This syllabus provides a list of concepts and understandings related to four areas of energy. They are: (1) the nature of energy (an energy definition, basic categories of energy, forms of energy, laws of energy conversion, and measuring energy); (2) energy sources of the past and present (history of energy use and present major sources of energy); (3) aspects of energy problems in the United States (patterns of consumption, aspects of increasing energy demand, aspects of decreasing energy supply, and implications of an energy imbalance); and (4) approaches to energy problems (conservation and energy alternatives). Listed along with the concepts and understandings are recommended learning activities (provided in an appendix) and, when applicable, reference to resources found in another appendix. These resources include such material as energy unit conversions and a list of oil-based products. Also included in the syllabus is a list of science processes (keyed to the learning activities), a list of program objectives and performance criteria for each of the four energy areas, and a list of references. (JN)