Solar Circuit

How Tilt Angle Affects Solar Cell Output

Grades:
6-8
Unit:
PV Output
Lesson Number:
3
Description:

Students will expose solar cells to a light source from a set distance and measure the output with a multimeter. Students will change the angle that the light source strikes the solar panel and measure the resultant output. They will compare and contrast...

Energy Content:
Circuitry,
Electrical Energy,
Electricity Generation,
Light (Visible),
Solar Photovoltaic
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More Details Less Details
Learning Goal(s):
After the completion of this lab, students will be able to describe how the angle of light exposure affects solar cell output, have practiced using a multimeter, and have analyzed collected data.
Pedagogy & Practice:
Group Work/Collaboration,
Hands-on Materials
NGSS Science and Engineering Practices:
3: Planning and Carrying Out Investigations,
4: Analyzing and Interpreting Data,
6: Constructing Explanations and Designing Solutions,
7: Engaging in Argument from Evidence
Author:
Todd Freiboth
Other Subjects Covered:
ELA: Writing,
Math: Graphing & Representation,
Math: Measurement
Estimated Activity Length:
40 min
Solar Rooftop

Solar Pathfinder Tutorial

Grades:
9-12
Unit:
Solar Resources Assessment
Lesson Number:
3
Description:

This lesson is designed to allow the students to practice assembling and using their Solar Pathfinders, along with analyzing the data. The students will take a single measurement and digital photograph at a location near the classroom designated by the...

Energy Content:
Solar Photovoltaic
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More Details Less Details
Learning Goal(s):
Students will be able to properly assemble and orient their solar pathfinder. Students will be able to properly record the information provided by a solar pathfinder. Students will be able to accurately analyze the information provided by the solar pathfinder to calculate the solar potential (kWh/m2/day) taking into account variables such as shading, climate and weather.
Pedagogy & Practice:
Group Work/Collaboration,
Hands-on Materials,
Project-Based Learning
NGSS Science and Engineering Practices:
3: Planning and Carrying Out Investigations,
5: Using Mathematics and Computational Thinking
Author:
Clayton Hudiburg
Relevant NGSS PE:
HS-ETS1-3
Other Subjects Covered:
ELA: Vocabulary Development,
Math: Addition, Subtraction, Multiplication, Division,
Math: Measurement
Estimated Activity Length:
50 min
Kill-A-Watt_Meter

How much energy do YOU use?

Grades:
7-8
Unit:
Solar vs. Wind Energy
Lesson Number:
3
Description:

Students will learn the difference between energy and power. They will then use this new understanding to compare the energy and power difference of light bulbs (incandescent, halogen, fluorescent, and LED) using a tool called a “Kill-A-Watt” meter....

Energy Content:
Electrical Energy,
Energy Efficiency,
Energy Fundamentals
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More Details Less Details
Learning Goal(s):
Students will be able to: • Explain the difference between power and energy • Proficiently use a “Kill-A-Watt” meter to determine the power and total energy usage of everyday devices • Compare the total energy used by common household devices • Brainstorm different ways we can conserve electrical energy
Pedagogy & Practice:
Field Work,
Hands-on Materials,
Research-Primary
NGSS Science and Engineering Practices:
4: Analyzing and Interpreting Data,
5: Using Mathematics and Computational Thinking,
8: Obtaining, Evaluating, and Communicating Information
Author:
Craig Marais
Relevant NGSS PE:
MS-ESS3-3,
MS-PS3-3
Other Subjects Covered:
Math: Addition, Subtraction, Multiplication, Division,
Math: Algebra,
Math: Measurement
Estimated Activity Length:
0 sec
Fuel Inquiry Poster

Fuels and PV Cells

Grades:
7-8
Unit:
Chemical Differences in Emergency Energy Sources
Lesson Number:
3
Description:

Students will return to the phenomena of energy resources to support safety, health, and comfort in an emergency situation. They will distinguish between how common materials provide energy and develop an understanding of how the atomic and molecular...

Energy Content:
Circuitry,
Fuels,
Solar Photovoltaic,
Thermal Energy (Heat)
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More Details Less Details
Learning Goal(s):
Students explore the conservation of mass in chemical reactions by observing and modeling combustion reactions and exploring the essential question/phenomena, “is all fire the same?” Students will use information resources and a 3D model of a PV cell to understand how solar modules generate electricity. “How do PV cells make electricity?”Students will construct circuits to explore PV modules and variables involved in powering devices. Students evaluate, revise, and justify the energy resources suggested on an emergency preparedness supply list. 
Pedagogy & Practice:
Group Work/Collaboration,
Hands-on Materials,
Phenomena-Driven Instruction,
Research-Primary
NGSS Science and Engineering Practices:
2: Developing and Using Models,
3: Planning and Carrying Out Investigations,
4: Analyzing and Interpreting Data,
7: Engaging in Argument from Evidence
Author:
Melody Childers
Relevant NGSS PE:
MS-PS1-5
Other Subjects Covered:
ELA: Speaking & Listening,
Math: Measurement
Estimated Activity Length:
0 sec
Wave Attenuator

Testing a Tidal Wave Attenuator

Grades:
6-12
Unit:
Wave Attenuator
Lesson Number:
3
Description:

Students will test the efficiency of the tidal wave attenuator models that they previously built. They will determine variables on their models they can manipulate, such as wire gauge and magnet strength, and measure the effects of manipulating this...

