Individual Lessons 

The following list of lessons can be delivered on an individual basis or combined into a customized unit. Stand Alone Demos and Activities presented by Cuesta Sustainability staff. Topics include general energy science, renewable energy sources (sun, wind, water), magnets, climate science, waste reduction & resource conservation, and electricity.  

Grade Lesson/ Activity NGSS Topic In person Virtual
K-2 Light to Heat   Energy, Light Yes Yes
K-5 Radiometer Energy, Light Yes Yes
K-5 Solar Balloon 

Energy, Light, 

Forces and Interactions 

 Yes Yes
K-6 Convection  Energy, Light, Earth Systems  Yes Yes
K-6 Solar Distiller Energy, Light, Earth Systems Yes  
K-6

Solar Oven

 Energy, Light Yes  
K-2 UV beads Energy, Light Yes No

K-2

Nature Print Paper 

 Energy, Light Yes No

K-2

 Build a Windmill

Forces and Interactions, Engineering, Energy

 Yes  

K-3

 Weight Lifter Windmill Forces and Interactions, Engineering, Energy Yes Yes

K-6

 Wind Turbine Testing Forces and Interactions, Engineering, Energy  Yes Yes

K-3

 Measuring Wind Speed Forces and Interactions, Engineering, Energy Yes Yes

K-6

 Build Anemometer Forces and Interactions, Engineering, Energy Yes  

K-2

 Water Wheels  Forces and Interactions, Engineering, Energy Yes  

3-6

 Hydro Turbine Testing  Forces and Interactions, Engineering, Energy Yes Yes

3-6

 Land Ice vs Sea Ice  Energy, Light, Earth Systems  Yes  

Ngss Mini Units

The following units are Grade Level Mini Units to support NGSS. Each is a series of 3-4 lessons that incorporates both demonstrations and hands-on activities. The units can be entirely led by Cuesta Sustainability staff outdoors in person or via virtual platform. Some unit topics include: Weather, Energy, Waves, Forces and Motion, Human Impact, Biodiversity, and Earth Systems. There are 3 units per grade level to choose from that incorporate sustainability themes and engineering within the NGSS topics.  Click on the grade level to expand for the specific unit topics.