Part 2 - Lesson 1: Renewable Energy Panel

Grades:
6-12
Unit:
A Community Powered by Renewable Energy
Lesson Number:
4
Description:

Students will meet with local planners or other available energy experts to discuss public policy regarding the use of wind turbines and solar arrays to generate electricity. Students develop questions for a panel of professionals regarding considerations...

Energy Content:
Electrical Energy,
Electrical Grid (Transmission & Distribution),
Electricity Generation,
Microgrids,
Solar Photovoltaic,
Sources of Energy,
Wind Energy
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More Details Less Details
Learning Goal(s):
1.Students will gain background information regarding the limitations of having and wind and solar generating infrastructure within city and county limits, including environmental, aesthetic, and cultural considerations. 2.Students will compile criteria for placement of wind and solar energy sources.
Pedagogy & Practice:
21st Century Skills Development,
Empathetic Engineering,
Engineering Design,
Establishing a Culture of Science,
Multiple Learning Styles,
Phenomena-Driven Instruction,
Place-Based Learning,
Project-Based Learning,
Research-Primary
NGSS Science and Engineering Practices:
1: Asking Questions and Defining Problems,
3: Planning and Carrying Out Investigations,
8: Obtaining, Evaluating, and Communicating Information
Author:
Jonathan Strunin
Relevant NGSS PE:
HS-ESS3-2
Other Subjects Covered:
Environmental Sciences,
CTE: Career & Technical Education,
Social Sciences: Analysis,
Social Sciences: Civics,
Social Sciences: Geography
Estimated Activity Length:
1 hour
US DOE WInd Turbines

Variables Affecting Wind Turbine Power

Grades:
7-8
Unit:
Solar vs. Wind Energy
Lesson Number:
5
Description:

Now that students are familiar with how mechanical electricity generation works, they will build a wind turbine powered by a box fan. Different teams will test different turbine variables to see how the amount of electrical power is affected. After each...

Energy Content:
Electrical Energy,
Electricity Generation,
Wind Energy
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More Details Less Details
Learning Goal(s):
• Students will be able to identify and explain at least three variables that affect the efficiency of wind turbines • Students will conduct a scientific investigation to determine which wind turbine configuration will generate the most power
Pedagogy & Practice:
Engineering Design,
Group Work/Collaboration,
Hands-on Materials
NGSS Science and Engineering Practices:
3: Planning and Carrying Out Investigations,
4: Analyzing and Interpreting Data,
5: Using Mathematics and Computational Thinking,
7: Engaging in Argument from Evidence,
8: Obtaining, Evaluating, and Communicating Information
Author:
Craig Marais
Relevant NGSS PE:
MS-ETS1-2,
MS-PS3-1,
MS-PS3-4
Other Subjects Covered:
ELA: Writing,
Math: Graphing & Representation,
Math: Measurement
Estimated Activity Length:
4 hours

Cost Effective Solar Cells: Copper Oxide Solar Cell Construction and Testing

Grades:
9-12
Unit:
Cost Effective Solar Cells
Lesson Number:
5
Description:

This lesson is designed to be completed in one 80-minute section, but can be done in two 40-minute sections. The teacher will facilitate student construction of copper oxide plates with electric burners or hot plates. Teachers will guide students in...

Energy Content:
Circuitry,
Electrical Energy,
Electricity and Magnetism,
Electricity Generation,
Electrons,
Energy Fundamentals,
Light (Visible),
Solar Photovoltaic
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More Details Less Details
Learning Goal(s):
Students will construct an oxidized copper sheet solar cell Students will test an oxidized copper sheet solar cell for voltage and current
Pedagogy & Practice:
21st Century Skills Development,
Engineering Design,
Group Work/Collaboration,
Hands-on Materials,
Project-Based Learning
NGSS Science and Engineering Practices:
1: Asking Questions and Defining Problems,
2: Developing and Using Models,
3: Planning and Carrying Out Investigations,
4: Analyzing and Interpreting Data,
7: Engaging in Argument from Evidence,
8: Obtaining, Evaluating, and Communicating Information
Author:
Tom Wolverton
Relevant NGSS PE:
HS-PS1-2,
HS-PS2-6,
HS-PS3-3
Estimated Activity Length:
2 hours

Part 2 - Lesson 2: Wind Energy

Grades:
6-12
Unit:
A Community Powered by Renewable Energy
Lesson Number:
5
Description:

Students will learn about wind and how wind varies across geographies. Students will use Vernier Wind Turbine kits or homemade wind turbines to experiment with blade angles and wind speed. During experimentation, students will collect data as blade angles...

