Solar Mobile

Solar Mobile Design Challenge Unit Plan

Grades:
6-8
Unit:
Solar Mobile Design Challenge
Description:

This unit involves students learning about transferring solar energy to small motors, exploring the center of gravity and testing light sources (including the sun). The culminating engineering design project gives students the chance to pull...

Energy Content:
Circuitry,
Electricity and Magnetism,
Energy Efficiency,
Materials Science,
Solar Photovoltaic
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More Details Less Details
Learning Goal(s):
Students will design circuits using various solar panels in order to power motors with propellers. Students will learn about solar energy transfer in order to power the motors on their solar aircraft.Students will research an aircraft and draw an outline of the aircraft onto foam board. Students will explore the concept of center of gravity. Students will test the efficiency of various light sources (incandescent, fluorescent, LED, halogen) for usage by a PV cell.Students will use their prior testing results and knowledge to engineer a solar-powered mobile. Students will work to transfer the most energy from the solar panels considering all the tested variables in order to power the fastest, most efficient mobile.Students will demonstrate and explain why their solar mobile should be chosen for the solar mobile display in the children’s museum. 
Pedagogy & Practice:
Engineering Design,
Group Work/Collaboration,
Hands-on Materials,
Phenomena-Driven Instruction,
Project-Based Learning,
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:
Kristy Schneider
Relevant NGSS PE:
MS-ETS1-3,
MS-ETS1-4,
MS-PS2-2,
MS-PS3-5
Other Subjects Covered:
ELA: Informational Text,
Math: Measurement
Estimated Activity Length:
0 sec
Solar Updraft Tower

Solar Updraft Towers Unit Overview

Grades:
3-8
Unit:
Solar Updraft Towers
Description:

Students will combine research, direct observations, and hands-on investigation to lead them into an engineering design project involving the construction of a solar updraft tower. During this process, students will make references to specific phenomena...

Energy Content:
Electricity Generation,
Energy Fundamentals,
Light (Visible),
Solar Thermal,
Sources of Energy,
Thermal Energy (Heat),
Wind Energy
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More Details Less Details
Learning Goal(s):
Students will understand ten renewable and non-renewable energy sources on the earth.Students will learn the locations of different energy sources on the earth.Students will learn the history of energy sources and how humans have used them.Students will learn about innovations and inventions used to find, recover, store, and release energy for human consumption.Students will understand that hot air risesStudents will understand why hot water and hot air rise and cold air and cold water sink.Students will learn that wind is produced by warm air rising and cold air sinking.Students will learn that the energy of moving hot air can be converted into other forms of energy.Students will understand that energy from the sun can be converted into heat.Students will discuss the effects of the chimney stack phenomenon.Students will understand that wind energy can be converted into other forms of energy.Students will determine different methods to increase the effectiveness of a wind turbine blade by harnessing and converting the mechanical energy of the wind.Students will determine that thermal energy resulting from the sun’s radiation can create an updraft that will power a turbine to spin.                                       Students will identify characteristics of turbine design that improve the success of their device.Students will utilize content from previous phenomena they investigated, such as the chimney stack effect and Norwegian candle toys, to determine how to best harness the energy transformed by their device from the sun.Students will be able to define and explain what a solar updraft tower is.Students will make connections between their previous engineering challenge and a real world solution to the world’s growing energy demands.
Pedagogy & Practice:
Engineering Design,
Phenomena-Driven Instruction,
Research-Secondary
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,
6: Constructing Explanations and Designing Solutions,
7: Engaging in Argument from Evidence,
8: Obtaining, Evaluating, and Communicating Information
Author:
Lisa Morgan
Relevant NGSS PE:
4-PS3-2,
4-PS3-3,
4-PS3-4,
4-ESS3-1,
3-5-ETS1-1,
3-5-ETS1-2,
3-5-ETS1-3
Other Subjects Covered:
ELA: Informational Text,
ELA: Writing,
ELA: Vocabulary Development,
Math: Measurement,
Math: Ratios & Proportions
Estimated Activity Length:
10 hours
Electric Current Induction

Wave Attenuator Unit Overview

Grades:
6-12
Unit:
Wave Attenuator
Description:

Through a series of learning experiences, students will experiment with the basic concepts of motion to electrical energy transformation. Students start by building a series of models that demonstrate the interactions between magnetic and electric fields....

