Resource Type:
Action Guide,
Energy Program/Initiative (Nonprofit/Industry),
Instructional Resource,
Report,
Curriculum,
Video,
Research
Source:
Generation 180
Published:
2020
Last Updated:
2020
Intended Grade Level:
3-5,
MS,
HS,
OST
Resource Link(s):
Report Broken Link
Description:

Generation 180 is a nonprofi working to inspire and equip people to take action on clean energy. The site includes a wealth of resources for engaging student's in exploring how they use energy, understanding how energy decisions are made, and providing them with tools so they can take big or small actions to promote clean energy locally. Two features include the Energy Challenge (to organize class/local challenges) and the Boot Camp virtual course. The site also has reports on school solar, with success stories, trends, and guide for including solar in your school.

Location:
National
Energy Content:
Energy & Society,
Energy Equity and Justice,
Electrical Grid (Transmission & Distribution),
Energy Efficiency,
Smart Grid,
Solar Photovoltaic,
Sources of Energy,
Transportation
NGSS Disciplinary Core Idea:
ESS3.C: Human Impact,
ESS3.D: Climate Change
Pedagogy & Practice:
21st Century Skills Development,
Group Work/Collaboration,
Place-Based Learning,
Project-Based Learning
Other Subjects Covered:
Environmental Sciences,
Social Sciences: Analysis,
Social Sciences: Civics,
Social Sciences: Economics
Simple Solar Water Heater

Making the Standard Solar Heater

Grades:
6-8
Unit:
Experimenting with Solar Heaters
Lesson Number:
1
Description:

In part one of the activity students will be asked to create a simple solar heater, measure the temperature change in a vial of water, then calculate the heat energy transferred to a vial of water. Students will construct the solar heater, place a set...

Energy Content:
Potential & Kinetic Energy,
Solar Thermal,
Thermal Energy (Heat)
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-
More Details Less Details
Learning Goal(s):
In this activity students will learn that sunlight energy can be transformed into other forms of energy and that the amount of sunlight energy captured by an object can be quantified and measured.
Pedagogy & Practice:
Engineering Design,
Group Work/Collaboration,
Hands-on Materials,
Project-Based Learning
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:
Nathan Franck
Relevant NGSS PE:
MS-PS1-4,
MS-PS3-5,
MS-PS4-2
Other Subjects Covered:
ELA: Writing,
Math: Algebra,
Math: Functions,
Math: Graphing & Representation,
Math: Measurement
Estimated Activity Length:
1 hour
Solar Rooftop

Introduction to the Photovoltaic Effect

Grades:
9-12
Unit:
Solar Resources Assessment
Lesson Number:
1
Description:

This lesson begins with basic chemistry with regards to atomic structure. The lesson then moves to understanding the special properties of silicon as a photoelectric semi- conductor. Building on this, the basic structure of photovoltaic solar cells is...

Energy Content:
Electrical Energy,
Electricity Generation,
Light (Visible),
Solar Photovoltaic
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-
More Details Less Details
Learning Goal(s):
Students will be able to describe the basic structure of a photovoltaic solar cell. Students will be able to outline or summarize how solar cells produce electricity. Students will be able to explain why silicon, boron and phosphorous are most often used to construct solar cells.
Pedagogy & Practice:
Project-Based Learning
NGSS Science and Engineering Practices:
8: Obtaining, Evaluating, and Communicating Information
Author:
Clayton Hudiburg
Other Subjects Covered:
ELA: Vocabulary Development
Estimated Activity Length:
1 hour
Sphero SPRK+

Introduction to Drag and Drop Coding Using Scratch

Grades:
6-8
Unit:
Solar SPRK+
Lesson Number:
1
Description:

Students go through a series of exercises and projects/challenges to gain familiarity with coding, specifically with drag-and-drop coding. Students will look at Scratch, a free introductory computer programming language, which focuses on creative computing...

