Light (Visible)

Solar Thermal

More Details Less Details

Learning Goal(s):

Students will be introduced to the range of microbes in the environment, understand the risks of “dirty water” and be able to explain how energy from the sun can purify water through the SODIS technique.

Pedagogy & Practice:

Establishing a Culture of Science,

Group Work/Collaboration,

Place-Based Learning

NGSS Science and Engineering Practices:

4: Analyzing and Interpreting Data,

6: Constructing Explanations and Designing Solutions,

7: Engaging in Argument from Evidence

Author:

Jamie Repasky

Relevant NGSS PE:

5-PS1-1,

5-ESS3-1,

3-5-ETS1-1,

3-5-ETS1-2,

3-5-ETS1-3

Other Subjects Covered:

ELA: Speaking & Listening,

ELA: Vocabulary Development,

Math: Ratios & Proportions

Estimated Activity Length:

1 hour

Resource Type:

Interactive,

Visualization/Simulation,

At-Home

Source:

University of Colorado Boulder

Published:

2020

Last Updated:

2020

Intended Grade Level:

3-5,

MS,

Resource Link(s):

PhET Simulation LIbraries

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Description:

A series of over 150 digitial interacitves that allow students to explore a wide variety of science concepts, from simple energy transformations and motion, as well as beahvior of electricity in multiple contexts (static electricity, circuity, batteries, electromagnetism, fields, and more). Many include data collection and applied exploraion of science concepts in physics, chemistry, math, and more. Most are meant for secondary grades, but there are some good foundational energy interactives for upper elementary.

Location:

National

Energy Content:

Batteries & Storage,

Circuitry,

Electricity and Magnetism,

Electricity Generation,

Electrons,

Sound,

NGSS Disciplinary Core Idea:

PS1.A: Matter: Structure & Properties,

PS1.B: Chemical Reactions,

PS2.A: Forces & Motion,

PS2.B: Interactions Between Forces,

PS3.A: Energy Definitions,

PS3.B: Energy Conservation & Transfer,

PS3.C: Energy & Forces,

PS3.D: Energy in Chemical Processes,

PS4.A: Wave Properties,

PS4.B: Electromagnetic Radiation

Other Subjects Covered:

Math: Addition, Subtraction, Multiplication, Division,

Math: Geometry,

Math: Measurement,

Math: Statistics & Probability,

Math: Ratios & Proportions

Resource Type:

Instructional Resource

Source:

National Renewable Energy Laboratory NREL

Published:

2020

Last Updated:

2020

Intended Grade Level:

Resource Link(s):

PV Watts Calcuator (NREL)

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Description:

This online resource is a quick and easy-to-use energy production calculator for grid-tied solar PV systems installed throughout the world that uses NREL scientific data. This website is used by solar photovoltaic energy installation and engineering professionals on a daily basis!

Location:

National

Energy Content:

Electrical Grid (Transmission & Distribution),

Solar Photovoltaic,

Sources of Energy

NGSS Disciplinary Core Idea:

ESS3.A: Natural Resources,

ESS3.C: Human Impact,

ESS3.D: Climate Change,

PS3.B: Energy Conservation & Transfer

Pedagogy & Practice:

21st Century Skills Development,

Engineering Design,

Field Work,

Phenomena-Driven Instruction,

Place-Based Learning,

Project-Based Learning

Other Subjects Covered:

CTE: Career & Technical Education,

Math: Addition, Subtraction, Multiplication, Division,

Math: Geometry,

Math: Measurement,

Math: Ratios & Proportions

Our Place in Space: Cosmic Rays

Grades:

3-5

Unit:

Our Place in Space

Lesson Number:

Description:

NOTE: SUN PHOTOMETER SUMULATOR AT CAS.HAMPTONU.EDU SEEMS TO BE NO LONGER AVAILABLE.

Using a map of school buildings, students will pick four areas to monitor over the year using wireless weather stations and the Solar Power Meter. In a following...

Energy Content:

Solar Thermal,

More Details Less Details

Learning Goal(s):

Students will learn how the sun affects their school by measuring the temperature at different locations around the building in the fall, winter, and spring. They will learn how to measure solar energy and look for trends in temperature and solar power over the year. These trends will then be used to investigate how energy reaches Earth from the Sun.

Pedagogy & Practice:

Field Work,

Group Work/Collaboration,

Research-Secondary

NGSS Science and Engineering Practices:

4: Analyzing and Interpreting Data,

8: Obtaining, Evaluating, and Communicating Information

Author:

Jamie Repasky

Relevant NGSS PE:

3-ESS2-1,

3-ESS2-2,

4-PS3-2,

5-ESS1-1

Other Subjects Covered:

Math: Geometry,

Math: Measurement

Estimated Activity Length:

3 hours

What is Energy?

Grades:

4-6

Unit:

Solar Boats

Lesson Number:

Description:

Students will gain an understanding of the fundamentals of energy through observing a variety of energy transformations and develop a foundational vocabulary for identifying and discussing energy concepts. Students will make observations about how energy...

