Solar Circuit

Circuit Analysis With Solar Energy: Measure the Power Consumed by Various Devices

Grades:
6-12
Description:

Students will set up a simple circuit using a solar module and three small loads. They will then use a multimeter to measure the voltage across each load and the current through each circuit. Students will then calculate the power consumption and...

Energy Content:
Circuitry,
Electrical Energy,
Solar Photovoltaic
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Learning Goal(s):
Students will understand that voltage is a measure of a difference in electric potential energy and that current is the rate at which charge flows through a circuit. Students will understand how to measure and quantify electricity. Students will become familiar with the relationships between the fundamental electrical quantities.
Pedagogy & Practice:
Establishing a Culture of Science,
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,
6: Constructing Explanations and Designing Solutions
Author:
Emily Barrett
Relevant NGSS PE:
4-PS3-2,
4-PS3-4,
MS-PS2-3,
HS-PS3-1,
HS-PS3-2,
HS-PS3-5
Other Subjects Covered:
Math: Addition, Subtraction, Multiplication, Division,
Math: Measurement
Estimated Activity Length:
1 hour
Resource Type:
Data,
Energy Program/Initiative (Nonprofit/Industry),
Instructional Resource,
Interactive,
Report,
Research
Source:
US Department of Energy
Published:
2021
Last Updated:
2021
Intended Grade Level:
HS,
Post Secondary
Resource Link(s):
Report Broken Link
Description:

Published by US Department of Energy the Alternative Fuels Data Center is a wealth of data, maps, reports, interactives, case studies, and other resources on existing and emerging alternative fuel technologies, including electric vehicles, biodiesel, natural gas, hydrogen fuel cell, and others. Designed for fleet managers but applicable to high school classrooms, this can be a key research resource for understanding both the science and policy of alternative fuel transportation and applying to real world situations.

Location:
National
Energy Content:
Advanced Energy Careers,
Batteries & Storage,
Energy & Society,
Renewable Natural Gas,
Biomass Energy,
Fuels,
Hydrogen,
Smart Grid,
Sources of Energy,
Transportation
NGSS Disciplinary Core Idea:
ESS3.A: Natural Resources,
ESS3.C: Human Impact,
ESS3.D: Climate Change,
PS1.A: Matter: Structure & Properties,
PS1.B: Chemical Reactions,
PS3.D: Energy in Chemical Processes
Pedagogy & Practice:
21st Century Skills Development,
Career-Connected Learning,
Engineering Design,
Multiple Learning Styles,
Project-Based Learning,
Research-Secondary,
Research-Primary
Other Subjects Covered:
Computer Science,
Environmental Sciences,
ELA: Informational Text,
Math: Addition, Subtraction, Multiplication, Division,
Math: Algebra,
Math: Functions,
Math: Graphing & Representation,
Math: Measurement,
Math: Statistics & Probability,
Math: Ratios & Proportions,
Math: Trigonometry/Calculus,
Social Sciences: Economics
Resource Type:
At-Home,
Curriculum,
Instructional Resource,
Interactive,
Pedagogy,
Phenomena,
Video,
Visualization/Simulation
Source:
CK-12
Published:
2021
Last Updated:
2021
Intended Grade Level:
PreK-2,
3-5,
MS,
HS
Resource Link(s):
Report Broken Link
Description:

cK-12 is a nonprofit free database of curricular resources across all subjects, and includes complete content, interacties and simulations, assessments and videos and more. The energy content includes content that addresses the foundational content required in NGSS. 

