4.W.9

Designing a Faster Water Pump

Grades:

2-5

Unit:

Understanding Science and Engineering Through Solar Power

Lesson Number:

Description:

Students use all their prior knowledge to design and construct a water pump that can pump 1 cup of water the fastest.

Energy Content:

Circuitry,

Electrical Energy,

Solar Photovoltaic

More Details Less Details

Learning Goal(s):

Students will be able to use available tools to design and test a solar water pump, refine their design, test and finally evaluate their efforts. Through this process students will understand and gain experience with the engineering design process.

Pedagogy & Practice:

Engineering Design,

Group Work/Collaboration,

Hands-on Materials,

Project-Based Learning

NGSS Science and Engineering Practices:

1: Asking Questions and Defining Problems,

2: Developing and Using Models,

3: Planning and Carrying Out Investigations,

6: Constructing Explanations and Designing Solutions,

7: Engaging in Argument from Evidence

Author:

Mike Hellis

Relevant NGSS PE:

4-PS3-2,

4-PS3-4,

3-5-ETS1-1,

3-5-ETS1-2

Other Subjects Covered:

ELA: Speaking & Listening,

ELA: Writing,

Math: Measurement

Estimated Activity Length:

1 hour

Daily Variations in Solar Energy

Grades:

3-5

Unit:

Cooking with the Sun and Solar Ovens

Lesson Number:

Description:

Students will observe and articulate that even on cloudless days, the amount of solar energy changes with the time of day and the time of year. Solar energy is strongest when the sun is high in the sky (when shadows are shortest). The sun shines more...

Energy Content:

Light (Visible)

More Details Less Details

Learning Goal(s):

Students will understand that when the sun is lower in the sky, it casts a longer shadow on an object. When the sun is higher in the sky, it casts a smaller shadow. Students will also understand the importance of adjusting the position of a solar oven every half hour or so throughout the cooking process to insure that the bottom of the oven is facing the sun directly in order to maximize heat absorption.

Pedagogy & Practice:

Hands-on Materials

Author:

Lisa Morgan

Relevant NGSS PE:

3-ESS2-1,

4-PS3-2,

5-ESS1-1,

5-ESS1-2

Estimated Activity Length:

40 min