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Design a 50 Year Energy Plan

50 Year Energy Plan - Unit Plan

Grades:
9-12
Unit:
50 Year Energy Plan
Description:

Throughout this creative, hands-on Unit, students are challenged to scale up every Disciplinary Core Idea and Science & Engineering Practice they’ve learned - from simple electricity generation, to building their own stereo speakers and DIY electric...

Energy Content:
Batteries & Storage,
Circuitry,
Electrical Energy,
Electrical Grid (Transmission & Distribution),
Electricity and Magnetism,
Electricity Generation,
Electronics,
Electrons,
Light (Visible),
Solar Photovoltaic,
Sources of Energy,
Wind Energy
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More Details Less Details
Learning Goal(s):
Explore causes and effects of climate change as related to energy production. Develop a working understanding of varying stakeholder perspectives on the causes and effects of climate change. Through hands-on exploration, build a working speaker that can connect to a cellphone. Use DIY speakers as a model to observe the process of producing electrical currents with a simple generator. Design, build and refine a wind turbine to efficiently convert mechanical energy into electrical energy. Design, build and refine a system that is the most effective at converting the sunlight into electrical energy. Students develop models to study the relationship between the Earth’s atmospheric composition and the Earth’s surface temperatures using simple diagrams. Students reflect on the impact of energy sources and power production on the environment. Students utilize their knowledge of how energy generation processes impacts the environment to inform how and why they develop a 50-year Energy Plan for their local community. 
Pedagogy & Practice:
Social-Emotional Learning,
Project-Based Learning,
Place-Based Learning,
Phenomena-Driven Instruction,
Hands-on Materials,
Group Work/Collaboration,
Engineering Design
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
Author:
Bradford Hill
Relevant NGSS PE:
HS-ESS2-4,
HS-ESS3-1,
HS-ESS3-2,
HS-ETS1-1,
HS-ETS1-3,
HS-ETS1-4,
HS-PS2-5,
HS-PS3-3,
HS-PS3-5,
HS-PS4-3
Other Subjects Covered:
Computer Science,
ELA: Speaking & Listening,
ELA: Writing,
Math: Graphing & Representation,
Math: Measurement,
Social Sciences: Analysis,
Social Sciences: Civics,
Social Sciences: Geography,
Social Sciences: Multicultural Studies
Estimated Activity Length:
0 sec
Design a 50 Year Energy Plan

Scaling up to Power Production: Let’s Engineer a Wind Turbine

Grades:
9-12
Unit:
50 Year Energy Plan
Lesson Number:
3
Description:

After working through Lessons 1 and 2 of this Unit, students are now familiar with the physics of how generators work. The next step in Lesson 3 is to investigate how existing power generation systems operate and supply electricity to entire geographic...

Energy Content:
Batteries & Storage,
Circuitry,
Electrical Energy,
Electrical Grid (Transmission & Distribution),
Wind Energy
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More Details Less Details
Learning Goal(s):
1. Design, build, and refine a wind turbine in order to effectively and efficiently convert motion into mechanical energy and then into electrical energy 
Pedagogy & Practice:
Engineering Design,
Group Work/Collaboration
NGSS Science and Engineering Practices:
1: Asking Questions and Defining Problems,
3: Planning and Carrying Out Investigations,
4: Analyzing and Interpreting Data,
5: Using Mathematics and Computational Thinking,
6: Constructing Explanations and Designing Solutions
Author:
Bradford Hill
Relevant NGSS PE:
HS-PS3-3
Other Subjects Covered:
ELA: Speaking & Listening,
Math: Graphing & Representation
Estimated Activity Length:
5 hours
Design a 50 Year Energy Plan

What is Our Plan?

Grades:
9-12
Unit:
50 Year Energy Plan
Lesson Number:
6
Description:

With all the pieces in place, this Unit’s final lesson asks students to code a spreadsheet that calculates and mathematically predicts the environmental impacts of different energy sources and strategies over a 50 year timespan. Divided into five...

