Learning Goals
Learning Goals:
- Students build series circuits using “grain of wheat bulb” and LEDs powered by various low voltage solar panels.
- Students build parallel circuits using grain of wheat and LED bulbs powered by various low voltage solar panels.
- Students demonstrate and draw the energy transfer using solar energy.
- Students draw a circuit diagram of their final optimal circuit.
- Students design an optimal circuit model that will be used in their final project.
Materials List
Handouts
- Student Engineering Notebooks
- Simple Solar Circuits for Solar Mobiles Worksheet
Classroom Supplies
- Wire cutters/strippers
- Needle nose pliers
- Energy stick (example)
Group Supplies (3-4 per group)
- 2-3 3mm LED
- 2-3 Grain of wheat bulbs
- 4-6 Alligator clip leads
- 1 2V Solar panel
- 1 1.5V Solar panel
- 1 0.5V Solar panel
- 1 Simple switch
- Sun or light stand with 60W incandescent light bulb
- 2 AA Batteries
- 1 AA Battery holder
- 2 Motors
- 2 Propellers with 2mm opening
Important Links
Next Generation Science Standards
Next Generation Science Standards
| Performance Expectation | How is this Assessed? |
| MS-PS3-5 Construct, use, and present arguments to support the claim that when the kinetic energy of an object changes, energy is transferred to or from the object. | Students will use various solar panels and learn about solar energy transfer in order to power the motors on their solar plane. Students record this knowledge and use it for their final engineering design project. |
| MS-ETS1-4 Develop a model to generate data for iterative testing and modification of a proposed object, tool or process such that an optimal design can be achieved | Students work through modifications and apply what was learned about solar circuits, the center of gravity, and irradiance as they build their final model. |