Solar Mobile

Solar Mobile Design Challenge Unit Plan

Grades:
6-8
Unit:
Solar Mobile Design Challenge
Description:

This unit involves students learning about transferring solar energy to small motors, exploring the center of gravity and testing light sources (including the sun). The culminating engineering design project gives students the chance to pull...

Energy Content:
Circuitry,
Electricity and Magnetism,
Energy Efficiency,
Materials Science,
Solar Photovoltaic
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More Details Less Details
Learning Goal(s):
Students will design circuits using various solar panels in order to power motors with propellers. Students will learn about solar energy transfer in order to power the motors on their solar aircraft.Students will research an aircraft and draw an outline of the aircraft onto foam board. Students will explore the concept of center of gravity. Students will test the efficiency of various light sources (incandescent, fluorescent, LED, halogen) for usage by a PV cell.Students will use their prior testing results and knowledge to engineer a solar-powered mobile. Students will work to transfer the most energy from the solar panels considering all the tested variables in order to power the fastest, most efficient mobile.Students will demonstrate and explain why their solar mobile should be chosen for the solar mobile display in the children’s museum. 
Pedagogy & Practice:
Engineering Design,
Group Work/Collaboration,
Hands-on Materials,
Phenomena-Driven Instruction,
Project-Based 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:
Kristy Schneider
Relevant NGSS PE:
MS-ETS1-3,
MS-ETS1-4,
MS-PS2-2,
MS-PS3-5
Other Subjects Covered:
ELA: Informational Text,
Math: Measurement
Estimated Activity Length:
0 sec

Constructing a Solar-Powered MintyBoost USB Charger

Grades:
6-8
Description:

Students will receive a background on solar energy, solar energy applications, and electrical circuit components. Students will then apply these concepts to a Home Energy Consumption worksheet and the construction of a Solar Module MintyBoost USB Charger,...

Energy Content:
Circuitry,
Electrical Energy,
Solar Photovoltaic
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More Details Less Details
Learning Goal(s):
Students will gain a background on solar energy and be able to apply terms such as solar modules, photovoltaics, and solar power. Students will gain a background on electrical circuit components and be able to apply terms such as capacitor, resistor, diode, alternating and direct current, amps, inductor, volts, and watts. Through the completion of the Home Energy Consumption worksheet, students will determine their family’s monthly energy consumption and calculate the monthly dollar cost for household items such as light bulbs, game consoles, and televisions. Students will demonstrate their understanding of solar energy and electrical circuits through the construction of a Solar Module MintyBoost USB Charger and a presentation of their own unique product that utilizes the solar charger.
Pedagogy & Practice:
Engineering Design,
Hands-on Materials,
Project-Based Learning
NGSS Science and Engineering Practices:
6: Constructing Explanations and Designing Solutions,
8: Obtaining, Evaluating, and Communicating Information
Author:
Deb Frankel
Relevant NGSS PE:
MS-LS2-5,
MS-ETS1-2,
MS-PS1-3,
MS-PS2-3,
MS-PS3-3
Other Subjects Covered:
ELA: Speaking & Listening
Estimated Activity Length:
10 hours
Resource Type:
At-Home,
Curriculum,
Engineering Challenges,
Instructional Resource,
Video
Source:
Perot Museum of Nature and Science
Published:
2020
Last Updated:
2021
Intended Grade Level:
3-5,
MS,
HS,
OST,
Post Secondary
Resource Link(s):
Report Broken Link
Description:

An at-home engineering challenge using simple materials to design, build and test a water-powered turbine. Accessible to nearly all ages.

Location:
National
Energy Content:
Electricity and Magnetism,
Electricity Generation,
Hydropower,
Sources of Energy
NGSS Disciplinary Core Idea:
ESS2.C: Water on Earth,
ESS3.A: Natural Resources,
PS2.A: Forces & Motion,
PS2.B: Interactions Between Forces,
PS3.A: Energy Definitions,
PS3.B: Energy Conservation & Transfer,
PS3.C: Energy & Forces
Pedagogy & Practice:
Engineering Design,
Group Work/Collaboration,
Hands-on Materials,
Multiple Learning Styles,
Phenomena-Driven Instruction,
Project-Based Learning,
STEAM/Arts
Other Subjects Covered:
Environmental Sciences,
Math: Addition, Subtraction, Multiplication, Division,
Math: Measurement
Design a 50 Year Energy Plan

50 Year Energy Plan - Unit Plan

Grades:
9-12
Unit:
50 Year Energy Plan
Description:

Throughout this creative, hands-on Unit, students are challenged to scale up every Disciplinary Core Idea and Science & Engineering Practice they’ve learned - from simple electricity generation, to building their own stereo speakers and DIY electric...

