Solar Car Student

Solar Car Challenge: Develop Your Solution

Grades:
6-8
Unit:
Solar Car Challenge
Lesson Number:
5
Description:

Students will play around with the solar car kits to familiarize themselves with the materials in preparation for the solar car engineering challenge.

Energy Content:
Solar Photovoltaic
+
-
More Details Less Details
Learning Goal(s):
To introduce students to the problem that this project will attempt to solve: building a solar car that will go straight, far, and fast to win a race.
Pedagogy & Practice:
Engineering Design,
Group Work/Collaboration,
Hands-on Materials,
Research-Secondary
NGSS Science and Engineering Practices:
6: Constructing Explanations and Designing Solutions
Author:
Karen Nelson
Relevant NGSS PE:
MS-ESS3-3,
MS-ETS1-1,
MS-ETS1-2,
MS-ETS1-3,
MS-ETS1-4
Estimated Activity Length:
50 min
Design a 50 Year Energy Plan

How Do We Evaluate Energy Sources?

Grades:
9-12
Unit:
50 Year Energy Plan
Lesson Number:
5
Description:

Building on student’s understanding of energy production methods developed over previous lessons, Lesson 5 asks the class to identify and measure trade-offs between environmental impacts – human needs – and practical costs of different power generation...

Energy Content:
Electrical Grid (Transmission & Distribution),
Sources of Energy
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-
More Details Less Details
Learning Goal(s):
1. Students will develop models of the interaction between atmospheric composition and surface temperature using simple diagrams.2. Students will reflect on the impact of energy sources and power production on the environment. 
Pedagogy & Practice:
Group Work/Collaboration,
Project-Based Learning
NGSS Science and Engineering Practices:
1: Asking Questions and Defining Problems,
2: Developing and Using Models
Author:
Bradford Hill
Relevant NGSS PE:
HS-ESS1-4,
HS-ESS3-2,
HS-ETS1-1,
HS-ETS1-3
Other Subjects Covered:
Social Sciences: Geography
Estimated Activity Length:
0 sec
US DOE WInd Turbines

Variables Affecting Wind Turbine Power

Grades:
7-8
Unit:
Solar vs. Wind Energy
Lesson Number:
5
Description:

Now that students are familiar with how mechanical electricity generation works, they will build a wind turbine powered by a box fan. Different teams will test different turbine variables to see how the amount of electrical power is affected. After each...

Energy Content:
Electrical Energy,
Electricity Generation,
Wind Energy
+
-
More Details Less Details
Learning Goal(s):
• Students will be able to identify and explain at least three variables that affect the efficiency of wind turbines • Students will conduct a scientific investigation to determine which wind turbine configuration will generate the most power
Pedagogy & Practice:
Engineering Design,
Group Work/Collaboration,
Hands-on Materials
NGSS Science and Engineering Practices:
3: Planning and Carrying Out Investigations,
4: Analyzing and Interpreting Data,
5: Using Mathematics and Computational Thinking,
7: Engaging in Argument from Evidence,
8: Obtaining, Evaluating, and Communicating Information
Author:
Craig Marais
Relevant NGSS PE:
MS-ETS1-2,
MS-PS3-1,
MS-PS3-4
Other Subjects Covered:
ELA: Writing,
Math: Graphing & Representation,
Math: Measurement
Estimated Activity Length:
4 hours
Hot Pack

Engineering a Hot Pack

Grades:
7-8
Unit:
Chemical Differences in Emergency Energy Sources
Lesson Number:
5
Description:

Through a series of inquiry activities, students will discover the properties of the chemical reaction of dissolving CaCl 2 in water, the effect of stirring, and of adding baking soda and sodium polyacrylate crystals. Once initial data is collected,...

