Go green and bring STEM concepts to life with the K"NEX Education Renewable Energy Set! Designed to address critical science, technology and engineering concepts in the middle school classroom, this set provides instructional models that will enhance students" understanding of real-world issues. Students will work together to learn about alternatives to fossil fuel energies as they construct and evaluate several models powered by wind, water, and solar power. Using K"NEX pieces, a solar panel, motors, and a capacitor, students will generate electricity to operate 9 different machines, investigating and comparing the efficiency and power capability of each, learning how these power sources are environmentally friendly while being equally proficient. A comprehensive teacher"s guide CD outlines 9 lesson plans that will help guide and facilitate student learning, emphasizing hands-on exploration in conjunction with an engaging inquiry-based approach to learning as students build, investigate, discuss, and evaluate concepts, ideas, and designs. The key concepts covered in these lessons include: renewable energy; reducing greenhouse gas emission; solar, wind, and hydro power; radiant, mechanical, and electrical energy; energy storage; reducing dependence on foreign energy; electrical and hydroelectric energy generation; conservation of energy; kinetic and potential energy; energy efficient technologies; innovation and invention; green/clean energy; mechanical and electrical systems; force, motion, work and power; Newton"s Laws; and much more! The K"NEX Education Renewable Energy Set includes 583 K"NEX pieces, a solar panel, capacitor, 3 motors, and a power cord, in addition to a Teacher"s Guide CD and building instructions for 9 different renewable energy models. This set is designed to support 6-12 students working cooperatively in teams to build up to 3 models at a time, and is recommended for use in 5th through 9th grade classrooms. All parts of this set come packaged in a strong plastic tray with Snap-on lid for easy storage in the classroom. STEM Education focuses on science, technology, engineering and mathematics concepts taught through problem-solving, discovery, exploratory learning and critical thinking. STEM Education requires students to be active participants in the learning. K"NEX® models offer hands-on learning opportunities that encourage scientific inquiry, investigation and experimentation. Our inquiry-based lessons challenge students as they build, investigate, problem solve, discuss, and evaluate scientific and design principles in action. Aligned to Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math standards.