Energy Content:
Electrical Energy,
Electricity and Magnetism,
Electricity Generation
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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. 5. Students will describe and model the energy transfer and transformation in a wave attenuator. 6. Students will build a wave attenuator using a diagram and selected materials. 7. Students will test the model wave attenuator they built. 8. Students will investigate variables that may affect the output of an energy conversion device (wave attenuator). 9. Students will interpret data to identify which variables increase electrical output for these model wave attenuators. 10. Students will communicate results from scientific inquiry to identify factors that are important to optimizing the design of a wave attenuator.
Pedagogy & Practice:
21st Century Skills Development,
Engineering Design,
Group Work/Collaboration,
Phenomena-Driven Instruction,
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,
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:
Tabatha Roderick
Relevant NGSS PE:
MS-ESS3-1,
MS-ETS1-1,
MS-ETS1-4,
MS-PS2-4,
MS-PS3-5
Other Subjects Covered:
ELA: Informational Text,
ELA: Speaking & Listening,
Math: Measurement
Estimated Activity Length:
10 hours
Constructing Solar Panels

Solar Panel Construction, Orientation and Use Unit

Grades:
9-12
Unit:
Solar Panel Construction, Orientation and Use
Description:

For this extended task, students will track the sun's altitude and Azimuth to determine the best position for their hand-built solar panel, learn solar cell operation basics, solar panel construction, series and parallel circuitry and basic array sizing...

Energy Content:
Circuitry,
Electricity Generation,
Energy Fundamentals,
Solar Photovoltaic
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More Details Less Details
Learning Goal(s):
Modeling and data analysis
Pedagogy & Practice:
Hands-on Materials
NGSS Science and Engineering Practices:
1: Asking Questions and Defining Problems,
3: Planning and Carrying Out Investigations,
4: Analyzing and Interpreting Data
Author:
James Mulanax
Relevant NGSS PE:
HS-PS2-6,
HS-PS3-3
Other Subjects Covered:
ELA: Informational Text,
ELA: Speaking & Listening,
ELA: Writing,
ELA: Vocabulary Development,
Math: Algebra,
Math: Graphing & Representation,
Math: Measurement
Estimated Activity Length:
10 hours
Resource Type:
Data,
Energy Program/Initiative (Nonprofit/Industry),
Instructional Resource,
Interactive,
Report,
Research
Source:
US Department of Energy
Published:
2021
Last Updated:
2021
Intended Grade Level:
HS,
Post Secondary
Resource Link(s):
Report Broken Link
Description:

Published by US Department of Energy the Alternative Fuels Data Center is a wealth of data, maps, reports, interactives, case studies, and other resources on existing and emerging alternative fuel technologies, including electric vehicles, biodiesel, natural gas, hydrogen fuel cell, and others. Designed for fleet managers but applicable to high school classrooms, this can be a key research resource for understanding both the science and policy of alternative fuel transportation and applying to real world situations.

