How the Amount of Light Affects a Solar Cell

Solar Circuit
Average Rating:
0
Unit:
Intended Grade Level(s):
6-8
Subject Area(s) Covered:
Energy
renewable resources
inquiry
electricity
solar power
Estimated Activity Length:
40 min

Students will cover portions of a solar cell and measure the output with a multimeter. They will compare and contrast the outputs of different percentages shaded and different configurations using the same percentage shaded. 

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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 >>

Using a Multimeter to Analyze a Solar Circuit: Measuring Current and Voltage—Calculating Power and Resistance

Solar Circuit
Average Rating:
0
Intended Grade Level(s):
6-12
Subject Area(s) Covered:
Energy
electricity
Power
solar energy
circuit analysis
Estimated Activity Length:
1 hour 30 min
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.

Relevant Common Core Standard(s):

Students will set up a simple circuit using a multimeter and a load resistor to measure the voltage and current in the circuit. Students will learn to use a multimeter, learn how to calculate power and be introduced to Ohm’s Law. This activity provides a good introduction to understanding the relationship between fundamental electricity... View full description >>

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

Solar Circuit
Average Rating:
0
Intended Grade Level(s):
6-12
Subject Area(s) Covered:
Energy
electricity
Power
solar energy
circuit analysis
Estimated Activity Length:
1 hour 30 min
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.

Relevant Common Core Standard(s):

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 resistance of each load.

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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 >>