Energy Content:
Electrical Energy,
Electricity Generation,
Sources of Energy,
Wind Energy
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More Details Less Details
Learning Goal(s):
1.Students will conduct an experiment where blade angles are the variable and wind speed is constant.2.Students will conduct an experiment where blade angles are constant and wind speed varies.3.Students will collect and analyze data to provide a conclusion to the questions: What is the optimal blade angle for generating the most energy? What is the optimal wind speed for generating the most energy?4.Students will research prevailing winds and use a provided map of their region to indicate wind speed and direction.5.Students will propose locations for wind farms based on optimal energy generation and zoning restrictions.6.Based on their proposals, students will determine a range of potential kilowatt generation from wind power.
Pedagogy & Practice:
21st Century Skills Development,
Engineering Design,
Establishing a Culture of Science,
Group Work/Collaboration,
Hands-on Materials,
Multiple Learning Styles,
Phenomena-Driven Instruction,
Place-Based Learning,
Project-Based Learning
NGSS Science and Engineering Practices:
1: Asking Questions and Defining Problems,
2: Developing and Using Models,
3: Planning and Carrying Out Investigations,
4: Analyzing and Interpreting Data,
5: Using Mathematics and Computational Thinking,
6: Constructing Explanations and Designing Solutions,
7: Engaging in Argument from Evidence,
8: Obtaining, Evaluating, and Communicating Information
Author:
Jonathan Strunin
Relevant NGSS PE:
MS-ESS3-3,
MS-ESS3-4,
MS-ETS1-1,
MS-ETS1-2,
MS-ETS1-3,
MS-ETS1-4,
MS-PS3-2,
HS-ESS3-2,
HS-ESS3-4,
HS-ETS1-1,
HS-ETS1-2,
HS-ETS1-3,
HS-ETS1-4,
HS-PS3-3
Other Subjects Covered:
Math: Measurement,
Social Sciences: Geography
Estimated Activity Length:
10 hours
Solar Circuit

Variables Affecting Solar Power

Grades:
7-8
Unit:
Solar vs. Wind Energy
Lesson Number:
6
Description:

Students will plan and condict an investigation into solar photovoltaic technologies to determine what variables affect the output of panels. They will calculate and compare their exploration of solar panels to their previous investigation of wind turbines...

Energy Content:
Circuitry,
Electrical Energy,
Electricity Generation,
Solar Photovoltaic
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More Details Less Details
Learning Goal(s):
• Students will be able to identify and explain at least three variables that effect the efficiency of photovoltaic cells • Students will conduct a scientific investigation to determine which photovoltaic cell configuration will generate the most power.
Pedagogy & Practice:
Engineering Design,
Group Work/Collaboration
NGSS Science and Engineering Practices:
3: Planning and Carrying Out Investigations,
4: Analyzing and Interpreting Data,
6: Constructing Explanations and Designing Solutions,
7: Engaging in Argument from Evidence,
8: Obtaining, Evaluating, and Communicating Information
Author:
Craig Marais
Relevant NGSS PE:
MS-ETS1-2,
MS-PS3-1,
MS-PS3-4
Other Subjects Covered:
ELA: Writing,
Math: Graphing & Representation,
Math: Measurement
Estimated Activity Length:
2 hours

Cost Effective Solar Cells: Copper Oxide Cell Data Sharing

Grades:
9-12
Unit:
Cost Effective Solar Cells
Lesson Number:
6
Description:

This lesson is designed to be completed in one 40-minute section. The teacher will facilitate the sharing of student solar cell data from indoor and outdoor testing through a gallery walk session. Variables such as lighting, photovoltaic effect, copper...

Energy Content:
Circuitry,
Electrical Energy,
Electricity and Magnetism,
Electricity Generation,
Electrons,
Energy Fundamentals,
Solar Photovoltaic,
Sources of Energy
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More Details Less Details
Learning Goal(s):
Students will share and analyze oxidized copper sheet solar cell data
Pedagogy & Practice:
21st Century Skills Development,
English Language Strategies,
Engineering Design,
Establishing a Culture of Science
NGSS Science and Engineering Practices:
6: Constructing Explanations and Designing Solutions,
7: Engaging in Argument from Evidence,
8: Obtaining, Evaluating, and Communicating Information
Author:
Tom Wolverton
Relevant NGSS PE:
HS-PS1-2,
HS-PS2-6,
HS-PS3-3
Other Subjects Covered:
ELA: Speaking & Listening
Estimated Activity Length:
1 hour

Part 2 - Lesson 3: Solar Energy

Grades:
6-12
Unit:
A Community Powered by Renewable Energy
Lesson Number:
6
Description:

Students will work with local government staff or another local energy professional to propose a way to create enough solar power energy to supply the annual energy needs for a real building. Students will be provided with on-site options, and will...

