Solar Energy Basics

Sun
Average Rating:
0
Rate This Activity:
0
Intended Grade Level(s):
4-5
Energy Content:
Solar Photovoltaic,
Solar Thermal,
Sources of Energy
Learning Goal(s):

Students will be able to describe the basic principles of solar power and list advantages and disadvantages of using solar power. Students will be able to distinguish between passive solar and photovoltaic solar power. Students will be able to determine what data from a solar array represents. Students will be able to determine the cause of energy generation trends when observed over longer periods of time.

Unit:
Understanding Energy
Lesson Number:
5
Pedagogy & Practice:
Research-Primary
NGSS Science and Engineering Practices:
4: Analyzing and Interpreting Data,
8: Obtaining, Evaluating, and Communicating Information
Relevant NGSS PE:
4-PS3-2,
4-ESS3-1
Other Subjects Covered:
ELA: Speaking & Listening,
Math: Graphing & Representation
Estimated Activity Length:
40 min
Files Associated with this Activity:
PDF icon lesson5.pdf
Description:

Students will learn the basics of solar power and the difference between photovoltaic solar power and passive solar power. They will also learn the pros and cons of solar power and be able to describe the advantages and disadvantages of using solar power in various settings. This will be accomplished through the usage of data from a real solar array and discussing what exactly this project is generating and what the numbers are that are pulled from the project. 

Other Material(s) Used:
Solar energy spiral notebook, computer