Energy Activities Hands-on projects like marble runs and catapults to explore motion and force. https://www.sciencebuddies.org/blog/potential-kinetic-energy-lessons
PhET Interactive Simulations Interactive simulations where students can explore energy, motion, and circuits.
Activities - PhET Interactive Simulations
🌎 Renewable Energy & Sustainability
Discover how energy choices impact the Earth and our future.
U.S. Department of Energy – Energy Resources for Educators Lessons, videos, and student materials on renewable energy and efficiency. https://www.energy.gov/energysaver/energy-resources-educators
KidWind Wind and solar energy lessons designed especially for upper elementary and middle school students. https://kidwind.org
🎥 Videos & Interactive Learning
Perfect for visual learners and family science time.
📝 Learning Ideas for Families
Try one of these simple extensions at home:
Create an Energy Journal: track energy use around your home for one day
Build a simple machine and identify where energy is stored or used
Discuss renewable vs non-renewable energy and where your electricity comes from
Use a PhET simulation and explain what happens when variables change
🌿 Why Energy Matters
Understanding energy helps students:
✔ Think critically about how the world works
✔ Make informed choices about sustainability
✔ Build a strong foundation for future STEM learning
Whether your learner is just discovering energy or diving deeper into science concepts, these resources support curiosity-driven, real-world learning—right at the heart of the Learning Grove 🌱
About Braintree Academy
Braintree is a vibrant virtual education program that emphasizes encouragement, positivity, and strong family partnerships. The program provides customized learning opportunities, tailored to meet the unique needs of each student.
Offering a blend of offline and online learning activities, our full curriculum is aligned with state standards and provides both support and structure, all while fostering a love for learning.
Students benefit from personalized resources, free engaging field trips, and opportunities to connect with other learners. The passionate and supportive staff are dedicated to helping students succeed, ensuring they feel guided and inspired every step of the way. Whether you're looking for flexibility or a more structured approach, Braintree Academy provides a positive educational experience for at-home learners.
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Disclaimer:
The Learning Grove is designed to provide families with free, enriching educational resources and inspiration. While we do our best to keep all links current and accurate, some third-party websites, videos, or activities may change over time or occasionally become unavailable.
If you come across a broken or outdated link, please know it is unintentional — and we would love for you to let us know so we can update it as quickly as possible. Braintree Academy is not responsible for the content, updates, or availability of external websites linked within The Learning Grove.
Thank you for exploring and learning with us!