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
Design a 50 Year Energy Plan

What is Our Plan?

Grades:
9-12
Unit:
50 Year Energy Plan
Lesson Number:
6
Description:

With all the pieces in place, this Unit’s final lesson asks students to code a spreadsheet that calculates and mathematically predicts the environmental impacts of different energy sources and strategies over a 50 year timespan. Divided into five...

Energy Content:
Batteries & Storage,
Biomass Energy,
Electrical Grid (Transmission & Distribution),
Hydropower,
Solar Photovoltaic,
Sources of Energy,
Wind Energy
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-
More Details Less Details
Learning Goal(s):
1. Students utilize their knowledge of energy’s impact on global systems as well as the process of energy generation in order to inform their development of a 50-year Energy Plan divided into decades. 
Pedagogy & Practice:
Engineering Design,
Group Work/Collaboration,
Place-Based Learning,
Project-Based Learning
NGSS Science and Engineering Practices:
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-ESS3-2,
HS-ETS1-1,
HS-ETS1-3,
HS-ETS1-4
Other Subjects Covered:
ELA: Writing,
Math: Graphing & Representation,
Social Sciences: Analysis,
Social Sciences: Geography
Estimated Activity Length:
5 hours
Sphero SPRK+

Solar SPRK+: Final Challenge and Presentation

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

In this lesson, students will navigate through a maze using their SPRK+ in order to reach the solar charging station. Students will redesign their chariot in order to meet the needs of this new maze in order to carry their solar panels to the charging...

Energy Content:
Circuitry,
Electrical Energy,
Electronics,
Solar Photovoltaic
+
-
More Details Less Details
Learning Goal(s):
Students will combine SPRK+ programming with the construction of a compatible chariot in order to guide their SPRK+ “Mars rover” to carry solar panels to a charging station.Students will present a final project to the class that summarizes their knowledge about the scientific background knowledge tied to this project as well as their design and testing process.
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,
5: Using Mathematics and Computational Thinking,
6: Constructing Explanations and Designing Solutions,
8: Obtaining, Evaluating, and Communicating Information
Author:
Deb Frankel
Relevant NGSS PE:
MS-ETS1-1,
MS-ETS1-2,
MS-ETS1-3
Other Subjects Covered:
Computer Science,
ELA: Speaking & Listening,
ELA: Writing
Estimated Activity Length:
8 hours

Part 2 - Lesson 3: Solar Energy

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

Students will work with local government staff or another local energy professional to propose a way to create enough solar power energy to supply the annual energy needs for a real building. Students will be provided with on-site options, and will...

Energy Content:
Electrical Energy,
Electrical Grid (Transmission & Distribution),
Electricity Generation,
Smart Grid,
Solar Photovoltaic
+
-
More Details Less Details
Learning Goal(s):
1.Students will conduct an experiment to determine how electrical output changes as solar panels as the azimuth and tilts are incrementally changed.2.Students will conduct an experiment to determine how electrical output changes as solar panels are shaded.3.Students will work with the staff from your city or town to calculate the amount of potential electrical energy that can be collected from solar panels based upon the location and size of the system.4.Students will use existing solar data to determine the number of solar panels required to power the building in question.
Pedagogy & Practice:
Engineering Design,
Group Work/Collaboration,
Hands-on Materials,
Multiple Learning Styles,
Place-Based Learning,
Project-Based Learning,
Research-Primary
NGSS Science and Engineering Practices:
3: Planning and Carrying Out Investigations,
4: Analyzing and Interpreting Data,
5: Using Mathematics and Computational Thinking,
8: Obtaining, Evaluating, and Communicating Information
Author:
Jonathan Strunin
Relevant NGSS PE:
HS-ETS1-1,
HS-ETS1-2,
HS-ETS1-3,
HS-ETS1-4
Other Subjects Covered:
Math: Geometry,
Math: Graphing & Representation,
Math: Measurement,
Math: Ratios & Proportions,
Social Sciences: Economics
Estimated Activity Length:
6 hours
Kidwind Small Water Pump

Designing a Faster Water Pump

Grades:
2-5
Unit:
Understanding Science and Engineering Through Solar Power
Lesson Number:
7
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

Part 3 – Lesson 1: A Plan for Renewable Energy Goals

Grades:
6-12
Unit:
A Community Powered by Renewable Energy
Lesson Number:
7
Description:

Students will utilize their home energy audits from Part 1, the information they gathered from the wind and solar assessments in Part 2, and the knowledge they gained from the solar project in Part 2 to devise a plan for your city or town to meet renewable...