Energy Content:
Electrical Energy,
Electrical Grid (Transmission & Distribution),
Electricity Generation,
Smart Grid,
Solar Photovoltaic
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More Details Less Details
Learning Goal(s):
1.Students will conduct an experiment to determine how electrical output changes as solar panels as the azimuth and tilts are incrementally changed.2.Students will conduct an experiment to determine how electrical output changes as solar panels are shaded.3.Students will work with the staff from your city or town to calculate the amount of potential electrical energy that can be collected from solar panels based upon the location and size of the system.4.Students will use existing solar data to determine the number of solar panels required to power the building in question.
Pedagogy & Practice:
Engineering Design,
Group Work/Collaboration,
Hands-on Materials,
Multiple Learning Styles,
Place-Based Learning,
Project-Based Learning,
Research-Primary
NGSS Science and Engineering Practices:
3: Planning and Carrying Out Investigations,
4: Analyzing and Interpreting Data,
5: Using Mathematics and Computational Thinking,
8: Obtaining, Evaluating, and Communicating Information
Author:
Jonathan Strunin
Relevant NGSS PE:
HS-ETS1-1,
HS-ETS1-2,
HS-ETS1-3,
HS-ETS1-4
Other Subjects Covered:
Math: Geometry,
Math: Graphing & Representation,
Math: Measurement,
Math: Ratios & Proportions,
Social Sciences: Economics
Estimated Activity Length:
6 hours

Cost Effective Solar Cells: Titanium Dioxide Solar Cell Construction and Testing

Grades:
9-12
Unit:
Cost Effective Solar Cells
Lesson Number:
7
Description:

This lesson is designed to be completed in two 80-minute sections. The teacher will show a basic procedure and video. The teacher will facilitate the construction of Organic Dye-Sensitized solar cells on coated glass plates with Titanium Dioxide. A fume...

Energy Content:
Circuitry,
Electrical Energy,
Electricity and Magnetism,
Electricity Generation,
Electrons,
Energy Fundamentals,
Materials Science,
Solar Photovoltaic,
Sources of Energy
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More Details Less Details
Learning Goal(s):
Students will construct titanium dioxide coated “raspberry juice” solar cellsStudents will test titanium dioxide coated “raspberry juice” solar cells under various conditions 
Pedagogy & Practice:
21st Century Skills Development,
Engineering Design,
Establishing a Culture of Science,
Group Work/Collaboration,
Hands-on Materials,
Multiple Learning Styles
NGSS Science and Engineering Practices:
1: Asking Questions and Defining Problems,
2: Developing and Using Models,
3: Planning and Carrying Out Investigations,
4: Analyzing and Interpreting Data
Author:
Tom Wolverton
Relevant NGSS PE:
HS-PS1-2,
HS-PS2-6,
HS-PS3-3
Estimated Activity Length:
3 hours

Cost Effective Solar Cells: Titanium Dioxide Raspberry Solar Cell Data Sharing

Grades:
9-12
Unit:
Cost Effective Solar Cells
Lesson Number:
8
Description:

This lesson is designed to be completed in one 80-minute section. The teacher will facilitate the sharing of student titanium dioxide solar cell results with emphasis on variables during data collection. Teachers will demonstrate spreadsheet sorting for...

Energy Content:
Circuitry,
Electrical Energy,
Electricity Generation,
Electrons,
Solar Photovoltaic,
Sources of Energy
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More Details Less Details
Learning Goal(s):
Students will collect and analyze titanium dioxide coated “raspberry juice” solar cell data.Students will discuss results and draw conclusions about variables that may affect power generation.
Pedagogy & Practice:
21st Century Skills Development,
English Language Strategies,
Engineering Design,
Project-Based Learning,
Research-Secondary
NGSS Science and Engineering Practices:
6: Constructing Explanations and Designing Solutions,
7: Engaging in Argument from Evidence,
8: Obtaining, Evaluating, and Communicating Information
Author:
Tom Wolverton
Relevant NGSS PE:
HS-PS1-2,
HS-PS2-6,
HS-PS3-3
Estimated Activity Length:
2 hours

Cost Effective Solar Cells: Solar Cell Manufacturing Field Trip and/or Guest Speaker

Grades:
9-12
Unit:
Cost Effective Solar Cells
Lesson Number:
9
Description:

This lesson is designed to be completed in two 80-minute sections. The teacher will facilitate a field trip to a nearby silicon manufacturing facility, solar panel manufacturing facility, or other semiconductor facility. These facilities often require...

Energy Content:
Circuitry,
Electrical Energy,
Electrical Grid (Transmission & Distribution),
Electricity and Magnetism,
Electricity Generation,
Electrons,
Energy Fundamentals,
Materials Science,
Solar Photovoltaic
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More Details Less Details
Learning Goal(s):
Students will visit a solar cell or silicon manufacturing facility and/or engage with guest speakers.Students will learn more detailed solar cell principles and manufacturing techniques involved in solar cell construction.
Pedagogy & Practice:
21st Century Skills Development
Author:
Tom Wolverton
Relevant NGSS PE:
HS-PS1-2,
HS-PS2-6,
HS-PS3-3
Estimated Activity Length:
3 hours

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