Energy Content:
Batteries & Storage,
Biomass Energy,
Electrical Grid (Transmission & Distribution),
Hydropower,
Solar Photovoltaic,
Sources of Energy,
Wind Energy
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More Details Less Details
Learning Goal(s):
1. Students utilize their knowledge of energy’s impact on global systems as well as the process of energy generation in order to inform their development of a 50-year Energy Plan divided into decades. 
Pedagogy & Practice:
Engineering Design,
Group Work/Collaboration,
Place-Based Learning,
Project-Based Learning
NGSS Science and Engineering Practices:
5: Using Mathematics and Computational Thinking,
6: Constructing Explanations and Designing Solutions,
7: Engaging in Argument from Evidence
Author:
Bradford Hill
Relevant NGSS PE:
HS-ESS3-2,
HS-ETS1-1,
HS-ETS1-3,
HS-ETS1-4
Other Subjects Covered:
ELA: Writing,
Math: Graphing & Representation,
Social Sciences: Analysis,
Social Sciences: Geography
Estimated Activity Length:
5 hours
Arduino Angler Design

Illuminate Me: Merging Conductive Sewing, Technology, and Solar Power

Grades:
7-12
Unit:
Illuminate Me
Description:

Light up your clothing using solar power! For this unit, students will attach thin, flexible solar modules to a bike helmet and recharge NiMH rechargeable batteries for a renewable energy battery pack. The rechargeable batteries will be used to light up...

Energy Content:
Batteries & Storage,
Circuitry,
Electrical Energy,
Electronics,
Solar Photovoltaic
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More Details Less Details
Learning Goal(s):
1. Students will design and sew a wearable circuit using conductive thread. 2. Students will program a wearable microcontroller to light up garment with bright LEDs. 3. Students will incorporate solar power into a wearable garment project by recharging NiMH batteries for a renewable energy battery pack. 4. Students will apply knowledge of circuitry and energy transfer to maximize design.
Pedagogy & Practice:
21st Century Skills Development,
Project-Based Learning,
Hands-on Materials,
Engineering Design
NGSS Science and Engineering Practices:
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:
Kristy Schneider
Relevant NGSS PE:
MS-ETS1-1,
MS-PS1-3,
MS-PS3-5,
HS-ETS1-2,
HS-ETS1-3,
HS-ETS1-4
Other Subjects Covered:
Computer Science,
ELA: Speaking & Listening,
ELA: Vocabulary Development,
Math: Graphing & Representation,
Math: Measurement
Estimated Activity Length:
10 hours
Lead Acid Battery

Solar Battery Charging

Grades:
7-12
Unit:
Solar Battery Charging
Description:

Students will become familiar with circuits, cells, batteries, and photovoltaic cells, then plan, build, test, modify, and re-test a small solar battery charger designed to maintain batteries from a particular device.

Energy Content:
Batteries & Storage,
Circuitry,
Electrical Energy,
Electricity Generation,
Solar Photovoltaic
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More Details Less Details
Learning Goal(s):
Students will build series, parallel, and parallel series circuits from a schematic diagram. Students will master the basic concept of battery charging. Students will be able to plan and build solar battery chargers for a given battery system. Intermediate students will calculate time to charge a depleted battery to its full capacity given specifications of a solar module. Students will be able to explain how a solar cell works with diagrams and words. Students will use a digital multi-meter to measure voltage, current, resistance, and diode polarity.
Pedagogy & Practice:
Hands-on Materials,
Group Work/Collaboration,
Engineering Design
NGSS Science and Engineering Practices:
2: Developing and Using Models,
3: Planning and Carrying Out Investigations,
5: Using Mathematics and Computational Thinking,
6: Constructing Explanations and Designing Solutions,
8: Obtaining, Evaluating, and Communicating Information
Author:
Luke Robbins
Relevant NGSS PE:
MS-ETS1-1,
HS-ESS3-4,
HS-ETS1-2,
HS-PS3-3
Other Subjects Covered:
ELA: Vocabulary Development,
Math: Algebra,
Math: Measurement
Estimated Activity Length:
9 hours
Solar Circuit

Solar vs. Battery Circuits

Grades:
4-5
Unit:
Solar Ovens
Lesson Number:
6
Description:

In this lesson, students will explore and do small experiments with mini solar panels and circuit boards. The class will discuss the advantages and disadvantages of solar energy. Students will continue to work in their Solar Energy Student Notebooks to...

Energy Content:
Batteries & Storage,
Biomass Energy,
Electrical Energy,
Solar Photovoltaic
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More Details Less Details
Learning Goal(s):
Students will do experiments that reinforce the idea that the sun’s energy can be transferred into electrical energy. Students will also explore and discuss the advantages and disadvantages of solar energy. Students will discuss how solar energy compares to other forms of energy generation.
Pedagogy & Practice:
Group Work/Collaboration,
Hands-on Materials,
Multiple Learning Styles
NGSS Science and Engineering Practices:
3: Planning and Carrying Out Investigations,
7: Engaging in Argument from Evidence
Author:
Debbie Abel
Relevant NGSS PE:
4-PS3-2,
4-PS3-4,
3-5-ETS1-1,
3-5-ETS1-2,
3-5-ETS1-3
Other Subjects Covered:
ELA: Writing
Estimated Activity Length:
50 min
Sphero SPRK+

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:
Batteries & Storage,
Circuitry,
Electrical Energy,
Electronics,
Solar Photovoltaic
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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,
Engineering Design,
Group Work/Collaboration,
Hands-on Materials,
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
Solar Charger Diagram

Replacing Fossil Fuels?

