Activity Overview
One thing students often find difficult is using new scientific vocabulary correctly and in the appropriate context. When starting a unit, it can be helpful to introduce them to all the new terminology and have them create visual vocabulary boards that define and illustrate each word. Having a visual example along with the definition can help students understand abstract concepts.
Suggested Energy Resources Vocabulary
- Alternative Energy
- Biomass
- Carbon Cycle
- Carbon Dioxide
- Climate Change
- Coal
- Conservation of Energy
- Cost
- Current
- Electricity
- Energy Conservation
- Fossil Fuel
- Gas
- Generator
- Geothermal
- Hydroelectricity
- Hydrological
- Natural Gas
- Nonrenewable
- Nuclear
- Oil
- Petroleum
- Pylons
- Reliable
- Renewable
- Solar
- Tidal Power
- Turbine
- Wave Power
- Wind
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
Define and illustrate key vocabulary for energy resources.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Choose five vocabulary words and type them in the title boxes.
- Find the definition in a print or online dictionary and write it under the cell.
- Illustrate the meaning of the word in the cell using a combination of scenes, characters, and items.
- Alternatively, use Photos for Class to give examples of the words.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient 33 Points | Emerging 16 Points | Beginning 0 Points | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Definitions | The vocabulary word is correctly defined. | The meaning of the vocabulary words can be understood but it is awkward. | The vocabulary word is not clearly defined. |
| Visualization | The storyboard cell clearly illustrates the meaning of the vocabulary word. Or The storyboard cell has clear examples of the key word. | The storyboard cell relates to the meaning of the vocabulary word, but is difficult to understand. Or The storyboard cell has some unclear examples of the key word. | The storyboard cell does not clearly relate to the meaning of the vocabulary word. Or The storyboard cell does not have clear examples of the key word. |
| Evidence of Effort | Work is well written and carefully thought out. | Work shows some evidence of effort. | Work shows little evidence of any effort. |
Activity Overview
One thing students often find difficult is using new scientific vocabulary correctly and in the appropriate context. When starting a unit, it can be helpful to introduce them to all the new terminology and have them create visual vocabulary boards that define and illustrate each word. Having a visual example along with the definition can help students understand abstract concepts.
Suggested Energy Resources Vocabulary
- Alternative Energy
- Biomass
- Carbon Cycle
- Carbon Dioxide
- Climate Change
- Coal
- Conservation of Energy
- Cost
- Current
- Electricity
- Energy Conservation
- Fossil Fuel
- Gas
- Generator
- Geothermal
- Hydroelectricity
- Hydrological
- Natural Gas
- Nonrenewable
- Nuclear
- Oil
- Petroleum
- Pylons
- Reliable
- Renewable
- Solar
- Tidal Power
- Turbine
- Wave Power
- Wind
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
Define and illustrate key vocabulary for energy resources.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Choose five vocabulary words and type them in the title boxes.
- Find the definition in a print or online dictionary and write it under the cell.
- Illustrate the meaning of the word in the cell using a combination of scenes, characters, and items.
- Alternatively, use Photos for Class to give examples of the words.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient 33 Points | Emerging 16 Points | Beginning 0 Points | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Definitions | The vocabulary word is correctly defined. | The meaning of the vocabulary words can be understood but it is awkward. | The vocabulary word is not clearly defined. |
| Visualization | The storyboard cell clearly illustrates the meaning of the vocabulary word. Or The storyboard cell has clear examples of the key word. | The storyboard cell relates to the meaning of the vocabulary word, but is difficult to understand. Or The storyboard cell has some unclear examples of the key word. | The storyboard cell does not clearly relate to the meaning of the vocabulary word. Or The storyboard cell does not have clear examples of the key word. |
| Evidence of Effort | Work is well written and carefully thought out. | Work shows some evidence of effort. | Work shows little evidence of any effort. |
How Tos about Vocabulary for Energy Resources
Incorporate vocabulary games to reinforce energy resources terms
Use interactive games like bingo, charades, or matching to help students review and remember key terms. Games boost engagement and make vocabulary practice fun while solidifying understanding.
Assign students to create energy resource word walls
Have students select important vocabulary and display definitions and illustrations on a classroom wall. Word walls act as visual reminders and support ongoing learning throughout the unit.
Facilitate peer teaching of vocabulary words
Pair or group students and let them teach each other the meaning and usage of different energy resource terms. Explaining words helps deepen their own understanding and builds confidence.
Integrate vocabulary into real-world scenarios
Ask students to use new terms in realistic contexts like news articles, debates, or science journals. Applying vocabulary in meaningful ways encourages retention and relevance.
Use quick exit tickets to assess vocabulary mastery
End lessons with a short written response or quiz using key energy resource terms. Exit tickets provide instant feedback and help target future instruction.
Frequently Asked Questions about Vocabulary for Energy Resources
What are effective ways to teach energy resources vocabulary to middle and high school students?
Visual vocabulary boards are an effective method for teaching energy resources terms. Students define each word and illustrate its meaning using pictures or examples, helping them grasp abstract concepts and remember new vocabulary.
How can I create a visual vocabulary board for energy resources in my classroom?
To create a visual vocabulary board, have students select energy resources terms, write definitions, and add drawings or photos that illustrate each word. Tools like Photos for Class can be used for finding images, making the activity more engaging and memorable.
Which key vocabulary words should students know when learning about energy resources?
Important energy resources vocabulary includes renewable, nonrenewable, biomass, fossil fuel, conservation of energy, solar, wind, hydroelectricity, and carbon cycle. Mastering these terms helps students understand core science concepts.
What is the benefit of illustrating science vocabulary words for students?
Illustrating science vocabulary helps students connect words with visual examples, making abstract ideas more concrete. This approach boosts comprehension and retention, especially for complex topics like energy resources.
Are there ready-made resources or tools for teaching energy vocabulary visually?
Yes, resources like Photos for Class, vocabulary graphic organizers, and digital assignment platforms can simplify the process. These tools provide images and templates, streamlining the creation of visual vocabulary boards for energy resources topics.
More Storyboard That Activities
Renewable Energy
- BUNSEN BURNER • jasonwoodhead23 • License Attribution (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/)
- Coals! • cote • License Attribution (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/)
- Installing solar panels • OregonDOT • License Attribution (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/)
- Nooksack River, Washington State • Rose Braverman • License Attribution (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/)
- nuclear power plant "Isar 2" • bagalute • License Attribution (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/)
- pylon • satguru • License Attribution (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/)
- Rugeley Power Station • jayneandd • License Attribution (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/)
- Slip • Elsie esq. • License Attribution (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/)
- Tidal power station • K Mick • License Attribution (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/)
- Turbine • jeanpierrelavoie • License Attribution (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/)
- Turbine • rightee • License Attribution (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/)
- wave power • Jimmy Coupe • License Attribution (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/)
- wind turbine 1 • ab9kt • License Attribution (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/)
Testimonials
“By using the product, they were so excited and they learned so much...”–K-5 Librarian and Instructinal Technology Teacher
“I'm doing a Napoleon timeline and I'm having [students] determine whether or not Napoleon was a good guy or a bad guy or somewhere in between.”–History and Special Ed Teacher
“Students get to be creative with Storyboard That and there's so many visuals for them to pick from... It makes it really accessible for all students in the class.”–Third Grade Teacher
© 2025 - Clever Prototypes, LLC - All rights reserved.
StoryboardThat is a trademark of Clever Prototypes, LLC, and Registered in U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