Location:
National
Energy Content:
Electrical Energy,
Electricity and Magnetism,
Electricity Generation,
Electrons,
Energy Fundamentals,
Light (Visible),
Potential & Kinetic Energy,
Sound,
Sources of Energy
NGSS Disciplinary Core Idea:
ESS1.B: Solar System,
ESS1.C: Earth History,
ESS2.A: Earth Materials & Systems,
ESS2.C: Water on Earth,
ESS2.D: Weather & Climate,
ESS3.A: Natural Resources,
ESS3.C: Human Impact,
ESS3.D: Climate Change,
LS2.B: Matter & Energy Cycles,
LS2.C: Ecosystem Dynamics,
LS4.D: Biodiversity & Humans,
PS1.A: Matter: Structure & Properties,
PS1.B: Chemical Reactions,
PS1.C: Nuclear Processes,
PS2.A: Forces & Motion,
PS2.B: Interactions Between Forces,
PS3.A: Energy Definitions,
PS3.B: Energy Conservation & Transfer,
PS3.C: Energy & Forces,
PS3.D: Energy in Chemical Processes,
PS4.A: Wave Properties,
PS4.B: Electromagnetic Radiation,
PS4.C: Information Technologies
Pedagogy & Practice:
Establishing a Culture of Science,
Multilingual Strategies,
Multiple Learning Styles
Other Subjects Covered:
ELA: Informational Text,
ELA: Reading: Literature,
ELA: Reading: Scientific & Technical,
ELA: Speaking & Listening,
ELA: Writing,
ELA: Vocabulary Development,
Math: Addition, Subtraction, Multiplication, Division,
Math: Algebra,
Math: Functions,
Math: Geometry,
Math: Graphing & Representation,
Math: Measurement,
Math: Statistics & Probability,
Math: Ratios & Proportions,
Math: Trigonometry/Calculus,
Social Sciences: Analysis,
Social Sciences: Civics,
Social Sciences: Economics,
Social Sciences: Geography,
Social Sciences: History,
Social Sciences: Multicultural Studies
Resource Type:
At-Home,
Curriculum,
Engineering Challenges,
Instructional Resource,
Video
Source:
Perot Museum of Nature and Science
Published:
2020
Last Updated:
2021
Intended Grade Level:
3-5,
MS,
HS,
OST,
Post Secondary
Resource Link(s):
Report Broken Link
Description:

An at-home engineering challenge using simple materials to design, build and test a water-powered turbine. Accessible to nearly all ages.

Location:
National
Energy Content:
Electricity and Magnetism,
Electricity Generation,
Hydropower,
Sources of Energy
NGSS Disciplinary Core Idea:
ESS2.C: Water on Earth,
ESS3.A: Natural Resources,
PS2.A: Forces & Motion,
PS2.B: Interactions Between Forces,
PS3.A: Energy Definitions,
PS3.B: Energy Conservation & Transfer,
PS3.C: Energy & Forces
Pedagogy & Practice:
Engineering Design,
Group Work/Collaboration,
Hands-on Materials,
Multiple Learning Styles,
Phenomena-Driven Instruction,
Project-Based Learning,
STEAM/Arts
Other Subjects Covered:
Environmental Sciences,
Math: Addition, Subtraction, Multiplication, Division,
Math: Measurement
Resource Type:
Curriculum,
Instructional Resource
Source:
Washington Green Schools
Published:
2021
Last Updated:
2021
Intended Grade Level:
3-5,
MS
Resource Link(s):
Report Broken Link
Description:

Washington Green Schools guides and supports students and school communities to be leaders for a healthy environment. As part of their efforts to promote sustainable schools, they have developed a series of games and activities to help students understand energy use in their school and engage in conversations about how to reduce their energy use and clean up their sources of energy.

Location:
National,
West/Pacific NW
Energy Content:
Energy & Society,
Energy Efficiency,
Sources of Energy
NGSS Disciplinary Core Idea:
ESS3.A: Natural Resources,
ESS3.C: Human Impact,
ESS3.D: Climate Change
Pedagogy & Practice:
21st Century Skills Development,
Community Engagement,
Establishing a Culture of Science,
Field Work,
Group Work/Collaboration,
Place-Based Learning,
Project-Based Learning,
Research-Primary
Other Subjects Covered:
Environmental Sciences,
ELA: Writing,
Math: Addition, Subtraction, Multiplication, Division,
Math: Measurement,
Math: Ratios & Proportions
Resource Type:
Energy Program/Initiative (Nonprofit/Industry),
Instructional Resource,
Curriculum,
Engineering Challenges
Source:
KidWind
Published:
2020
Last Updated:
2020
Intended Grade Level:
3-5,
MS,
HS,
OST
Resource Link(s):
Report Broken Link
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:
National
Energy Content:
Circuitry,
Electrical Energy,
Electricity Generation,
Solar Photovoltaic,
Sources of Energy,
Wind Energy
NGSS Disciplinary Core Idea:
ESS3.C: Human Impact,
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,
Engineering Design,
Group Work/Collaboration,
Hands-on Materials,
Project-Based Learning
Other Subjects Covered:
ELA: Vocabulary Development,
Math: Addition, Subtraction, Multiplication, Division,
Math: Geometry,
Math: Measurement,
Math: Ratios & Proportions
Resource Type:
Instructional Resource,
Curriculum,
At-Home
Source:
KidWind
Published:
2015
Last Updated:
2020
Intended Grade Level:
PreK-2,
3-5,
MS,
HS,
OST
Resource Link(s):
Report Broken Link
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:
National
Energy Content:
Circuitry,
Electrical Energy,
Electricity and Magnetism,
Electricity Generation,
Energy Fundamentals,
Potential & Kinetic Energy,
Solar Photovoltaic,
Sources of Energy,
Transportation,
Wind Energy
NGSS Disciplinary Core Idea:
ESS3.A: Natural Resources,
ESS3.C: Human Impact,
PS2.A: Forces & Motion,
PS2.B: Interactions Between Forces,
PS3.A: Energy Definitions,
PS3.B: Energy Conservation & Transfer,
PS3.C: Energy & Forces
Pedagogy & Practice:
Engineering Design,
Group Work/Collaboration,
Hands-on Materials,
Multiple Learning Styles,
Project-Based Learning
Other Subjects Covered:
ELA: Writing,
ELA: Vocabulary Development,
Math: Addition, Subtraction, Multiplication, Division,
Math: Geometry,
Math: Measurement,
Math: Ratios & Proportions
Resource Type:
Instructional Resource,
Curriculum
Source:
ConEdison
Published:
2020
Last Updated:
2020
Intended Grade Level:
MS,
HS,
OST
Resource Link(s):
Report Broken Link
Description:

A multi-day home energy audit lesson which allows students to work with their family to explore energy usage in their homes.

Location:
National
Energy Content:
Energy Efficiency
NGSS Disciplinary Core Idea:
ESS3.C: Human Impact
Pedagogy & Practice:
Family Engagement,
Field Work,
Place-Based Learning,
Research-Primary
Other Subjects Covered:
ELA: Writing,
Math: Addition, Subtraction, Multiplication, Division
Resource Type:
Interactive,
Visualization/Simulation,
At-Home
Source:
University of Colorado Boulder
Published:
2020
Last Updated:
2020
Intended Grade Level:
3-5,
MS,
HS
Resource Link(s):
Report Broken Link
Description:

A series of over 150 digitial interacitves that allow students to explore a wide variety of science concepts, from simple energy transformations and motion, as well as beahvior of electricity in multiple contexts (static electricity, circuity, batteries, electromagnetism, fields, and more). Many include data collection and applied exploraion of science concepts in physics, chemistry, math, and more. Most are meant for secondary grades, but there are some good foundational energy interactives for upper elementary.

Location:
National
Energy Content:
Batteries & Storage,
Circuitry,
Electrical Energy,
Electricity and Magnetism,
Electricity Generation,
Electrons,
Energy Fundamentals,
Light (Visible),
Sound,
Thermal Energy (Heat)
NGSS Disciplinary Core Idea:
PS1.A: Matter: Structure & Properties,
PS1.B: Chemical Reactions,
PS2.A: Forces & Motion,
PS2.B: Interactions Between Forces,
PS3.A: Energy Definitions,
PS3.B: Energy Conservation & Transfer,
PS3.C: Energy & Forces,
PS3.D: Energy in Chemical Processes,
PS4.A: Wave Properties,
PS4.B: Electromagnetic Radiation
Other Subjects Covered:
Math: Addition, Subtraction, Multiplication, Division,
Math: Geometry,
Math: Measurement,
Math: Statistics & Probability,
Math: Ratios & Proportions
Resource Type:
Instructional Resource
Source:
National Renewable Energy Laboratory NREL
Published:
2020
Last Updated:
2020
Intended Grade Level:
HS
Resource Link(s):
Report Broken Link
Description:

This online resource is a quick and easy-to-use energy production calculator for grid-tied solar PV systems installed throughout the world that uses NREL scientific data. This website is used by solar photovoltaic energy installation and engineering professionals on a daily basis!

Location:
National
Energy Content:
Electrical Energy,
Electrical Grid (Transmission & Distribution),
Light (Visible),
Solar Photovoltaic,
Sources of Energy
NGSS Disciplinary Core Idea:
ESS3.A: Natural Resources,
ESS3.C: Human Impact,
ESS3.D: Climate Change,
PS3.B: Energy Conservation & Transfer
Pedagogy & Practice:
21st Century Skills Development,
Engineering Design,
Field Work,
Phenomena-Driven Instruction,
Place-Based Learning,
Project-Based Learning
Other Subjects Covered:
CTE: Career & Technical Education,
Math: Addition, Subtraction, Multiplication, Division,
Math: Geometry,
Math: Graphing & Representation,
Math: Measurement,
Math: Ratios & Proportions

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