Grades:
10-12
Unit:
Solar Transportation
Lesson Number:
1
Description:

As students begin to look at the role photovoltaics might play within the transportation energy sector, it is important for them to understand why the phasing-out of fossil fuels is such a daunting task. This lesson is designed to help students comprehend...

Energy Content:
Batteries & Storage,
Biomass Energy,
Energy Fundamentals,
Fuels,
Materials Science,
Sources of Energy,
Transportation
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More Details Less Details
Learning Goal(s):
1. Students will define energy density. 2. Students will compare energy densities among various transportation fuel options. 3. Students will compare costs per unit of energy among various transportation fuel options. 4. Students will compare energy return on energy invested among various transportation fuel options. 5. Students will assess which fuels have the most potential to replace fossil fuels in the transportation sector using a weighted matrix.
NGSS Science and Engineering Practices:
1: Asking Questions and Defining Problems,
5: Using Mathematics and Computational Thinking
Author:
Clayton Hudiburg
Relevant NGSS PE:
HS-ETS1-1,
HS-ETS1-3
Other Subjects Covered:
Math: Addition, Subtraction, Multiplication, Division,
Math: Algebra,
Math: Measurement
Estimated Activity Length:
1 hour
Solar Charger Diagram

Background Research on Alternative Transportation Vehicles

Grades:
10-12
Unit:
Solar Transportation
Lesson Number:
2
Description:

Students completing this lesson will already have identified some of the problems inherent in the development of ideas to replace fossil fuels in the transportation sector. Students will now conduct some research to identify some of the pros and cons of...

Energy Content:
Batteries & Storage,
Fuels,
Hydrogen,
Sources of Energy,
Transportation
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More Details Less Details
Learning Goal(s):
1. Students will define BEVs, HEVs, HFCVs, and HICEVs 2. Students will compare the above vehicles and relate the pros and cons of each technology 3. Students will begin to evaluate which type of technology might be best suited for the goal of replacing fossil fuels in the transportation sector 4. Students will begin to brainstorm ideas for how solar energy might be used to enhance these technologies
Pedagogy & Practice:
Research-Secondary,
Research-Primary
NGSS Science and Engineering Practices:
6: Constructing Explanations and Designing Solutions,
8: Obtaining, Evaluating, and Communicating Information
Author:
Clayton Hudiburg
Relevant NGSS PE:
HS-ESS3-4,
HS-ETS1-1,
HS-ETS1-3
Other Subjects Covered:
ELA: Informational Text
Estimated Activity Length:
1 hour
Solar Charger Diagram

Can Portable PV Charge Vehicles?

Grades:
10-12
Unit:
Solar Transportation
Lesson Number:
3
Description:

In this lesson, students will begin to explore the potential and challenges related to using photovoltaics to supplement the power needed to charge batteries in BEVs. Students will test a variety of wiring options related to series and parallel wiring....

Energy Content:
Batteries & Storage,
Circuitry,
Electrical Energy,
Electricity Generation,
Energy Fundamentals,
Fuels,
Solar Photovoltaic,
Transportation
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More Details Less Details
Learning Goal(s):
Students will explore the role of series and parallel wiring as they pertain to voltage and amperage.Students will explore the processes involved with charging batteries and relate these processes to voltage and amperage.Students will test photovoltaic modules to identify voltage and amperage outputs.Students will calculate, using data from field tests, the maximum power that can be produced using photovoltaics within the constraints of a typical passenger vehicle’s surface area.Students will calculate charging times using various PV array power ratings.
Pedagogy & Practice:
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
Author:
Clayton Hudiburg
Relevant NGSS PE:
HS-ESS3-2,
HS-ESS3-4,
HS-ETS1-1,
HS-ETS1-2,
HS-ETS1-3,
HS-PS3-2
Other Subjects Covered:
ELA: Writing,
ELA: Vocabulary Development,
Math: Addition, Subtraction, Multiplication, Division,
Math: Algebra,
Math: Measurement
Estimated Activity Length:
2 hours

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