Energy Content:
Materials Science,
Thermal Energy (Heat)
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-
More Details Less Details
Learning Goal(s):
Students will collect data to characterize a chemical reaction Students will identify the criteria and constraints of an engineering challenge. Students will design and build a hot pack that meets the criteria of the project. Students will collect data to support their proposed design. 
Pedagogy & Practice:
Engineering Design,
Group Work/Collaboration,
Hands-on Materials
NGSS Science and Engineering Practices:
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:
Melody Childers
Relevant NGSS PE:
MS-PS1-2,
MS-PS1-6
Other Subjects Covered:
ELA: Speaking & Listening,
Math: Graphing & Representation,
Math: Measurement
Estimated Activity Length:
5 hours
Sphero SPRK+

Solar SPRK+: Chariot Engineering Design

Grades:
6-8
Unit:
Solar SPRK+
Lesson Number:
5
Description:

Students will work through the engineering design process to build a chariot for their SPRK+ that will carry their solar panels through a maze to a charging station. Students will draft prototypes, test their designs, and make changes to their design based...

Energy Content:
Circuitry,
Electrical Energy,
Electronics,
Solar Photovoltaic
+
-
More Details Less Details
Learning Goal(s):
Students will identify possible design solutions to have a Sphero SPRK+ pull solar panels as a portable power source.Students will work in groups to determine the best possible designs and construct and test these designs with their team.Students will determine the strengths and weaknesses of each design and incorporate these findings into further construction phases.
Pedagogy & Practice:
21st Century Skills Development,
Engineering Design,
Group Work/Collaboration,
Hands-on Materials,
Project-Based Learning
NGSS Science and Engineering Practices:
1: Asking Questions and Defining Problems,
6: Constructing Explanations and Designing Solutions
Author:
Deb Frankel
Relevant NGSS PE:
MS-ETS1-1,
MS-ETS1-2,
MS-ETS1-3
Other Subjects Covered:
Computer Science
Estimated Activity Length:
2 hours

Part 2 - Lesson 2: Wind Energy

Grades:
6-12
Unit:
A Community Powered by Renewable Energy
Lesson Number:
5
Description:

Students will learn about wind and how wind varies across geographies. Students will use Vernier Wind Turbine kits or homemade wind turbines to experiment with blade angles and wind speed. During experimentation, students will collect data as blade angles...

Energy Content:
Electrical Energy,
Electricity Generation,
Sources of Energy,
Wind Energy
+
-
More Details Less Details
Learning Goal(s):
1.Students will conduct an experiment where blade angles are the variable and wind speed is constant.2.Students will conduct an experiment where blade angles are constant and wind speed varies.3.Students will collect and analyze data to provide a conclusion to the questions: What is the optimal blade angle for generating the most energy? What is the optimal wind speed for generating the most energy?4.Students will research prevailing winds and use a provided map of their region to indicate wind speed and direction.5.Students will propose locations for wind farms based on optimal energy generation and zoning restrictions.6.Based on their proposals, students will determine a range of potential kilowatt generation from wind power.
Pedagogy & Practice:
21st Century Skills Development,
Engineering Design,
Establishing a Culture of Science,
Group Work/Collaboration,
Hands-on Materials,
Multiple Learning Styles,
Phenomena-Driven Instruction,
Place-Based Learning,
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,
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:
Jonathan Strunin
Relevant NGSS PE:
MS-ESS3-3,
MS-ESS3-4,
MS-ETS1-1,
MS-ETS1-2,
MS-ETS1-3,
MS-ETS1-4,
MS-PS3-2,
HS-ESS3-2,
HS-ESS3-4,
HS-ETS1-1,
HS-ETS1-2,
HS-ETS1-3,
HS-ETS1-4,
HS-PS3-3
Other Subjects Covered:
Math: Measurement,
Social Sciences: Geography
Estimated Activity Length:
10 hours

Cost Effective Solar Cells: Copper Oxide Solar Cell Construction and Testing

Grades:
9-12
Unit:
Cost Effective Solar Cells
Lesson Number:
5
Description:

This lesson is designed to be completed in one 80-minute section, but can be done in two 40-minute sections. The teacher will facilitate student construction of copper oxide plates with electric burners or hot plates. Teachers will guide students in...