Location:
National
Energy Content:
Advanced Energy Careers,
Batteries & Storage,
Energy & Society,
Renewable Natural Gas,
Biomass Energy,
Fuels,
Hydrogen,
Smart Grid,
Sources of Energy,
Transportation
NGSS Disciplinary Core Idea:
ESS3.A: Natural Resources,
ESS3.C: Human Impact,
ESS3.D: Climate Change,
PS1.A: Matter: Structure & Properties,
PS1.B: Chemical Reactions,
PS3.D: Energy in Chemical Processes
Pedagogy & Practice:
21st Century Skills Development,
Career-Connected Learning,
Engineering Design,
Multiple Learning Styles,
Project-Based Learning,
Research-Secondary,
Research-Primary
Other Subjects Covered:
Computer Science,
Environmental Sciences,
ELA: Informational Text,
Math: Addition, Subtraction, Multiplication, Division,
Math: Algebra,
Math: Functions,
Math: Graphing & Representation,
Math: Measurement,
Math: Statistics & Probability,
Math: Ratios & Proportions,
Math: Trigonometry/Calculus,
Social Sciences: Economics
Resource Type:
At-Home,
Curriculum,
Instructional Resource,
Interactive,
Pedagogy,
Phenomena,
Video,
Visualization/Simulation
Source:
CK-12
Published:
2021
Last Updated:
2021
Intended Grade Level:
PreK-2,
3-5,
MS,
HS
Resource Link(s):
Report Broken Link
Description:

cK-12 is a nonprofit free database of curricular resources across all subjects, and includes complete content, interacties and simulations, assessments and videos and more. The energy content includes content that addresses the foundational content required in NGSS. 

Location:
National
Energy Content:
Electrical Energy,
Electricity and Magnetism,
Electricity Generation,
Electrons,
Energy Fundamentals,
Light (Visible),
Potential & Kinetic Energy,
Sound,
Sources of Energy
NGSS Disciplinary Core Idea:
ESS1.B: Solar System,
ESS1.C: Earth History,
ESS2.A: Earth Materials & Systems,
ESS2.C: Water on Earth,
ESS2.D: Weather & Climate,
ESS3.A: Natural Resources,
ESS3.C: Human Impact,
ESS3.D: Climate Change,
LS2.B: Matter & Energy Cycles,
LS2.C: Ecosystem Dynamics,
LS4.D: Biodiversity & Humans,
PS1.A: Matter: Structure & Properties,
PS1.B: Chemical Reactions,
PS1.C: Nuclear Processes,
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,
PS4.C: Information Technologies
Pedagogy & Practice:
Establishing a Culture of Science,
Multilingual Strategies,
Multiple Learning Styles
Other Subjects Covered:
ELA: Informational Text,
ELA: Reading: Literature,
ELA: Reading: Scientific & Technical,
ELA: Speaking & Listening,
ELA: Writing,
ELA: Vocabulary Development,
Math: Addition, Subtraction, Multiplication, Division,
Math: Algebra,
Math: Functions,
Math: Geometry,
Math: Graphing & Representation,
Math: Measurement,
Math: Statistics & Probability,
Math: Ratios & Proportions,
Math: Trigonometry/Calculus,
Social Sciences: Analysis,
Social Sciences: Civics,
Social Sciences: Economics,
Social Sciences: Geography,
Social Sciences: History,
Social Sciences: Multicultural Studies

Unit Plan: Understand E-Waste Through Battery Design

Grades:
4-5
Unit:
Understanding E-Waste Through Battery Design
Description:

In this lesson students will further explore their understanding of energy, electricity, and basic circuits. Students will begin their exploration of batteries by questioning where batteries end up when we are done using them, making connections to e-waste...

Energy Content:
Batteries & Storage,
Circuitry,
Electrical Energy,
Electricity Generation,
Electronics,
Electrons,
Fuels,
Hydrogen,
Potential & Kinetic Energy,
Solar Photovoltaic,
Sources of Energy,
Wind Energy
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More Details Less Details
Learning Goal(s):
1.Students will make connections to real world problem solving with e-waste.2.Students will explore battery design and transfer of energy through hands on experiments with household items.3.Students will evaluate and analyze problems with e-waste and research solutions.4.Students will draw and label models to explain circuits demonstrating the movement of energy.5.Students will be able to explain how the measured and compared batteries based on the knowledge learned about volts and using a voltmeter.
Pedagogy & Practice:
21st Century Skills Development,
English Language Strategies,
Engineering Design,
Group Work/Collaboration,
Hands-on Materials,
Phenomena-Driven Instruction,
Research-Secondary
NGSS Science and Engineering Practices:
1: Asking Questions and Defining Problems,
2: Developing and Using Models,
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:
4-PS3-2,
4-PS3-4,
4-ESS3-1,
5-ESS3-1,
3-5-ETS1-1,
3-5-ETS1-2,
3-5-ETS1-3
Other Subjects Covered:
Environmental Sciences,
ELA: Informational Text,
ELA: Reading: Scientific & Technical,
ELA: Vocabulary Development,
Math: Graphing & Representation,
Math: Measurement,
Social Sciences: Analysis
Estimated Activity Length:
10 hours

