Klamath Clean Energy Educator Workshop

Location:
Klamath Falls, OR
Grade Level:
6-12

Cypress Creek Renewables provided funding to BEF for a one-day clean energy science educator workshop in April 2019. attended by very Middle School/Jr. High in Klamath County.
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Solar Mobile Design Challenge - Construction

Solar Mobile
Average Rating:
0
Unit:
Solar Mobile Design Challenge
Intended Grade Level(s):
6-8
Subject Area(s) Covered:
engineering design process
Solar design
Circuit design
Estimated Activity Length:
6 hours
Learning Goal(s):
  1. Students brainstorm ideas and share with their group.

  1. Students draw and label Solar Mobile designs in Engineering Notebooks.

  2. Students research an aircraft to trace (if this was not accomplished in the Center of Gravity lesson) and trace the aircraft outline onto foam board.

  3. Students construct a solar circuit to power motors and propellers on a foam board aircraft and test multiple times before adding to the solar mobile stand.

  4. Students construct solar mobile stand and add their aircraft to a dowel attached to the central hub.

  5. Students work with a partner to balance each aircraft onto the mobile.

  6. Students test the mobile speed outside (depending on weather) and compare to speed under indoor light stands.

  7. After initial testing, students redesign circuits or mobile construction to optimize design.

  8. Students use hand-held devices to film their moving Mobiles to judge the machine’s speed.

  9. Students demonstrate how their Solar Mobile works and justify in writing why their mobile should be chosen for the Children’s Technology Museum. 

This is the culminating hands-on project for the Solar Mobile Design Challenge Lessons, with construction aligned to an engineering design process. Students start by

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Light Source Efficiency: Exploring Irradiance

Solar Mobile
Average Rating:
0
Unit:
Solar Mobile Design Challenge
Intended Grade Level(s):
6-8
Subject Area(s) Covered:
electromagnetic radiation
Irradiance
Pyranometer
Estimated Activity Length:
2 hours
Learning Goal(s):

  1. Using a Vernier Pyranometer, students will measure electromagnetic radiation in watts per square meter (W/m2 ).

  2. Students will compare Sunlight irradiance with various indoor lighting options.

  3. Students will make a recommendation as to the optimum indoor lighting for powering solar panels. 

This lesson explores the concept of irradiance by having students use a Vernier Pryanometer. Using the “Light Source Efficiency” worksheet

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Exploring Center of Gravity

Solar Mobile
Average Rating:
0
Unit:
Solar Mobile Design Challenge
Intended Grade Level(s):
6-8
Subject Area(s) Covered:
Center of Gravity
mass
Balanced Forces
Stability
Estimated Activity Length:
2 hours
Learning Goal(s):

  1. Students will observe a discrepant event and write down questions about what they observed.

  2. Students will participate in a variety of activities using a meter stick in order to experience and learn about center of gravity.

  3. Students will find the center of gravity of an irregular shaped paper object by using a plumb line.

  4. Students will apply the concept of Center of Gravity and find the center of their solar aircraft that is to be used on their solar mobile. 

Since the concept Center of Gravity (mass) is a key factor in a mobile, students will participate in some activities to help them experience and understand this principle so it can be applied to their final

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Exploring Circuits and Optimum Power

Solar Mobile
Average Rating:
0
Unit:
Solar Mobile Design Challenge
Intended Grade Level(s):
6-8
Estimated Activity Length:
3 hours
Learning Goal(s):
  1. Students build series circuits using “grain of wheat bulb” and LEDs powered by various low voltage solar panels.

  1. Students build parallel circuits using grain of wheat and LED bulbs powered by various low voltage solar panels.

  2. Students demonstrate and draw the energy transfer using solar energy.

  3. Students draw a circuit diagram of their final optimal circuit.

  4. Students design an optimal circuit model that will be used in their final project. 

This lesson is an exploratory learning cycle that will give the instructor input as to where students are in their understanding of circuits and also scaffolds student learning. This lesson starts by engaging

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Introducing the Solar Mobile Design Challenge

Solar Mobile
Average Rating:
0
Unit:
Solar Mobile Design Challenge
Intended Grade Level(s):
6-8
Estimated Activity Length:
1 hour
Learning Goal(s):

  1. Students will be introduced to solar aircraft.

  2. Students will form and write questions about solar aircraft into their Engineering Notebooks setting the stage for future questions.

  3. Students will be introduced to a room-sized solar mobile and add additional questions to their engineering notebook.

  4. Students will be introduced to the engineering design scenario. 

This lesson is aimed to engage students and build excitement for their future engineering design challenge of building the fastest Solar Powered Mobile. Through multi-media resources, Students will encounter

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Solar Mobile Design Challenge Unit Plan

Solar Mobile
Average Rating:
0
Unit:
Solar Mobile Design Challenge
Intended Grade Level(s):
6-8
Estimated Activity Length:
0 sec
Learning Goal(s):

  1. Students will design circuits using various solar panels in order to power motors with propellers.

  2. Students will learn about solar energy transfer in order to power the motors on their solar aircraft.

  3. Students will research an aircraft and draw an outline of the aircraft onto foam board.

  4. Students will explore the concept of center of gravity.

  5. Students will test the efficiency of various light sources (incandescent, fluorescent, LED, halogen) for usage by a PV cell.

  6. Students will use their prior testing results and knowledge to engineer a solar-powered mobile.

  7. Students will work to transfer the most energy from the solar panels considering all the tested variables in order to power the fastest, most efficient mobile.

  8. Students will demonstrate and explain why their solar mobile should be chosen for the solar mobile display in the children’s museum. 

 

This unit involves students learning about transferring solar energy to small motors, exploring the center of gravity and testing light sources (including the sun). The culminating engineering design

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Developing a Model of Thermal Energy, Atoms, and Molecules

Dye in Water
Average Rating:
0
Unit:
Chemical Differences in Emergency Energy Sources
Intended Grade Level(s):
6-8
Subject Area(s) Covered:
Chemistry
Atomic Structure
Molecular Structure
Thermal Kinetic Energy
Estimated Activity Length:
9 hours
Learning Goal(s):

  1. Students will develop a model through collaborative inquiry to explain thermal kinetic energy and predict the outcome when heat is added to a substance.

  2. Students will build argumentation from evidence skills through collaborative sense-making and gallery walk presentations.

  3. Students will develop a model of atomic and molecular structures.

 

Through a series of exploration and inquiry activities, students will explain kinetic molecular theory, atomic, and molecular structures. Students will be challenged to gradually increase the precision of

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Cascade Schools

Location:
Cascade, ID
Grade Level:
K-12
Technology Type:
solar
PV System Size:
3.85 - kilowatts

This project was made possible in partnership with Idaho Power’s Solar 4R School’s Program through contributions from customers of the Green Power Program. Cascades School is a K-12 district located in Cascade, ID with the mission to inspire all students to reach their maximum potential, become lifelong learners, and be contributing, responsible citizens.

Clean energy topics and science kit materials will support new ideas in... Read full project narrative >>

St. Mary's School Boise

Location:
Boise, ID
Grade Level:
K-8
Technology Type:
solar
PV System Size:
3.72 - kilowatts

This project was made possible in partnership with Idaho Power’s Solar 4R School’s Program through contributions from customers of the Green Power Program. St. Mary’s School is a K-8 school located in Boise, ID with the mission to provide a Catholic environment that instills academic excellence while preparing the whole child for life-long personal and spiritual growth, empowering them to become global citizens. St. Mary’s School is committed to... Read full project narrative >>

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