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In a time when energy literacy has never been more crucial for Maine’s citizens the Maine Mathematics and Science Alliance has teamed up with the Maine Public Utilities Commission to provide an energy curriculum for students in grades 4-8.

The Maine Energy Education Curriculum Project is in the process of developing a coherent set of standards-based energy education curriculum materials for Maine students in grades 4-8. Each unit will consist of 7-12 lessons that follow a conceptual energy storyline. Materials mindful of Maine students are being developed for three grade spans: Grades 4-5, Grades 6-7, Grades and 7-8. Materials for grades 4-5 “Energy Lights Maine!” and 6-7 “Energy Heats Maine!” will be ready for teachers to field test with their students in the fall of 2008.

Each unit will be based on:

National and Maine State Standards (revised Maine Learning Results)

Research-based findings related to energy topics, including commonly held understandings and ideas

Developmentally appropriate lessons

Inquiry-based pedagogy and rich learning contexts

Interests of and relevance to Maine students

The needs of Maine teachers for a coherent Maine Energy Education Curriculum, which includes professional development training, educational resources, and access to ongoing statewide support

Ten teachers for each grade span will be selected to field-test the draft materials with their students.
Field test teachers must agree to:

Attend a one day summer training held at the MMSA office in Augusta during which they will be introduced to the materials and feedback protocol

Field test materials with students in the fall of 2008 and provide feedback

Teachers will receive a $300 stipend for attending the summer one day training and be reimbursed for mileage and meals. Overnight accommodations the evening before the one day training will also be provided if necessary

After the fall field test is completed and feedback is submitted, teachers will receive an additional $500 stipend