Hypothesizing Why Solar Beads Change Color

UV Color Changing Beads
Average Rating:
5
Intended Grade Level(s):
3-5
Subject Area(s) Covered:
solar energy
Energy
wavelengths of light
Estimated Activity Length:
30 min
Learning Goal(s):

Students will be introduced to the vocabulary of observation, hypothesis, and evidence. Students will use the process of science discourse where people respectfully listen and disagree with each other’s ideas.

Relevant Common Core Standard(s):

The purpose of this activity is to introduce the idea that sunlight is energy and that this energy can be absorbed, converted into heat, or even cause a chemical reaction to occur. This lesson is also an introduction to the process of science, involving observation, hypothesis, testing, introducing evidence and respectfully listening to... View full description >>

Engineering with Renewable Energy: Solar Water Pumping

Outdoor Circuitry
Average Rating:
0
Intended Grade Level(s):
4-5
Subject Area(s) Covered:
Engineering
Solar water pumping
Estimated Activity Length:
2 hours
Learning Goal(s):

The students will be able to learn what a solar cell looks like and how light energy triggers the cell to release negative charges to move toward the positive side, creating power as it moves from one side to the other. Students will be able to arrange four panels into the correct order to create power for an object and interact with a 3D model of a module to understand how the electricity to power the fan is created. The students will be able to experiment with solar panels (angle, direction) to power a small fan/LED light/circuit board. Students will be able to identify the best position/angle for maximum power. Students will apply scientific ideas to design and test a solar powered water pump that moves water at the fastest rate. Students will experiment and build understanding of parallel and series wiring and how energy moves in these circuits.

Relevant Common Core Standard(s):

Students will learn that energy from a renewable resource can be converted to electrical energy to do work by engineering a water pump system powered by the sun. They will compare the volume of water pumped by different designs and graph data collected and use the data to evaluate their designs. The lessons integrate Common Core State Standards... View full description >>

Solar Tracker Challenge

Solar Tracker
Average Rating:
0
Intended Grade Level(s):
5-7
Subject Area(s) Covered:
Engineering
electrical current
Estimated Activity Length:
1 hour 30 min
Learning Goal(s):

Students observe and replicate a simple solar tracker; learn basic electric circuits and terminology; reflect on possible improvements for solar tracker; and reflect on how the engineering design process is used daily.

Students will build a simple circuit that can be used to track a light source. This circuit will be used as a springboard for discussion into the engineering design process, solar tracking, and basic electricity and circuits. The simple solar tracker operates by providing two current sources, the solar cells, which are wired to work against... View full description >>

Solar and SODIS: Creating Clean Water for the World

SODIS_UV Treament
Average Rating:
0
Intended Grade Level(s):
5-8
Subject Area(s) Covered:
social studies
biology
life science
solar energy
Energy
Estimated Activity Length:
1 hour 30 min
Learning Goal(s):

Students will be introduced to the range of microbes in the environment, understand the risks of “dirty water” and be able to explain how energy from the sun can purify water through the SODIS technique.

According to Nobel Laureate Richard Smalley, the number one and two challenges for humanity are energy and clean water. This classroom activity will introduce students to a low cost, renewable technique that connects these two issues. During the activity, students will learn about the risks of contaminated water as part of the spring microbe/... View full description >>

How a Solar Cell Works: Photon Simulation

Photovoltaic Module
Average Rating:
0
Intended Grade Level(s):
4-8
Subject Area(s) Covered:
Energy
Estimated Activity Length:
50 min
Learning Goal(s):

To understand how a solar cell operates on the atomic level, through a simulation experience

The purpose of this activity is to simulate the movement of electrons at the p-n junction to create an electrical current. Students will play a modified game of musical chairs, where teams will compete against each other while creating their own electricity. By participating in the activity, students will be able to “see” how electricity is... View full description >>

Energy Review: Practical and Technical Perspectives—What is Energy?

Sources of Energy
Average Rating:
0
Intended Grade Level(s):
4-8
Subject Area(s) Covered:
Energy
Estimated Activity Length:
50 min
Learning Goal(s):

To access prior knowledge about different forms of energy

Students will take a short field trip around the school to identify different types of energy. View full description >>

KIPP LA - College Prepartory School

Location:
Los Angeles, CA
Grade Level:
5-8
Technology Type:
PV System Size:
2.20 - kilowatts

As a Renewable School, KIPP LA College Preparatory School in Los Angeles, California is building a dedicated community of renewable energy educators, generating clean energy through their photovoltaic (PV) system, and leveraging the system's performance data as an educational tool to bring energy topics to life in their classrooms.

The project at KIPP LA represents the commitment of Major League Soccer (MLS WORKS) and Continental Tire to give back to the east Los Angeles community and the environment. In 2011, these funding partners came together with Solar 4R Schools to provide... Read full project narrative >>

Nez Perce Tribal Fish Hatchery

Location:
Juliaetta, ID
Grade Level:
K-12
Technology Type:
PV System Size:
10.00 - kilowatts

In February 2015 the Nez Perce Tribe completed a 10kW PV demonstration system at the Tribal Hatchery Complex in Juliaetta, Idaho. As a Renewable Facility, this project will function as an ongoing community education tool by teachers in four area school districts to supplement sustainability education for students throughout the Nez Perce region.



Solar 4R Schools provided a renewable energy teacher training workshop to area teachers along with customized, durable science kits for four school districts valued at approximately $12,000. Teachers at each participating school... Read full project narrative >>

Funhouse Commons

Location:
Eastsound, WA
Grade Level:
K-12
Technology Type:
PV System Size:
12.00 - kilowatts

Located in Eastsound, WA, on Orcas Island, The Funhouse Commons was founded by local activists in the spring of 1999. The Funhouse is a youth-oriented community center that fosters educational play with hands-on science exhibits, computer-based labs, and art and entertainment facilities. The Funhouse also provides many important social services aimed at the most vulnerable children in the community. The facility was designed to be a hands-on children's science museum. Science and sustainability topics are core to education programs at the Funhouse. Each year, Funhouse Commons hosts an... Read full project narrative >>

Crestline Elementary

Location:
Vancouver, WA
Grade Level:
K-5
Technology Type:
PV System Size:
12.00 - kilowatts

As a Renewable School, Crestline Elementary School is demonstrating its commitment to sustainable living and a clean energy future. Thanks to support from Clark Public Utilities, the school is generating renewable solar energy through their 12-kilowatt photovoltaic (PV) system, and leveraging the system's performance data as an interactive, real-world educational tool to bring energy topics to life in their classrooms. A wall-mounted, interactive... Read full project narrative >>