Adrift in a Sea of Plastic Unit Plan

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

In this unit students will investigate the phenomena of plastic trash islands floating in the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans. The students will work to solve the problem of plastic trash islands through the engineering and design process. Using 3D printers,...

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 design 3D models using Tinkercad software.·       Students will define the problem of plastic trash islands.·       Students will describe possible solutions to the problem of plastic trash islands.·       Students will research the plastic trash problem and create google slideshows the problem and how we might fix it.·       Students will investigate different ways to build structures that both float and hold weight.·       Students will build a model of a device that could collect plastic from the ocean.·       Students will test the models they build.·       Students will communicate their results from scientific inquiry to identify factors that are important to optimizing the design of the plastic collecting device.
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,
4: Analyzing and Interpreting Data,
5: Using Mathematics and Computational Thinking,
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: Informational Text,
ELA: Speaking & Listening,
ELA: Writing,
Math: Geometry,
Math: Graphing & Representation
Estimated Activity Length:
10 hours
Solar Mobile

Introducing the Solar Mobile Design Challenge

Grades:
6-8
Unit:
Solar Mobile Design Challenge
Lesson Number:
1
Description:

This lesson is aimed to engage students and build excitement for their future engineering design challenge of building the fastest Solar Powered Mobile. Through multi-media resources, Students will encounter real life solar aircrafts and a room-sized...

Energy Content:
Solar Photovoltaic,
Transportation
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More Details Less Details
Learning Goal(s):
Students will be introduced to solar aircraft. Students will form and write questions about solar aircraft into their Engineering Notebooks setting the stage for future questions.Students will be introduced to a room-sized solar mobile and add additional questions to their engineering notebook.Students will be introduced to the engineering design scenario. 
Pedagogy & Practice:
Engineering Design,
Establishing a Culture of Science,
Group Work/Collaboration,
Phenomena-Driven Instruction
NGSS Science and Engineering Practices:
1: Asking Questions and Defining Problems
Author:
Kristy Schneider
Other Subjects Covered:
ELA: Informational Text
Estimated Activity Length:
1 hour
Puerto Rico Power

When the Grid Goes Down and Stays Down

Grades:
7-8
Unit:
Chemical Differences in Emergency Energy Sources
Lesson Number:
1
Description:

Through an examination of media published in the five months following Hurricane Maria in 2017, students will develop an understanding of the electrical grid, the vulnerabilities of a grid system, and the immediate and long-term challenges of living...

Energy Content:
Electrical Grid (Transmission & Distribution),
Sources of Energy
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More Details Less Details
Learning Goal(s):
Students will understand the general structure of an energy grid Students will develop an understanding of the living conditions in Puerto Rico after Hurricane MariaStudents will collaborate to brainstorm needs to support safety, health and comfort in a natural disaster setting.Students will identify energy resources that one might desire to have in order meet the needs they identify. 
Pedagogy & Practice:
Empathetic Engineering,
Phenomena-Driven Instruction,
Research-Secondary,
Social-Emotional Learning
NGSS Science and Engineering Practices:
1: Asking Questions and Defining Problems
Author:
Melody Childers
Other Subjects Covered:
ELA: Informational Text,
ELA: Speaking & Listening,
ELA: Writing,
ELA: Vocabulary Development,
Social Sciences: Analysis,
Social Sciences: Multicultural Studies
Estimated Activity Length:
1 hour

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