How to Measure Output of Solar Modules

Sunlight Incident Angle
Average Rating:
0
Unit:
Solar Boats
Intended Grade Level(s):
4-6
Subject Area(s) Covered:
Science
Energy
circuit
open circuit
voltage
current
Power
short circuit
multimeter
measurement
load
Estimated Activity Length:
1 hour
Learning Goal(s):

Students will demonstrate that solar modules create electricity when light strikes the module. Students will determine the optimum angle for the generation of current by a solar cell when given a light source (indoors or outdoors using the sun). Students will be able to effectively use a digital multimeter to measure current and voltage produced by a solar cell.

Students will measure output from solar module before a load is attached and relate it to real world output. They will make these measurements using a multimeter and be able to determine the optimal angle at

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How Do Solar Panels Work?

2-Volt, 500mA Solar Modules
Average Rating:
0
Unit:
Solar Boats
Intended Grade Level(s):
4-6
Subject Area(s) Covered:
Science
Energy
solar energy
photovoltaic effect
solar thermal
electromagnetic radiation
greenhouse effect
absorption
reflection
conductivity
energy transfer
photons
electrons
Estimated Activity Length:
1 hour
Learning Goal(s):

Students will be able to describe, in basic terms, the way that electricity is generated from a solar cell. Students will be able to determine that energy from the sun is being converted directly into electricity. Students will understand that this electrical energy that is produced in this energy transfer is able to perform the work required within a small load.

Students will learn the basics of how a solar cell generates electricity and observe the effects on a small electrical load attached to a solar module under a variety of conditions. They will build upon

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What is Force?

Foil Barge
Average Rating:
0
Unit:
Solar Boats
Intended Grade Level(s):
4-6
Subject Area(s) Covered:
Science
Energy
motion
acceleration
resistance
friction
gravity
thrust
force
Laws of Motion
buoyancy
Estimated Activity Length:
1 hour 30 min
Learning Goal(s):

Students will identify the Laws of Motion and learn about the forces acting on the system. There are multiple forces acting on a boat, some of these forces include, acceleration, friction, gravity and thrust.

Students will build a barge out of tin foil and describe the forces acting it. The barge itself is designed only with the constraints that passengers within the barge will not get wet, allowing for students

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What is Energy Transfer?

Energy Transformations
Average Rating:
0
Unit:
Solar Boats
Intended Grade Level(s):
4-6
Subject Area(s) Covered:
Science
Energy
potential energy
kinetic energy
energy sources
renewable energy
circuits
energy transfer
energy transformation
Estimated Activity Length:
2 hours 30 min
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 be able to match images of energy transformations to their respected vocabulary.

Students will continue to build an understanding of the fundamentals of energy through observing and describing a variety of energy transformations and build on their foundational vocabulary for identifying

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What is Energy?

Energy Transformations
Average Rating:
0
Unit:
Solar Boats
Intended Grade Level(s):
4-6
Subject Area(s) Covered:
Science
Energy
potential energy
kinetic energy
energy sources
nuclear energy
fossil fuel energy
renewable energy
circuits
energy transfer
fuels
Estimated Activity Length:
1 hour
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.

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.

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Shaw Island Community Solar

Location:
Shaw Island, WA
Grade Level:
K-8
Technology Type:
solar
PV System Size:
1.70 - kilowatts

The San Juan Islands Conservation District is partnered with Orcas Power and Light Cooperative (OPALCO) and the Bonneville Environmental Foundation to install solar electric systems at the public schools on Lopez, Orcas, San Juan, and Shaw Islands in 2015. This exciting community solar project will deliver renewable energy to our public schools, reducing their electricity bills, and provide renewable energy education for our students. Participants receive a payback through production incentives. Shaw Island School is generating renewable solar energy through the community solar... Read full project narrative >>

Chevrolet - American Chevrolet Dealership

Location:
Modesto, CA
Grade Level:
4-8
Technology Type:
solar
ev charging
PV System Size:
10.60 - kilowatts

As part of its Clean Energy and Carbon Reduction Initiative, in 2014 Chevrolet committed to provide Solar 4R Schools renewable energy education resources to teachers in select communities served by local Chevrolet dealerships with installed solar-powered electric vehicle (EV) canopy charging stations.

American Chevrolet of Modesto CA, has a 10.6 kW solar EV charging station on-site and through Chevrolet’s support, provided two Solar 4R Schools workshops that include STEM education training and classroom resources to multiple educators representing the following schools:... Read full project narrative >>

Cascades Academy

Location:
Bend, OR
Grade Level:
PK-12
PV System Size:
24.64 - kilowatts

Cascades Academy is an engaged, vibrant community that weaves challenging academics with experiential learning to inspire socially-responsible individuals ready for a diverse and changing world. This 24.6 kW solar photovolatic system was installed in 2016 thanks to Cascades Academy’s commitment to sustainability.

Electricity generated will reduce the school’s energy costs and improve the environment. The PV system was accompanied by STEM professional development opportunities for teachers through BEF’s Solar 4R Schools program, along with science education kits, classroom... Read full project narrative >>

Peninsula Light Community Solar

Location:
Gig Harbor, WA
Grade Level:
PK-12
Technology Type:
solar
PV System Size:
60.00 - kilowatts

The Harbor Community Solar project is now generating electricity (click HERE to track the electric generation), and hundreds of our members are participating in the renewable-energy field. The 60-kilowatt photovoltaic system was built on the roof of the Harbor History Museum and energized on November 6, 2015. As the solar panels convert the sun’s rays into electricity, the museum will use the... Read full project narrative >>

Community School

Location:
Sun Valley, ID
Grade Level:
PK-12
Technology Type:
solar
PV System Size:
15.39 - kilowatts

In 2016, Community School was selected by Idaho Power to become the next Renewable School in Bonneville Environmental Foundation’s (BEF) Solar 4R Schools program. Thanks to generous support and funding from the utility’s Green Power Program participants and project match provided by Community School, the school installed a 15 kW PV system on the school which is estimated to cover seven to eight percent of the campus’ electric use. Educators at the school also received a customized renewable energy teacher training from Solar 4R Schools in Fall 2015, complete with hands-on science kit... Read full project narrative >>

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