Energy Content:
Electrical Energy,
Electrical Grid (Transmission & Distribution),
Solar Photovoltaic,
Sources of Energy,
Wind Energy
+
-
More Details Less Details
Learning Goal(s):
1.Students will utilize previously acquired information about energy needs to create a renewable energy proposal for their city or town.2.Students will perform a solar energy audit on their homes and use class averages to calculate the amount of renewable energy that can be generated on residential properties.3.Students will assess where commercial and local government solar projects can occur within the city or town to meet the energy needs for non-residential consumers.4.Students will determine potential locations for larger scale wind and solar farms to augment the remaining energy needs of the community.5.Students will prepare a comprehensive renewable energy plan that totals the calculations for potential residential, commercial, and agency renewable energy generation.6.Students will prepare a brief PowerPoint presentation that summarizes their comprehensive plans that will be presented to a panel of elected officials or local experts/stakeholders.
Pedagogy & Practice:
21st Century Skills Development,
Engineering Design,
Field Work,
Group Work/Collaboration,
Hands-on Materials,
Multiple Learning Styles,
Phenomena-Driven Instruction,
Place-Based Learning,
Project-Based Learning,
Research-Primary
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-ETS1-1,
MS-ETS1-2,
MS-ETS1-3,
MS-ETS1-4,
HS-ESS3-2,
HS-ESS3-4,
HS-ETS1-1,
HS-ETS1-2,
HS-ETS1-3,
HS-ETS1-4
Other Subjects Covered:
Environmental Sciences,
CTE: Career & Technical Education,
Math: Addition, Subtraction, Multiplication, Division,
Math: Geometry,
Math: Ratios & Proportions,
Social Sciences: Civics,
Social Sciences: Geography
Estimated Activity Length:
4 hours

Cost Effective Solar Cells: Titanium Dioxide Raspberry Solar Cell Data Sharing

Grades:
9-12
Unit:
Cost Effective Solar Cells
Lesson Number:
8
Description:

This lesson is designed to be completed in one 80-minute section. The teacher will facilitate the sharing of student titanium dioxide solar cell results with emphasis on variables during data collection. Teachers will demonstrate spreadsheet sorting for...

Energy Content:
Circuitry,
Electrical Energy,
Electricity Generation,
Electrons,
Solar Photovoltaic,
Sources of Energy
+
-
More Details Less Details
Learning Goal(s):
Students will collect and analyze titanium dioxide coated “raspberry juice” solar cell data.Students will discuss results and draw conclusions about variables that may affect power generation.
Pedagogy & Practice:
21st Century Skills Development,
English Language Strategies,
Engineering Design,
Project-Based Learning,
Research-Secondary
NGSS Science and Engineering Practices:
6: Constructing Explanations and Designing Solutions,
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
Wadsworth OH thumbnail

Let's Build Sun Ovens

Grades:
3-5
Unit:
Cooking with the Sun and Solar Ovens
Lesson Number:
9
Description:

The purpose of this lesson is to introduce the students to three different styles of inexpensive solar ovens. Students will work together to build a File Box oven, an auto shade/bucket oven and a “Copenhagen” style oven. Students will follow written...

Energy Content:
Solar Thermal,
Thermal Energy (Heat)
+
-
More Details Less Details
Learning Goal(s):
Students will follow written directions and use what they have learned about necessary components of a solar oven to build three different ovens in small groups.
Pedagogy & Practice:
Group Work/Collaboration,
Hands-on Materials,
Project-Based Learning
Author:
Lisa Morgan
Relevant NGSS PE:
4-PS3-2,
4-PS3-4,
3-5-ETS1-1,
3-5-ETS1-2,
3-5-ETS1-3
Estimated Activity Length:
3 hours

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