Gears vs. Pulleys on Solar Cars

Grades:
4-6
Unit:
Lesson Number:
1
Description:

Students will design an investigation to test differences between solar vehicles. This is an excellent follow-up lesson to the solar boat activity or any other activity in which students have already experimented with other types of solar vehicles. However...

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Learning Goal(s):
Students will design an investigation to test differences between solar vehicles. They will make claims based on backing evidence, without having directly tested their vehicles before this point. They will use background knowledge regarding pulleys and gears in order to begin the design process. Students will determine which specific design they will be moving forward with for the next lesson.
Pedagogy & Practice:
NGSS Science and Engineering Practices:
Author:
Carol Patrick
Relevant NGSS PE:
Estimated Activity Length:
30 min
Energy Transformations

What is Energy?

Grades:
4-6
Unit:
Lesson Number:
1
Description:

Students will gain an understanding of the fundamentals of energy through observing a variety of energy transformations and develop a foundational vocabulary for identifying and discussing energy concepts. Students will make observations about how energy...

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Learning Goal(s):
Students will obtain the foundational knowledge of energy sources and forms of energy. In addition, students will learn that energy can transfer from one form to another. Students will build the understanding that there are different types of energy and many can not be directly observed.
NGSS Science and Engineering Practices:
Author:
Carol Patrick
Relevant NGSS PE:
Estimated Activity Length:
1 hour
Sources of Energy

What is Energy? Where does it come from?

Grades:
4-5
Unit:
Lesson Number:
1
Description:

Students will be introduced to the scientific meaning of energy and complete a lesson on forms of energy vs. sources of energy. They will learn that most of the energy they use comes from fossil fuels. (Petroleum 35%, Natural Gas 27%, Coal 18%=82%)...

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Learning Goal(s):
Students will obtain basic background information on energy. Students will use their background knowledge to determine what different examples of energy are.
Pedagogy & Practice:
Author:
Debbie Abel
Estimated Activity Length:
50 min
Sun in Space

Our Place in Space: Cosmic Rays

Grades:
3-5
Lesson Number:
1
Description:

NOTE: SUN PHOTOMETER SUMULATOR AT CAS.HAMPTONU.EDU SEEMS TO BE NO LONGER AVAILABLE.

Using a map of school buildings, students will pick four areas to monitor over the year using wireless weather stations and the Solar Power Meter. In a following...

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Learning Goal(s):
Students will learn how the sun affects their school by measuring the temperature at different locations around the building in the fall, winter, and spring. They will learn how to measure solar energy and look for trends in temperature and solar power over the year. These trends will then be used to investigate how energy reaches Earth from the Sun.
Author:
Jamie Repasky
Estimated Activity Length:
3 hours
Energy Transformations

Introduction to Energy

Grades:
7-8
Lesson Number:
1
Description:

This lesson will introduce students to each of the different types of energy using PowerPoint slides, partner activities, and hands-on experiences with different kinds of energy including: batteries (chemical), electrical circuits (electrical), motors (...

Energy Content:
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Learning Goal(s):
• Students will be able to name and describe at least 5 kinds of energy • Students will be able to identify and explain simple energy transformations
Author:
Craig Marais
Relevant NGSS PE:
Estimated Activity Length:
2 hours
All American Sun Oven

Heat Conduction of Different Materials

Grades:
4-5
Unit:
Lesson Number:
10
Description:

After a demonstration using Amazing Ice Melting Blocks, students will conduct small temperature experiments using different types of materials. They will use what they learn to build their solar ovens and additionally answer discussion questions in their...

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Learning Goal(s):
Students will learn that the material of the item that they choose to cook their egg in matters because different materials conduct heat differently. Students will compare insulators with conductors. Students will determine the purpose of conductors within a solar oven.
NGSS Science and Engineering Practices:
Author:
Debbie Abel
Estimated Activity Length:
50 min
All American Sun Oven

Solar Ovens: Choosing Colors

Grades:
4-5
Unit:
Lesson Number:
11
Description:

Students will conduct experiments using different colors of paper. During this process, they will make observations about the functionality of different colors when incorporated into design in relation to reflection and absorption. Students will use what...

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Learning Goal(s):
Students will learn that darker colors absorb more sunlight and get warmer. Students will understand the relation of absorption to thermal radiation emission. Students will conduct an experiment that isolates color as a variable to test.
Pedagogy & Practice:
NGSS Science and Engineering Practices:
Author:
Debbie Abel
Other Subjects Covered:
Estimated Activity Length:
50 min
All American Sun Oven

Reflecting Sunlight

Grades:
4-5
Unit:
Lesson Number:
12
Description:

Students will see a demonstration and conduct a simple experiment on reflecting sunlight. During this demonstration, they will determine the purpose of the reflectors on a solar oven’s design and make observations about their functionality. They will use...

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Learning Goal(s):
Students will learn that reflectors can be used to increase solar oven temperatures by concentrating solar energy. Students will use their observations from the prior lesson to make claims based on the concepts of reflection and absorption within a solar oven system. Students will use their observations from reflection and absorption experiments to determine how to best capture reflected solar energy.
Pedagogy & Practice:
NGSS Science and Engineering Practices:
Author:
Debbie Abel
Other Subjects Covered:
Estimated Activity Length:
50 min
Energy Transformations

What is Energy Transfer?

Grades:
4-6
Unit:
Lesson Number:
2
Description:

Students will continue to build an understanding of the fundamentals of energy through observing and describing a variety of energy transformations and build on their foundational vocabulary for identifying and discussing energy concepts. In this stage of...

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More Details Less Details
Learning Goal(s):
Students will obtain the foundational knowledge of energy sources and forms of energy. In addition, students will learn that energy can transfer from one form to another. Students will be able to match images of energy transformations to their respected vocabulary.
NGSS Science and Engineering Practices:
Author:
Carol Patrick
Relevant NGSS PE:
Estimated Activity Length:
2 hours
Checklist

Solar Ovens: Frontload Vocab. And Preview Standards

Grades:
4-5
Unit:
Lesson Number:
2
Description:

Vocabulary and standards will be reviewed throughout all of the lessons, but this day is dedicated to front loading the vocabulary and previewing the standards. Students will use their energy workbook to keep track of vocabulary from this point forward...

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Learning Goal(s):
Students will preview vocabulary and standards in order to better comprehend future lessons.
Pedagogy & Practice:
Author:
Debbie Abel
Other Subjects Covered:
Estimated Activity Length:
50 min

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