Light (Visible)

Solar Thermal,

Sources of Energy,

Thermal Energy (Heat)

More Details Less Details

Learning Goal(s):

• Students will discuss how energy from the sun is transmitted in a variety of forms that perform different amounts of work. • Students will identify multiple pieces of evidence that demonstrate energy being transmitted from the sun.

NGSS Science and Engineering Practices:

1: Asking Questions and Defining Problems,

6: Constructing Explanations and Designing Solutions

Author:

Jamie Repasky

Relevant NGSS PE:

4-PS3-2

Other Subjects Covered:

Estimated Activity Length:

1 hour

What is Energy Transfer?

Grades:

4-6

Unit:

Solar Boats

Lesson Number:

Description:

Students will continue to build an understanding of the fundamentals of energy through observing and describing a variety of energy transformations and build on their foundational vocabulary for identifying and discussing energy concepts. In this stage of...

Energy Content:

Potential & Kinetic Energy,

Solar Photovoltaic,

Sound,

Thermal Energy (Heat)

More Details Less Details

Learning Goal(s):

Students will obtain the foundational knowledge of energy sources and forms of energy. In addition, students will learn that energy can transfer from one form to another. Students will be able to match images of energy transformations to their respected vocabulary.

Pedagogy & Practice:

Hands-on Materials,

Phenomena-Driven Instruction

NGSS Science and Engineering Practices:

1: Asking Questions and Defining Problems

Author:

Carol Patrick

Relevant NGSS PE:

4-PS3-2

Estimated Activity Length:

2 hours

How Light Intensity Affects Solar Cell Output

Grades:

6-8

Unit:

PV Output

Lesson Number:

Description:

Students will expose solar cells to a light source from different distances and measure the output with a multimeter. They will compare and contrast the outputs that the different distances produce.

Energy Content:

Circuitry,

Electricity Generation,

Solar Photovoltaic

More Details Less Details

Learning Goal(s):

After the completion of this lab, students will be able to describe how the light intensity affects solar cell output, have practiced using a multimeter, and have analyzed collected data.

Pedagogy & Practice:

Hands-on Materials

NGSS Science and Engineering Practices:

6: Constructing Explanations and Designing Solutions,

7: Engaging in Argument from Evidence

Author:

Todd Freiboth

Other Subjects Covered:

Math: Graphing & Representation,

Keeping it Cool With Solar

Estimated Activity Length:

40 min

Keeping it Cool With Solar: Making Shade

Grades:

K-2

Unit:

Lesson Number:

Description:

This lesson is designed for one 30-minute session. After reviewing the hot/cool playground spots from Lesson 1, Students will be asked, “On a hot day, which materials might keep the ground the coolest?”. Students will be given tissue paper, photocopy...

Energy Content:

Energy Efficiency,

Solar Thermal

More Details Less Details

Learning Goal(s):

1. Students will analyze the effect of different types and colors of paper have when placed in the path of sunlight.

Pedagogy & Practice:

Early Childhood Learning,

Engineering Design,

Establishing a Culture of Science

NGSS Science and Engineering Practices:

1: Asking Questions and Defining Problems,

2: Developing and Using Models,

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:

Mark Lewin

Relevant NGSS PE:

K-PS3-1

Other Subjects Covered:

ELA: Speaking & Listening,

Estimated Activity Length:

30 min

Our Place in Space: Tracking the Earth's Path Around the Sun

Grades:

1-3

Unit:

Our Place in Space

Lesson Number:

Description:

During sessions in October, January, and April we will discuss observations about the weather during that season (temperature, length of day, precipitation) and explore how this relates to the Earth’s movement around the Sun. The lesson series will start...

Energy Content:

Sources of Energy,

Thermal Energy (Heat)

More Details Less Details

Learning Goal(s):

Students will be able describe how the Earth orbits the Sun and how the tilt of the planet creates the seasons by recording the ‘Sun’s path’ in our sky in the fall, winter, and spring.

Pedagogy & Practice:

Hands-on Materials,

Multiple Learning Styles

NGSS Science and Engineering Practices:

4: Analyzing and Interpreting Data

Author:

Jamie Repasky

Relevant NGSS PE:

1-ESS1-1,

1-ESS1-2,

3-ESS2-1

Other Subjects Covered:

Estimated Activity Length:

6 hours

Creating a Light-Tracking Servo

Grades:

9-12

Unit:

Robotic Sunflower

Lesson Number:

Description:

Students will learn how to program the Basic Stamp to use information from two photoresistors to point a servo at a light source. This will be the first degree of freedom for the flower head.