Energy Content:
Batteries & Storage,
Circuitry,
Electrical Energy,
Electrical Grid (Transmission & Distribution),
Electricity and Magnetism,
Electricity Generation,
Electronics,
Electrons,
Light (Visible),
Solar Photovoltaic,
Sources of Energy,
Wind Energy
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More Details Less Details
Learning Goal(s):
Explore causes and effects of climate change as related to energy production. Develop a working understanding of varying stakeholder perspectives on the causes and effects of climate change. Through hands-on exploration, build a working speaker that can connect to a cellphone. Use DIY speakers as a model to observe the process of producing electrical currents with a simple generator. Design, build and refine a wind turbine to efficiently convert mechanical energy into electrical energy. Design, build and refine a system that is the most effective at converting the sunlight into electrical energy. Students develop models to study the relationship between the Earth’s atmospheric composition and the Earth’s surface temperatures using simple diagrams. Students reflect on the impact of energy sources and power production on the environment. Students utilize their knowledge of how energy generation processes impacts the environment to inform how and why they develop a 50-year Energy Plan for their local community. 
Pedagogy & Practice:
Social-Emotional Learning,
Project-Based Learning,
Place-Based Learning,
Phenomena-Driven Instruction,
Hands-on Materials,
Group Work/Collaboration,
Engineering Design
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
Author:
Bradford Hill
Relevant NGSS PE:
HS-ESS2-4,
HS-ESS3-1,
HS-ESS3-2,
HS-ETS1-1,
HS-ETS1-3,
HS-ETS1-4,
HS-PS2-5,
HS-PS3-3,
HS-PS3-5,
HS-PS4-3
Other Subjects Covered:
Computer Science,
ELA: Speaking & Listening,
ELA: Writing,
Math: Graphing & Representation,
Math: Measurement,
Social Sciences: Analysis,
Social Sciences: Civics,
Social Sciences: Geography,
Social Sciences: Multicultural Studies
Estimated Activity Length:
0 sec
Resource Type:
At-Home,
Instructional Resource,
Video,
Visualization/Simulation
Source:
The Engineering Mindset
Published:
2021
Last Updated:
2021
Intended Grade Level:
MS,
HS,
Post Secondary
Resource Link(s):
Report Broken Link
Description:

The Engineering Mindset is a series of illustrated comprehensive tutorials on electricity concepts, energy and engineering concepts, from topics as simple as electricity basics to complicated real-world technological applcations, especially building systems. They are a great go to resource for explaining complicated concepts in relatively simple, well-illustrated videos.

Location:
National
Energy Content:
Batteries & Storage,
Energy & Society,
Circuitry,
Electrical Energy,
Electrical Grid (Transmission & Distribution),
Electricity and Magnetism,
Electricity Generation,
Electronics,
Electrons,
Energy Fundamentals,
Materials Science,
Potential & Kinetic Energy
NGSS Disciplinary Core Idea:
PS1.A: Matter: Structure & Properties,
PS2.A: Forces & Motion,
PS2.B: Interactions Between Forces,
PS3.A: Energy Definitions,
PS3.B: Energy Conservation & Transfer,
PS3.C: Energy & Forces,
PS4.B: Electromagnetic Radiation
Pedagogy & Practice:
Career-Connected Learning,
Engineering Design
Other Subjects Covered:
CTE: Career & Technical Education
Resource Type:
Apprenticeships,
Curriculum,
Data,
Energy Program/Initiative (Nonprofit/Industry),
Field Trips,
Grants/Funding,
Instructional Resource,
Internships,
Mentorships,
Organizations & Possible Partners,
Report,
Video
Source:
Open EI
Published:
2019
Last Updated:
2021
Intended Grade Level:
3-5,
MS,
HS
Resource Link(s):
Report Broken Link
Description:

Another great set of energy STEM resources from OpenEI, this one focusing on marine energy. Like the other Open EI resources on Hydropower, this is wealth of resources and information on marine energy basics, pehomena-driven and other curricula, and career information and training programs, as well as other resources like video tours. 

Location:
National
Energy Content:
Advanced Energy Careers,
Energy & Society,
Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion,
Sources of Energy,
Tidal Energy,
Wave Energy
NGSS Disciplinary Core Idea:
ESS2.A: Earth Materials & Systems,
ESS2.C: Water on Earth,
ESS2.D: Weather & Climate,
ESS3.A: Natural Resources,
ESS3.C: Human Impact,
ESS3.D: Climate Change,
PS1.A: Matter: Structure & Properties,
PS2.A: Forces & Motion
Pedagogy & Practice:
21st Century Skills Development,
Career-Connected Learning,
Engineering Design,
Place-Based Learning
Other Subjects Covered:
Environmental Sciences,
CTE: Career & Technical Education,
Social Sciences: Analysis,
Social Sciences: Economics
Resource Type:
At-Home,
Engineering Challenges,
Pedagogy,
Phenomena
Source:
Legacy Power
Published:
2021
Last Updated:
2021
Intended Grade Level:
PreK-2,
3-5,
MS,
HS,
OST
Resource Link(s):
Report Broken Link
Description:

This Legacy Power web resource is filled with background content to help facilitate solar cooking activities. Linking the sicence of solar cooking to hands-on activities and even recipes for using solar cookers, this is a particularly useful tool for giving educators ideas and starting points for their own engineering design challenges around this topic.

