6-8.WHST.9

Unit Plan - Chemical Differences in Emergency Energy Sources

Grades:

7-8

Unit:

Chemical Differences in Emergency Energy Sources

Description:

Students develop atomic and molecular models of energy resources, analyze combustion of various fuels and build circuits with Photovolatic (PV) modules to evaluate and suggest revisions to a disaster preparedness supply list. They then research and...

Energy Content:

Circuitry,

Electrical Energy,

Electrical Grid (Transmission & Distribution),

Electrons,

Fuels,

Solar Photovoltaic,

Sources of Energy,

Thermal Energy (Heat)

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Learning Goal(s):

To build empathy for people in emergency situations and an understanding of how access to energy resources can increase one’s safety, health, and comfort. To understand the nature of a variety of energy needs and how different applications have different optimal solutions. To develop models to explain the molecular and extended structures of energy resources, including how the resources change when energy is generated (Electron movement in PV cells, combustion reactions in fuel). To understand that the properties of substances depends upon the atomic / molecular structure, which changes with chemical reactions. To build a circuit that includes a solar module and measure the voltage and current. To gather and evaluate information to describe the impact on society of converting natural resources into PV cells. To design, build and test a device that uses a chemical reaction to generate or absorb thermal energy. Evaluate and revise a plan for the energy resources one should store to prepare for a natural disaster.

Pedagogy & Practice:

Empathetic Engineering,

English Language Strategies,

Engineering Design,

Group Work/Collaboration,

Hands-on Materials,

Multiple Learning Styles,

Phenomena-Driven Instruction,

Project-Based Learning,

Research-Secondary,

Social-Emotional Learning,

STEAM/Arts

NGSS Science and Engineering Practices:

1: Asking Questions and Defining Problems,

2: Developing and Using Models,

3: Planning and Carrying Out Investigations,

4: Analyzing and Interpreting Data,

5: Using Mathematics and Computational Thinking,

6: Constructing Explanations and Designing Solutions,

7: Engaging in Argument from Evidence,

8: Obtaining, Evaluating, and Communicating Information

Author:

Melody Childers

Relevant NGSS PE:

MS-ETS1-1,

MS-ETS1-2,

MS-ETS1-3,

MS-ETS1-4,

MS-PS1-1,

MS-PS1-2,

MS-PS1-3,

MS-PS1-4,

MS-PS1-5,

MS-PS1-6

Other Subjects Covered:

ELA: Reading: Scientific & Technical,

ELA: Speaking & Listening,

ELA: Writing,

Math: Algebra,

Math: Graphing & Representation,

Social Sciences: Multicultural Studies

Estimated Activity Length:

0 sec

Solar SPRK+ Unit Overview

Grades:

6-8

Unit:

Solar SPRK+

Description:

This unit incorporates basic programming knowledge and solar energy into an engineering design challenge using Sphero SPRK+ robots. The theme for this challenge centers on the idea of Mars rovers, and the challenges faced in space exploration, specifically...