Car Charger Schematic

Exploring Buck and Boost Converters

Grades:
7-12
Unit:
Off the Grid
Lesson Number:
4
Description:

This lab uses a variety of voltage conversion devices to output 5 Volts, the requirements for a USB charger such as for a cell phone. Students will take data on these devices and calculate, graph and compare efficiencies of different devices. Devices used...

Energy Content:
Circuitry,
Electrical Energy,
Electronics
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More Details Less Details
Learning Goal(s):
1. Students will use multimeters to measure voltage and current in circuits. 2. Students will use collected data and be able to make power calculations from this data. 3. Students will also be able to calculate efficiency from their power calculations. 4. Students will be able to compare efficiencies in order to identify the circuit that is most efficient. 5. Students will be able to make circuits from a diagram and vice versa.
Pedagogy & Practice:
Hands-on Materials
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:
Brett McFarland
Relevant NGSS PE:
HS-PS3-1
Other Subjects Covered:
Math: Measurement
Estimated Activity Length:
3 hours

Design and Engineer Solutions

Grades:
5-8
Unit:
Adrift in a Sea of Plastic
Lesson Number:
4
Description:

This lesson is designed to span 9 days with 50-minute sessions. The students will use a Design and Engineering Journal to guide them in the design and engineering process. In small groups they will use the research from lesson 2 to formulate solutions to...

Energy Content:
Circuitry,
Electrical Energy,
Materials Science,
Next Generation Manufacturing,
Solar Photovoltaic
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-
More Details Less Details
Learning Goal(s):
Students will take part in the engineering design process.Students will use problem solving skills to make changes to designs.Students will use speaking and listening skills to give presentations and listen to others give their presentation.
Pedagogy & Practice:
21st Century Skills Development,
Culturally Sustaining,
English Language Strategies,
Engineering Design,
Establishing a Culture of Science,
Group Work/Collaboration,
Hands-on Materials,
Phenomena-Driven Instruction,
Project-Based Learning,
Research-Secondary,
STEAM/Arts
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:
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,
Environmental Sciences,
ELA: Speaking & Listening,
Math: Geometry,
Math: Graphing & Representation,
Math: Measurement
Estimated Activity Length:
7 hours

Keeping it Cool With Solar: Build Time

Grades:
K-2
Unit:
Keeping it Cool With Solar
Lesson Number:
4
Description:

This lesson is designed for one 30-minute session. Students build their structures based on their designs from Lesson 3. Students share evidence about ho w their structures affect the sunlight on the earth’s surface.

Energy Content:
Energy Efficiency,
Energy Fundamentals,
Light (Visible),
Solar Thermal
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More Details Less Details
Learning Goal(s):
1. Students build shade structures that will optimize cooling the earth’s surface from sunlight.
Pedagogy & Practice:
Early Childhood Learning,
Engineering Design,
Establishing a Culture of Science,
Hands-on Materials
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:
Mark Lewin
Relevant NGSS PE:
K-PS3-1
Other Subjects Covered:
ELA: Speaking & Listening
Estimated Activity Length:
1 hour

Cost Effective Solar Cells: Solar Panel Data Sharing

Grades:
9-12
Unit:
Cost Effective Solar Cells
Lesson Number:
4
Description:

This lesson is designed to be completed in one 40-minute section. The teacher will facilitate the sharing of student solar panel data from indoor and outdoor testing with fans, music circuits, LEDs and any other combinations that were constructed. Teachers...

Energy Content:
Circuitry,
Electrical Energy,
Electricity Generation,
Electrons,
Energy Fundamentals,
Solar Photovoltaic
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-
More Details Less Details
Learning Goal(s):
Students will analyze and share out power generation results with classmates
Pedagogy & Practice:
21st Century Skills Development,
Engineering Design,
Project-Based Learning
NGSS Science and Engineering Practices:
5: Using Mathematics and Computational Thinking,
6: Constructing Explanations and Designing Solutions,
8: Obtaining, Evaluating, and Communicating Information
Author:
Tom Wolverton
Relevant NGSS PE:
HS-PS1-2,
HS-PS2-6,
HS-PS3-3
Estimated Activity Length:
0 sec
Solar Mobile

Solar Mobile Design Challenge - Construction

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

This is the culminating hands-on project for the Solar Mobile Design Challenge Lessons, with construction aligned to an engineering design process. Students start by Restating the Design Problem that was introduced to them in the beginning of the Unit....

