Solar Photovoltaic

Electrons,

Thermal Energy (Heat)

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Learning Goal(s):

To build empathy for people in emergency situations and an understanding of how access to energy resources can increase one’s safety, health, and comfort. To understand the nature of a variety of energy needs and how different applications have different optimal solutions. To develop models to explain the molecular and extended structures of energy resources, including how the resources change when energy is generated (Electron movement in PV cells, combustion reactions in fuel). To understand that the properties of substances depends upon the atomic / molecular structure, which changes with chemical reactions. To build a circuit that includes a solar module and measure the voltage and current. To gather and evaluate information to describe the impact on society of converting natural resources into PV cells. To design, build and test a device that uses a chemical reaction to generate or absorb thermal energy. Evaluate and revise a plan for the energy resources one should store to prepare for a natural disaster.

Pedagogy & Practice:

Empathetic Engineering,

English Language Strategies,

Multiple Learning Styles,

Phenomena-Driven Instruction,

Project-Based Learning,

Research-Secondary,

Social-Emotional Learning,

STEAM/Arts

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:

Melody Childers

Relevant NGSS PE:

MS-ETS1-1,

MS-ETS1-2,

MS-ETS1-3,

MS-ETS1-4,

MS-PS1-1,

MS-PS1-2,

MS-PS1-3,

MS-PS1-4,

MS-PS1-5,

MS-PS1-6

Other Subjects Covered:

ELA: Reading: Scientific & Technical,

ELA: Speaking & Listening,

ELA: Writing,

Math: Algebra,

Math: Graphing & Representation,

Social Sciences: Multicultural Studies

Estimated Activity Length:

0 sec

Resource Type:

Data,

Interactive,

Report

Source:

International Energy Agency

Published:

2020

Last Updated:

2020

Intended Grade Level:

MS,

HS,

Post Secondary

Resource Link(s):

Renewables Data Explorer

Description:

Explore historical data and forecasts for all renewables sectors and technologies. Renewables 2020 includes a dynamic data dashboard which enables users to explore historical data and forecasts for all sectors and technologies. The associated Renewables 2020 dataset gives full access to all of the data available in this dashboard, plus additional premium data for all sectors and technologies, including additional historical years.

Location:

National,

International

Energy Content:

Renewable Natural Gas,

Biomass Energy,

Geothermal Energy,

Hydrogen,

Hydropower,

Solar Thermal,

Tidal Energy,

Wave Energy,

NGSS Disciplinary Core Idea:

ESS3.D: Climate Change

Pedagogy & Practice:

Research-Secondary

Other Subjects Covered:

Environmental Sciences

Resource Type:

Data,

Infographic,

Report

Source:

Oregon Department of Energy

Published:

2020

Last Updated:

2020

Intended Grade Level:

3-5,

MS,

HS,

OST

Resource Link(s):

Oregon Energy by the Numbers

Description:

Energy by the Numbers focuses on the metrics and data available to track how Oregon produces, purchases, and uses various types of energy. Includes many pages of graphics that highlight oregon's energy usage and production by source and by producer/utility type/sector, location of energy facilities, energy costs, and information on electric vehicles in Oregon.

Location:

West/Pacific NW

Energy Content:

Hydropower,

NGSS Disciplinary Core Idea:

ESS3.D: Climate Change

Pedagogy & Practice:

Place-Based Learning,

Research-Secondary,

Research-Primary

Other Subjects Covered:

Environmental Sciences,

Social Sciences: Economics

Resource Type:

Organizations & Possible Partners

Source:

Montana Renewable Energy Association

Published:

2020

Last Updated:

2020

Intended Grade Level:

PreK-2,

3-5,

MS,

HS,

OST,

Post Secondary

Resource Link(s):

Montana Renewable Energy Association

Description:

The Montana Renewable Energy Association is a membership based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 2000. We are businesses, individuals, families, and advocates dedicated to expanding Montana’s use of renewable energy in order to conserve natural resources, create jobs, and increase the independence and resilience of our communities.

Our mission is to expand the use of renewable energy in Montana, to affect public policy in favor of renewable energy, and to educate and inform the residents of Montana of the benefits and uses of renewable energy. Our focus is on-site and community-scale renewable energy such as solar electricity, solar hot water, and small wind generation.

Location:

West/Pacific NW,

Rockies

Energy Content:

Solar Thermal,

NGSS Disciplinary Core Idea:

ESS3.C: Human Impact

Pedagogy & Practice:

Community Engagement,

Family Engagement

Other Subjects Covered:

Environmental Sciences

Resource Type:

Apprenticeships,

Engineering Challenges,

Field Trips,

Grants/Funding,

Organizations & Possible Partners,

Scholarships

Source:

Department of Energy

Published:

2020

Last Updated:

2020

Intended Grade Level:

PreK-2,

3-5,

MS,

HS,

OST,

Post Secondary

Resource Link(s):

STEM Rising

Description:

STEM Rising inspires, educates, and sparks lifelong success in STEM by sharing resources & events from the National Labs, National Nuclear Security Administration, and program offices. View our STEM resources for students, teachers, and workforce

Location:

Energy Content:

Advanced Energy Careers,

Energy Equity and Justice,

Renewable Natural Gas,

Biomass Energy,

Energy Fundamentals,

Geothermal Energy,

Hydrogen,

Hydropower,

Smart Grid,

Solar Thermal,

Tidal Energy,

Transportation,

Wave Energy,

NGSS Disciplinary Core Idea:

ESS2.A: Earth Materials & Systems,

ESS2.D: Weather & Climate,

ESS3.D: Climate Change,

PS3.A: Energy Definitions,

PS3.B: Energy Conservation & Transfer

Pedagogy & Practice:

Career-Connected Learning,

Establishing a Culture of Science,

Place-Based Learning,

Other Subjects Covered:

Computer Science,

Environmental Sciences,

CTE: Career & Technical Education

Resource Type:

Engineering Challenges

Source:

KidWind

Published:

2020

Last Updated:

2020

Intended Grade Level:

3-5,

MS,

HS,

OST

Resource Link(s):

KidWind Online Challenge

Description:

Two really fantastic and engaging engineering challenges held both nationally and online for grades 4-12: Wind Engineering and Solar Structures. Educators and students are provided with scaffolded lessons for engaging in the fundmanetal content of the challenge, as well as guidance for how to prepare and structure the challenge. Challenges can be run at the class, school, district, or regional level and the in-person challenge includes regional and national competitions. Kidwind also provide professional development opportunities for educators.

Location:

Energy Content:

NGSS Disciplinary Core Idea:

ESS3.D: Climate Change,

PS2.A: Forces & Motion,

PS2.B: Interactions Between Forces,

PS3.A: Energy Definitions,

PS3.B: Energy Conservation & Transfer,

PS3.C: Energy & Forces

Pedagogy & Practice:

Community Engagement,

Other Subjects Covered:

ELA: Vocabulary Development,

Math: Addition, Subtraction, Multiplication, Division,

Math: Geometry,

Math: Measurement,

Math: Ratios & Proportions

Solar SPRK+ Unit Overview

Grades:

6-8

Unit:

Solar SPRK+

Description:

This unit incorporates basic programming knowledge and solar energy into an engineering design challenge using Sphero SPRK+ robots. The theme for this challenge centers on the idea of Mars rovers, and the challenges faced in space exploration, specifically...

Energy Content:

Electronics,

Solar Photovoltaic

More Details Less Details

Learning Goal(s):

Students will develop tools to use in the Engineering Design Process.Students will learn drag and drop programming with Sphero Edu (formerly Lightning Lab).Students will determine how series and parallel circuits affect voltage and current.Students will understand how to use photovoltaic sources to charge a SPRK+.Students will design a chariot to carry a photovoltaic power source for a SPRK+.Students will learn to program a SPRK+ ball and chariot through a maze.

Pedagogy & Practice:

21st Century Skills Development,

Project-Based Learning,

Research-Secondary

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,

8: Obtaining, Evaluating, and Communicating Information

Author:

Deb Frankel

Relevant NGSS PE:

MS-ETS1-1,

MS-ETS1-2,

MS-ETS1-3

Other Subjects Covered:

Computer Science,

ELA: Speaking & Listening,

ELA: Vocabulary Development

Estimated Activity Length:

10 hours

Resource Type:

At-Home

Source:

KidWind

Published:

2015

Last Updated:

2020

Intended Grade Level:

PreK-2,

3-5,

MS,

HS,

OST

Resource Link(s):

Recharge Labs Activities

Description:

A series of 9 hands-on lessons (grades 2-12) that explore wind and solar energy, cirtcuity and electricity generation using a mixture of design and DIY tools. The includes materials lists and video support guides for implementing the curriculum.

Location:

Energy Content:

Electricity and Magnetism,

Energy Fundamentals,

Potential & Kinetic Energy,

Transportation,

NGSS Disciplinary Core Idea:

PS2.A: Forces & Motion,

PS2.B: Interactions Between Forces,

PS3.A: Energy Definitions,

PS3.B: Energy Conservation & Transfer,

PS3.C: Energy & Forces

Pedagogy & Practice:

Multiple Learning Styles,

Other Subjects Covered:

ELA: Writing,

ELA: Vocabulary Development,

Math: Addition, Subtraction, Multiplication, Division,

Math: Geometry,

Math: Measurement,

Math: Ratios & Proportions

Resource Type:

Action Guide,

Report,

Video,

Research

Source:

Generation 180

Published:

2020

Last Updated:

2020

Intended Grade Level:

3-5,

MS,

HS,

OST

Resource Link(s):

Generation 180

Description:

Generation 180 is a nonprofi working to inspire and equip people to take action on clean energy. The site includes a wealth of resources for engaging student's in exploring how they use energy, understanding how energy decisions are made, and providing them with tools so they can take big or small actions to promote clean energy locally. Two features include the Energy Challenge (to organize class/local challenges) and the Boot Camp virtual course. The site also has reports on school solar, with success stories, trends, and guide for including solar in your school.

Location:

Energy Content:

Energy Equity and Justice,

Smart Grid,

Transportation

NGSS Disciplinary Core Idea:

ESS3.D: Climate Change

Pedagogy & Practice:

21st Century Skills Development,

Place-Based Learning,

Other Subjects Covered:

Environmental Sciences,

Social Sciences: Analysis,

Social Sciences: Civics,

Social Sciences: Economics

Resource Type:

Data,

Report,

Research

Source:

American Jobs Project

Published:

2018

Last Updated:

2020

Intended Grade Level:

MS,

HS,

OST,

Post Secondary

Resource Link(s):

AJP State Reports

Description:

The American Jobs Project develops practical, customized strategies to promote economic development and advanced energy jobs. They have published state-level industry reports highlighting opportunities in Advanced Energy for 24 states for the next 10 years. These can be great ways to identify Career-Connected Learning opporunities and industry partners in your state.

Location:

Energy Content:

Advanced Energy Careers,

Demand Response,