Energy Content:

Electricity and Magnetism,

Potential & Kinetic Energy,

Sound,

More Details Less Details

Learning Goal(s):

Students will obtain the foundational knowledge of energy sources and forms of energy. In addition, students will learn that energy can transfer from one form to another. Students will build the understanding that there are different types of energy and many can not be directly observed.

Pedagogy & Practice:

Multiple Learning Styles

NGSS Science and Engineering Practices:

1: Asking Questions and Defining Problems

Author:

Carol Patrick

Relevant NGSS PE:

4-PS3-2,

4-ESS3-1

Other Subjects Covered:

ELA: Speaking & Listening,

ELA: Writing,

ELA: Vocabulary Development

Estimated Activity Length:

1 hour

Hypothesizing Why Solar Beads Change Color

Grades:

3-5

Unit:

Introducing Solar Energy

Lesson Number:

Description:

The purpose of this activity is to introduce the idea that sunlight is energy and that this energy can be absorbed, converted into heat, or even cause a chemical reaction to occur. This lesson is also an introduction to the process of science, involving...

Energy Content:

Light (Visible)

More Details Less Details

Learning Goal(s):

Students will be introduced to the vocabulary of observation, hypothesis, and evidence. Students will use the process of science discourse where people respectfully listen and disagree with each other’s ideas.

Pedagogy & Practice:

Establishing a Culture of Science

NGSS Science and Engineering Practices:

1: Asking Questions and Defining Problems,

6: Constructing Explanations and Designing Solutions,

7: Engaging in Argument from Evidence

Author:

Leah Gorman

Relevant NGSS PE:

4-PS3-2

Other Subjects Covered:

ELA: Speaking & Listening

Estimated Activity Length:

30 min

How the Amount of Light Affects a Solar Cell

Grades:

6-8

Unit:

PV Output

Lesson Number:

Description:

Students will cover portions of a solar cell and measure the output with a multimeter. They will compare and contrast the outputs of different percentages shaded and different configurations using the same percentage shaded.

Energy Content:

Circuitry,

Electricity Generation,

Solar Photovoltaic

More Details Less Details

Pedagogy & Practice:

Group Work/Collaboration,

Hands-on Materials

NGSS Science and Engineering Practices:

4: Analyzing and Interpreting Data,

7: Engaging in Argument from Evidence

Author:

Todd Freiboth

Other Subjects Covered:

ELA: Writing,

Solar Resources Assessment

Math: Measurement

Estimated Activity Length:

40 min

Introduction to the Photovoltaic Effect

Grades:

9-12

Unit:

Lesson Number:

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:

Electricity Generation,

Keeping it Cool With Solar

Solar Photovoltaic

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

Keeping it Cool With Solar: Hot Spot/Cool Spot

Grades:

K-2

Unit:

Lesson Number:

Description:

This is the first lesson where K- 2 students will investigate the effect of sunlight on the earth’s surface (K - PS3-1). The students will observe a video of an ice cube melting as the anchoring phenomenon for the unit. In this first lesson, students will...

Energy Content:

Solar Thermal

More Details Less Details

Learning Goal(s):

Students will consider and pose questions about what type of energy source can cause an ice cube to melt. Students will explore how the sun affects the Earth’s surface on the playground. Students will analyze data to understand how the sun affects the earth’s surface on the playground. Students will link the idea of sun/shade to hot/cool.

Pedagogy & Practice:

Early Childhood Learning,

Engineering Design,

Establishing a Culture of Science

NGSS Science and Engineering Practices:

1: Asking Questions and Defining Problems,

2: Developing and Using Models,

Cooking with the Sun and Solar Ovens

4: Analyzing and Interpreting Data

Author:

Mark Lewin

Relevant NGSS PE:

K-PS3-1

Other Subjects Covered:

ELA: Speaking & Listening,

ELA: Vocabulary Development

Estimated Activity Length:

30 min

Individual Independent Projects

Grades:

3-5

Unit:

Lesson Number:

Description:

The purpose of this lesson is to allow students to choose an area of interest regarding solar power and research it further in a manner of their choice. Students will produce a final product to display or share at the “Salute to the Sun” culminating event...

Energy Content:

Materials Science,

Solar Thermal,

More Details Less Details

Learning Goal(s):

Students will plan, gather research materials and create a project of their choice. In doing so student will learn proper research methods (i.e., reliable sources) and how to categorize and translate information. In addition students will become comfortable and familiar presenting information to others. Lastly, students will also learn how to create a rubric for self evaluation.

Pedagogy & Practice:

Culturally Sustaining,

Engineering Design,

Establishing a Culture of Science,

Multiple Learning Styles,

Project-Based Learning,

Research-Secondary,

STEAM/Arts

NGSS Science and Engineering Practices:

1: Asking Questions and Defining Problems,