Energy Content:
Electronics
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-
More Details Less Details
Learning Goal(s):
Students will understand how to properly order basic blocks of code to program simple functions.Students will determine the steps needed to debug issues in block programming.Students will devise methods to achieve basic animation-focused block programming tasks.Students will combine music and animation to create music videos and simple games using block coding.
Pedagogy & Practice:
21st Century Skills Development,
Project-Based Learning
NGSS Science and Engineering Practices:
5: Using Mathematics and Computational Thinking
Author:
Deb Frankel
Relevant NGSS PE:
MS-ETS1-1,
MS-ETS1-2,
MS-ETS1-3
Other Subjects Covered:
Computer Science
Estimated Activity Length:
10 hours
Electric Current Induction

Introduction to Electromagnetism

Grades:
6-12
Unit:
Wave Attenuator
Lesson Number:
1
Description:

Through a series of goal-oriented activities and research, students will build physical models that demonstrate the interactions between magnetism and magnetic fields as well as interactions between magnetism and electric fields. Students will be...

Energy Content:
Circuitry,
Electrical Energy,
Electricity and Magnetism
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-
More Details Less Details
Learning Goal(s):
1. Students will demonstrate energy transfer through space using electromagnetic phenomena. 2. Students will design a model that demonstrates that a current-carrying wire can induce magnetism. 3. Students will define and build an electromagnet. 4. Students will demonstrate electromagnetic induction.
Pedagogy & Practice:
Engineering Design,
Group Work/Collaboration,
Hands-on Materials,
Phenomena-Driven Instruction,
Project-Based Learning,
Research-Secondary
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,
8: Obtaining, Evaluating, and Communicating Information
Author:
Tabatha Roderick
Relevant NGSS PE:
MS-ESS3-3,
MS-ETS1-1,
MS-ETS1-4,
MS-PS2-4,
MS-PS2-5,
MS-PS3-5
Other Subjects Covered:
ELA: Informational Text,
ELA: Speaking & Listening,
ELA: Writing
Estimated Activity Length:
3 hours

Gears vs. Pulleys on Solar Cars

Grades:
4-6
Unit:
Solar Cars
Lesson Number:
1
Description:

Students will design an investigation to test differences between solar vehicles. This is an excellent follow-up lesson to the solar boat activity or any other activity in which students have already experimented with other types of solar vehicles. However...

Energy Content:
Potential & Kinetic Energy
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-
More Details Less Details
Learning Goal(s):
Students will design an investigation to test differences between solar vehicles. They will make claims based on backing evidence, without having directly tested their vehicles before this point. They will use background knowledge regarding pulleys and gears in order to begin the design process. Students will determine which specific design they will be moving forward with for the next lesson.
Pedagogy & Practice:
Project-Based Learning
NGSS Science and Engineering Practices:
1: Asking Questions and Defining Problems
Author:
Carol Patrick
Relevant NGSS PE:
5-PS2-1
Other Subjects Covered:
ELA: Speaking & Listening,
ELA: Writing
Estimated Activity Length:
30 min

TinkerCAD: Introduction to 3D Printing

Grades:
5-8
Unit:
Adrift in a Sea of Plastic
Lesson Number:
1
Description:

This lesson is designed to span 5 days with 50-minute sections. After the introduction day, each day the students work toward mastery on the TinkerCAD tutorial online to learn how to create printable 3D models. At the end of the 4 days the students will...

Energy Content:
Next Generation Manufacturing
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More Details Less Details
Learning Goal(s):
Students will complete several computer aligned design tutorials, lessons, and one project to fully understand and implement unique 3D printed designs.
Pedagogy & Practice:
21st Century Skills Development,
Engineering Design,
Establishing a Culture of Science,
Group Work/Collaboration,
Hands-on Materials,
Multiple Learning Styles,
Project-Based Learning,
STEAM/Arts
NGSS Science and Engineering Practices:
2: Developing and Using Models,
5: Using Mathematics and Computational Thinking
Author:
Jonathan Strunin
Relevant NGSS PE:
5-ESS3-1,
3-5-ETS1-1,
3-5-ETS1-2,
3-5-ETS1-3,
MS-ESS3-3,
MS-ETS1-1,
MS-ETS1-2,
MS-ETS1-3
Other Subjects Covered:
Computer Science,
Math: Addition, Subtraction, Multiplication, Division,
Math: Geometry
Estimated Activity Length:
4 hours

Cost Effective Solar Cells: Solar Energy Equity and Sustainability

Grades:
9-12
Unit:
Cost Effective Solar Cells
Lesson Number:
1
Description:

This lesson is designed to span 2 days with 40-minute sections. On the introduction day, three solar power articles will be read to set up a Socratic Seminar dialogue on Day 2. A teacher will need to read the articles. The articles investigate the pros and...