Location:
National
Energy Content:
Energy Fundamentals,
Light (Visible),
Potential & Kinetic Energy,
Solar Thermal,
Thermal Energy (Heat)
NGSS Disciplinary Core Idea:
ESS1.B: Solar System,
ESS2.A: Earth Materials & Systems,
ESS3.D: Climate Change,
PS3.A: Energy Definitions,
PS3.B: Energy Conservation & Transfer,
PS4.B: Electromagnetic Radiation
Pedagogy & Practice:
Engineering Design,
Project-Based Learning
Hot Pack

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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More Details Less Details
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
Resource Type:
Curriculum,
Instructional Resource,
Pedagogy
Source:
Allegheny Intermediate Unit
Published:
2020
Last Updated:
2020
Intended Grade Level:
PreK-2,
3-5
Resource Link(s):
Report Broken Link
Description:

These STEM Packs for grades PreK-5 use picture books to engage students in a series of 40 minute pre-designed STEM lessons with associated materials. Many kits are reusable or easily refurbishable with basic materials. The topics are derived explicitly from NGSS and are aligned with the standards across multiple Disciplinary Core Ideas. CE and AIU co-developed two energy-focused Storytime STEM Packs, including "Boy Who Harnessed the Wind" investigation and engineering design and "My Papi has a Motorcycle" energy use exploration.

Location:
National
Energy Content:
Energy Fundamentals,
Light (Visible),
Solar Thermal,
Sound,
Thermal Energy (Heat)
NGSS Disciplinary Core Idea:
ESS1.B: Solar System,
ESS1.C: Earth History,
ESS2.A: Earth Materials & Systems,
ESS2.C: Water on Earth,
ESS2.D: Weather & Climate,
ESS3.A: Natural Resources,
ESS3.C: Human Impact,
ESS3.D: Climate Change,
LS2.B: Matter & Energy Cycles,
LS2.C: Ecosystem Dynamics,
LS4.D: Biodiversity & Humans,
PS1.A: Matter: Structure & Properties,
PS1.B: Chemical Reactions,
PS1.C: Nuclear Processes,
PS2.A: Forces & Motion,
PS2.B: Interactions Between Forces,
PS3.A: Energy Definitions,
PS3.B: Energy Conservation & Transfer
Pedagogy & Practice:
Empathetic Engineering,
Early Childhood Learning,
English Language Strategies,
Engineering Design,
Establishing a Culture of Science,
Group Work/Collaboration,
Hands-on Materials,
Multiple Learning Styles,
STEAM/Arts
Resource Type:
Data,
Energy Program/Initiative (Nonprofit/Industry),
Instructional Resource,
Interactive,
Report,
Research
Source:
US Department of Energy
Published:
2021
Last Updated:
2021
Intended Grade Level:
HS,
Post Secondary
Resource Link(s):
Report Broken Link
Description:

Published by US Department of Energy the Alternative Fuels Data Center is a wealth of data, maps, reports, interactives, case studies, and other resources on existing and emerging alternative fuel technologies, including electric vehicles, biodiesel, natural gas, hydrogen fuel cell, and others. Designed for fleet managers but applicable to high school classrooms, this can be a key research resource for understanding both the science and policy of alternative fuel transportation and applying to real world situations.

Location:
National
Energy Content:
Advanced Energy Careers,
Batteries & Storage,
Energy & Society,
Renewable Natural Gas,
Biomass Energy,
Fuels,
Hydrogen,
Smart Grid,
Sources of Energy,
Transportation
NGSS Disciplinary Core Idea:
ESS3.A: Natural Resources,
ESS3.C: Human Impact,
ESS3.D: Climate Change,
PS1.A: Matter: Structure & Properties,
PS1.B: Chemical Reactions,
PS3.D: Energy in Chemical Processes
Pedagogy & Practice:
21st Century Skills Development,
Career-Connected Learning,
Engineering Design,
Multiple Learning Styles,
Project-Based Learning,
Research-Secondary,
Research-Primary
Other Subjects Covered:
Computer Science,
Environmental Sciences,
ELA: Informational Text,
Math: Addition, Subtraction, Multiplication, Division,
Math: Algebra,
Math: Functions,
Math: Graphing & Representation,
Math: Measurement,
Math: Statistics & Probability,
Math: Ratios & Proportions,
Math: Trigonometry/Calculus,
Social Sciences: Economics

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