Learning Goals:

1. Students will be able to identify and explain at least three variables that affect the efficiency of photovoltaic cell.s
2. Students will conduct a scientific investigation to determine which photovoltaic cell configuration will generate the most power

Handouts

• Measuring Power Generation in Photovoltaic Cells Worksheet

Classroom Supplies

• 2.0 V photovoltaic cells
• 1.5 V photovoltaic cells

Group Supplies (per group of 4)

• 2 wires with alligator clips
• 3.0 V photovoltaic cells
• Clamp lamp (halogen)
• 50 W halogen bulb
• 75 W halogen bulb
• 100 W halogen bulb
• 8 W LED bulb
• 13 W Florescent bulb
• 60 W Incandescent bulb
• 43 W halogen bulb
• Protractor
• Multimeter
• Grain of Wheat light bulb (example)

Important Links

• Lesson Plan

Next Generation Science Standards

MS-PS3-4 (Science and Engineering Practices)

• Plan an investigation individually and collaboratively, and in the design: identify independent and dependent variables and controls, what tools are needed to do the gathering, how measurements will be recorded, and how many data are needed to support a claim.

MS-PS3-1 (Science and Engineering Practices)

• Construct and interpret graphical displays of data to identify linear and nonlinear relationships.

MS-ETS1-2

• Evaluate competing design solutions using a systematic process to determine how well they meet the criteria and constraints of the problem.