Energy Content:
Circuitry,
Electrical Energy,
Energy Fundamentals,
Solar Photovoltaic,
Sources of Energy
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-
More Details Less Details
Learning Goal(s):
Students will read at least three articles discussing solar power generation, and the social, cultural, and economic implications of sustainable solar energyStudents will discuss social, cultural, and economic implications of sustainable solar energy in a Socratic Seminar format.
Pedagogy & Practice:
21st Century Skills Development,
Culturally Sustaining,
Engineering Design,
Group Work/Collaboration,
Hands-on Materials,
Project-Based Learning,
Research-Secondary
NGSS Science and Engineering Practices:
1: Asking Questions and Defining Problems,
8: Obtaining, Evaluating, and Communicating Information
Author:
Tom Wolverton
Relevant NGSS PE:
HS-PS1-2,
HS-PS2-6,
HS-PS3-3
Other Subjects Covered:
ELA: Reading: Scientific & Technical,
ELA: Speaking & Listening
Estimated Activity Length:
2 hours
Design a 50 Year Energy Plan

Introducing Power Production and Impacts of Climate Change

Grades:
9-12
Unit:
50 Year Energy Plan
Lesson Number:
1
Description:

In the first part of this activity, students participate in a role play activity – understanding the needs of different people living and working around the world. Each character express their unique perspective on climate change and impacts to their...

Energy Content:
Sources of Energy
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-
More Details Less Details
Learning Goal(s):
1. Explore the causes and effects of climate change as related to energy production.2. Develop a working understanding of varying stakeholder perspectives on the causes and effects of climate change. 
Pedagogy & Practice:
Engineering Design,
Project-Based Learning,
Research-Secondary,
Social-Emotional Learning
NGSS Science and Engineering Practices:
2: Developing and Using Models,
8: Obtaining, Evaluating, and Communicating Information
Author:
Bradford Hill
Relevant NGSS PE:
HS-ESS3-1
Other Subjects Covered:
Social Sciences: Civics,
Social Sciences: Geography,
Social Sciences: Multicultural Studies
Estimated Activity Length:
3 hours

Part 1 - Lesson 1: Why Use Renewable Energy?

Grades:
6-12
Unit:
A Community Powered by Renewable Energy
Lesson Number:
1
Description:

The purpose of this lesson is for students to obtain base knowledge of how renewable and non-renewable energy is generated and identify differences between renewable resources and fossil fuels. Students will research the potential long-term and short-term...

Energy Content:
Electricity Generation,
Energy Fundamentals,
Fuels,
Solar Photovoltaic,
Sources of Energy,
Wind Energy
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-
More Details Less Details
Learning Goal(s):
1.Students will define and explain the differences between renewable and non-renewable energy sources.2.Students will research, summarize, and present the (short- and long-term) benefits and drawbacks of utilizing wind and solar energy.  3.Students will research, summarize, and present the (short- and long-term) benefits and drawbacks of utilizing fossil fuels.4.Students will generate questions about the greenhouse gas effect, identify and isolate variables, and then conduct an experiment to answer a class generated question about the greenhouse gas effect.5.Through Socratic seminar, students will use the knowledge gained over the course of this lesson to discuss the potential long- and short-term benefits and drawbacks of using fossil fuels, solar energy, and wind energy.
Pedagogy & Practice:
English Language Strategies,
Establishing a Culture of Science,
Phenomena-Driven Instruction,
Place-Based Learning,
Project-Based Learning,
Research-Secondary,
Research-Primary
NGSS Science and Engineering Practices:
1: Asking Questions and Defining Problems,
4: Analyzing and Interpreting Data,
7: Engaging in Argument from Evidence,
8: Obtaining, Evaluating, and Communicating Information
Author:
Jonathan Strunin
Relevant NGSS PE:
MS-ESS3-3
Other Subjects Covered:
ELA: Reading: Scientific & Technical,
Math: Graphing & Representation
Estimated Activity Length:
8 hours

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