Energy Content:
Circuitry,
Electrical Energy,
Electricity and Magnetism,
Electricity Generation,
Electrons,
Energy Fundamentals,
Light (Visible),
Solar Photovoltaic
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-
More Details Less Details
Learning Goal(s):
Students will construct an oxidized copper sheet solar cell Students will test an oxidized copper sheet solar cell for voltage and current
Pedagogy & Practice:
21st Century Skills Development,
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,
4: Analyzing and Interpreting Data,
7: Engaging in Argument from Evidence,
8: Obtaining, Evaluating, and Communicating Information
Author:
Tom Wolverton
Relevant NGSS PE:
HS-PS1-2,
HS-PS2-6,
HS-PS3-3
Estimated Activity Length:
2 hours
Kidwind Small Water Pump

Solar Powered Water Pumping

Grades:
2-5
Unit:
Understanding Science and Engineering Through Solar Power
Lesson Number:
6
Description:

Students use a solar module and other materials in conjunction with a water pump to test how quickly one cup of water can be pumped.

Energy Content:
Circuitry,
Electrical Energy,
Solar Photovoltaic
+
-
More Details Less Details
Learning Goal(s):
Students will be able to make observations and record data about how different materials affect the speed of a solar powered water pump.
Pedagogy & Practice:
Group Work/Collaboration,
Hands-on Materials,
Project-Based Learning
NGSS Science and Engineering Practices:
1: Asking Questions and Defining Problems,
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:
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: Graphing & Representation
Estimated Activity Length:
1 hour
Solar Circuit

Solar vs. Battery Circuits

Grades:
4-5
Unit:
Solar Ovens
Lesson Number:
6
Description:

In this lesson, students will explore and do small experiments with mini solar panels and circuit boards. The class will discuss the advantages and disadvantages of solar energy. Students will continue to work in their Solar Energy Student Notebooks to...

Energy Content:
Batteries & Storage,
Biomass Energy,
Electrical Energy,
Solar Photovoltaic
+
-
More Details Less Details
Learning Goal(s):
Students will do experiments that reinforce the idea that the sun’s energy can be transferred into electrical energy. Students will also explore and discuss the advantages and disadvantages of solar energy. Students will discuss how solar energy compares to other forms of energy generation.
Pedagogy & Practice:
Group Work/Collaboration,
Hands-on Materials,
Multiple Learning Styles
NGSS Science and Engineering Practices:
3: Planning and Carrying Out Investigations,
7: Engaging in Argument from Evidence
Author:
Debbie Abel
Relevant NGSS PE:
4-PS3-2,
4-PS3-4,
3-5-ETS1-1,
3-5-ETS1-2,
3-5-ETS1-3
Other Subjects Covered:
ELA: Writing
Estimated Activity Length:
50 min
Solar Car Student

Solar Car Challenge: Test Your Solution

Grades:
6-8
Unit:
Solar Car Challenge
Lesson Number:
6
Description:

Students will play around with the solar car kits to familiarize themselves with the materials in preparation for the solar car engineering challenge.

Energy Content:
Solar Photovoltaic
+
-
More Details Less Details
Learning Goal(s):
To introduce students to the problem that this project will attempt to solve: building a solar car that will go straight, far, and fast to win a race.
Pedagogy & Practice:
Engineering Design,
Group Work/Collaboration,
Hands-on Materials
NGSS Science and Engineering Practices:
3: Planning and Carrying Out Investigations,
4: Analyzing and Interpreting Data
Author:
Karen Nelson
Relevant NGSS PE:
MS-ESS3-3,
MS-ETS1-1,
MS-ETS1-2,
MS-ETS1-3,
MS-ETS1-4
Other Subjects Covered:
Math: Measurement
Estimated Activity Length:
50 min

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