Energy Content:
Circuitry,
Materials Science,
Solar Photovoltaic
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-
More Details Less Details
Learning Goal(s):
Students brainstorm ideas and share with their group.Students draw and label Solar Mobile designs in Engineering Notebooks. Students research an aircraft to trace (if this was not accomplished in the Center of Gravity lesson) and trace the aircraft outline onto foam board. Students construct a solar circuit to power motors and propellers on a foam board aircraft and test multiple times before adding to the solar mobile stand. Students construct solar mobile stand and add their aircraft to a dowel attached to the central hub. Students work with a partner to balance each aircraft onto the mobile. Students test the mobile speed outside (depending on weather) and compare to speed under indoor light stands. After initial testing, students redesign circuits or mobile construction to optimize design. Students use hand-held devices to film their moving Mobiles to judge the machine’s speed. Students demonstrate how their Solar Mobile works and justify in writing why their mobile should be chosen for the Children’s Technology Museum. 
Pedagogy & Practice:
Engineering Design,
Group Work/Collaboration,
Hands-on Materials,
STEAM/Arts
NGSS Science and Engineering Practices:
1: Asking Questions and Defining Problems,
2: Developing and Using Models,
6: Constructing Explanations and Designing Solutions,
8: Obtaining, Evaluating, and Communicating Information
Author:
Kristy Schneider
Other Subjects Covered:
ELA: Writing
Estimated Activity Length:
6 hours

Analyze Data and Draw Conclusions

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

Students have performed the investigation and will now analyze their data. They will accomplish this through a journaling activity that requires them to use the data collected from the actual races. The will refer to sentence frames in order to make...

Energy Content:
Circuitry,
Solar Photovoltaic
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-
More Details Less Details
Learning Goal(s):
Students will determine how differences between solar cars affected their functionality. Students will make claims based off of quantitative and qualitative data. Students will engage in scientific talk based off of their own observations when constructing and testing solar cars. Students will complete a journaling activity that outlines their processes relating to making conclusions.
Pedagogy & Practice:
English Language Strategies,
Engineering Design,
Project-Based Learning
NGSS Science and Engineering Practices:
4: Analyzing and Interpreting Data,
6: Constructing Explanations and Designing Solutions,
7: Engaging in Argument from Evidence,
8: Obtaining, Evaluating, and Communicating Information
Author:
Carol Patrick
Relevant NGSS PE:
5-PS2-1,
5-PS3-1,
3-5-ETS1-2
Other Subjects Covered:
ELA: Writing
Estimated Activity Length:
1 hour
Basic Stamp Microprocessor

Integrating Solar Power

Grades:
9-12
Unit:
Robotic Sunflower
Lesson Number:
5
Description:

At this point students should have a working robotic sunflower that will track the sun with 2 degrees of freedom. This next lesson powers the whole system with a photovoltaic module. A Zener diode is used to charge a 6V motorcycle battery which then...

Energy Content:
Circuitry,
Electrical Energy,
Electronics,
Solar Photovoltaic
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-
More Details Less Details
Learning Goal(s):
Students will create voltage regulator and construct a solar battery charger.
Pedagogy & Practice:
21st Century Skills Development,
Group Work/Collaboration,
Hands-on Materials,
Project-Based Learning
NGSS Science and Engineering Practices:
6: Constructing Explanations and Designing Solutions
Author:
Pat Blount
Relevant NGSS PE:
HS-ETS1-1,
HS-ETS1-2,
HS-ETS1-3,
HS-PS3-1,
HS-PS3-3
Other Subjects Covered:
Computer Science
Estimated Activity Length:
1 hour
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
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-
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
Kidwind Small Water Pump

Making Observations and Recording Data for Solar Powered Water Pumping

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

Students use a solar module and water pump to test how quickly one cup of water can be pumped.

Energy Content:
Circuitry,
Electrical Energy,
Solar Photovoltaic
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-
More Details Less Details
Learning Goal(s):
Students will be able to make observations and record data about how quickly a solar module will drive a pump to move water.
Pedagogy & Practice:
Engineering Design,
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,
8: Obtaining, Evaluating, and Communicating Information
Author:
Mike Hellis
Relevant NGSS PE:
4-PS3-2,
4-PS3-4,
3-5-ETS1-1,
3-5-ETS1-2
Other Subjects Covered:
Math: Graphing & Representation,
Math: Measurement
Estimated Activity Length:
1 hour

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