Energy Content:

Circuitry,

Electronics,

Light (Visible)

More Details Less Details

Learning Goal(s):

Students will synthesize the previous lesson for light metering and servo control to design a servo controlled by two photoresistors that will track a light source.

Pedagogy & Practice:

21st Century Skills Development,

Engineering Design,

Project-Based Learning

NGSS Science and Engineering Practices:

5: Using Mathematics and Computational Thinking

Author:

Pat Blount

Relevant NGSS PE:

HS-ETS1-1,

HS-ETS1-2,

HS-ETS1-3,

HS-PS3-1,

HS-PS3-3

Other Subjects Covered:

Computer Science

Estimated Activity Length:

1 hour

How Tilt Angle Affects Solar Cell Output

Grades:

6-8

Unit:

PV Output

Lesson Number:

Description:

Students will expose solar cells to a light source from a set distance and measure the output with a multimeter. Students will change the angle that the light source strikes the solar panel and measure the resultant output. They will compare and contrast...

Energy Content:

Circuitry,

Electricity Generation,

Solar Photovoltaic

More Details Less Details

Learning Goal(s):

After the completion of this lab, students will be able to describe how the angle of light exposure affects solar cell output, have practiced using a multimeter, and have analyzed collected data.

Pedagogy & Practice:

Hands-on Materials

NGSS Science and Engineering Practices:

6: Constructing Explanations and Designing Solutions,

7: Engaging in Argument from Evidence

Author:

Todd Freiboth

Other Subjects Covered:

Math: Graphing & Representation,

Keeping it Cool With Solar

Estimated Activity Length:

40 min

Keeping it Cool With Solar: Design Time

Grades:

K-2

Unit:

Lesson Number:

Description:

This lesson is designed for one 30-minute session. Students are shown materials. Students are asked “How might we design a structure that will keep the ground the coolest?” Students design their structures by discussing, collaborating, and drawing....

Energy Content:

Energy Efficiency,

Solar Thermal,

Sources of Energy

More Details Less Details

Learning Goal(s):

1. Students design structures that will optimize cooling the earth’s surface from sunlight.

Pedagogy & Practice:

Early Childhood Learning,

Engineering Design,

Establishing a Culture of Science

NGSS Science and Engineering Practices:

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:

Mark Lewin

Relevant NGSS PE:

K-PS3-1

Other Subjects Covered:

ELA: Speaking & Listening,

Solar Mobile Design Challenge

Estimated Activity Length:

30 min

Light Source Efficiency: Exploring Irradiance

Grades:

6-8

Unit:

Lesson Number:

Description:

This lesson explores the concept of irradiance by having students use a Vernier Pryanometer. Using the “Light Source Efficiency” worksheet to guide their work, students measure irradiance as compared to the Sun’s irradiance to see what would be the best...

Energy Content:

Solar Photovoltaic

More Details Less Details

Learning Goal(s):

Using a Vernier Pyranometer, students will measure electromagnetic radiation in watts per square meter (W/m2 ). Students will compare Sunlight irradiance with various indoor lighting options. Students will make a recommendation as to the optimum indoor lighting for powering solar panels.

Pedagogy & Practice:

Field Work,

Hands-on Materials

NGSS Science and Engineering Practices:

5: Using Mathematics and Computational Thinking,

6: Constructing Explanations and Designing Solutions,

7: Engaging in Argument from Evidence

Author:

Kristy Schneider

Other Subjects Covered:

ELA: Informational Text,

Estimated Activity Length:

2 hours

Energy Efficiency - Lighting

Grades:

4-5

Unit:

Solar Ovens

Lesson Number:

Description:

In this lesson, students will learn how to read light bulb packaging (lighting facts) and do a whole class experiment comparing a 60-watt incandescent to an equivalent CFL and an LED bulb. This experiment will be conducted using a kil-o-watt meter,...

Energy Content:

Energy Efficiency,

Light (Visible)

More Details Less Details

Learning Goal(s):

Students will understand what energy efficiency means, and learn how to choose energy efficient light bulbs. Students will determine which lightbulbs are the most efficient. Students will understand how energy efficiency relates to energy generation and climate change.

NGSS Science and Engineering Practices:

2: Developing and Using Models,

3: Planning and Carrying Out Investigations

Author:

Debbie Abel

Relevant NGSS PE:

5-PS3-1,

5-ESS2-1,

5-ESS3-1

Other Subjects Covered:

ELA: Vocabulary Development,