Energy Content:
Wave Energy
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More Details Less Details
Learning Goal(s):
1. Students will investigate variables that may affect the output of an energy conversion device (wave attenuator). 2. Students will interpret data to identify which variables increase electrical output for these model wave attenuators. 3. Students will communicate results from scientific inquiry to identify factors that are important to optimizing the design of a wave attenuator.
Pedagogy & Practice:
Engineering Design,
Establishing a Culture of Science,
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,
6: Constructing Explanations and Designing Solutions,
7: Engaging in Argument from Evidence
Author:
Tabatha Roderick
Relevant NGSS PE:
MS-ESS3-3,
MS-ETS1-1,
MS-ETS1-4,
MS-PS2-4,
MS-PS3-5
Other Subjects Covered:
ELA: Speaking & Listening,
ELA: Writing,
Math: Measurement
Estimated Activity Length:
5 hours
Solar Charger Diagram

Can Portable PV Charge Vehicles?

Grades:
10-12
Unit:
Solar Transportation
Lesson Number:
3
Description:

In this lesson, students will begin to explore the potential and challenges related to using photovoltaics to supplement the power needed to charge batteries in BEVs. Students will test a variety of wiring options related to series and parallel wiring....

Energy Content:
Batteries & Storage,
Circuitry,
Electrical Energy,
Electricity Generation,
Energy Fundamentals,
Fuels,
Solar Photovoltaic,
Transportation
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More Details Less Details
Learning Goal(s):
Students will explore the role of series and parallel wiring as they pertain to voltage and amperage.Students will explore the processes involved with charging batteries and relate these processes to voltage and amperage.Students will test photovoltaic modules to identify voltage and amperage outputs.Students will calculate, using data from field tests, the maximum power that can be produced using photovoltaics within the constraints of a typical passenger vehicle’s surface area.Students will calculate charging times using various PV array power ratings.
Pedagogy & Practice:
Group Work/Collaboration,
Hands-on Materials
NGSS Science and Engineering Practices:
3: Planning and Carrying Out Investigations,
4: Analyzing and Interpreting Data,
5: Using Mathematics and Computational Thinking
Author:
Clayton Hudiburg
Relevant NGSS PE:
HS-ESS3-2,
HS-ESS3-4,
HS-ETS1-1,
HS-ETS1-2,
HS-ETS1-3,
HS-PS3-2
Other Subjects Covered:
ELA: Writing,
ELA: Vocabulary Development,
Math: Addition, Subtraction, Multiplication, Division,
Math: Algebra,
Math: Measurement
Estimated Activity Length:
2 hours

Part 1- Lesson 3: Home Energy Audit

Grades:
6-12
Unit:
A Community Powered by Renewable Energy
Lesson Number:
3
Description:

During this lesson, students will focus on where energy is used within their homes, how energy consumption is calculated, and how energy consumption can be reduced. Students will conduct a home energy audit and determine multiple ways to reduce energy...

Energy Content:
Circuitry,
Demand Response,
Electrical Energy,
Electronics,
Electrons,
Energy Efficiency,
Smart Grid
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More Details Less Details
Learning Goal(s):
1.Students will identify all ways that energy is consumed within their homes.2.Students will perform an energy audit of their home and calculate the amount of energy used by each electronic device and appliances.3.Students will create a spreadsheet demonstrating the electricity required to operate each electronic device and appliance, along with a summary of finding that clearly identifies how energy consumption can be reduced within their home.4.Students will explore various ways to reduce energy (goal is 30% reduction).5.Students will propose a variety of energy reduction plans and present those options to their families for discussion.6.After discussion with their families, students will itemize the agreed upon plan and identify specific actions that result in quantifiable outcomes that will implemented to reduce energy consumption by their families.
Pedagogy & Practice:
21st Century Skills Development,
Empathetic Engineering,
Engineering Design,
Field Work,
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,
3: Planning and Carrying Out Investigations,
4: Analyzing and Interpreting Data,
5: Using Mathematics and Computational Thinking,
6: Constructing Explanations and Designing Solutions,
8: Obtaining, Evaluating, and Communicating Information
Author:
Jonathan Strunin
Relevant NGSS PE:
MS-ESS3-4,
MS-ETS1-1,
MS-ETS1-2,
MS-ETS1-3,
HS-ESS3-2,
HS-ESS3-4,
HS-ETS1-1,
HS-ETS1-2,
HS-ETS1-3,
HS-ETS1-4
Other Subjects Covered:
Math: Addition, Subtraction, Multiplication, Division,
Math: Algebra,
Math: Functions,
Math: Measurement,
Math: Ratios & Proportions
Estimated Activity Length:
4 hours

Engineering Clean Energy for Our Community

Grades:
4-5
Unit:
Understanding E-Waste Through Battery Design
Lesson Number:
3
Description:

This lesson plan will engage students in a design process to power a motor using a variety of energy sources. Students will compare different clean energy sources to decide which energy source will complete their design goal. Students will experiment with...

Energy Content:
Batteries & Storage,
Circuitry,
Electrical Energy,
Electricity Generation,
Electronics,
Electrons,
Energy Fundamentals,
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 define “clean energy” and explain at least 4 types of alternative energy sources2.Students will compare local energy sources and national energy sources to potential energy sources being used or developed.3.Students will experiment with wind energy, solar energy, and hydrogen fuel cell model vehicles to explore alternative fuel sources.4.Students will measure voltage produced and record data in a table format.5.Students will discuss pros and cons of the different types of energy.
Pedagogy & Practice:
21st Century Skills Development,
Engineering Design,
Group Work/Collaboration,
Hands-on Materials,
Phenomena-Driven Instruction,
Project-Based Learning,
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:
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:
5 hours
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
Kill-A-Watt_Meter

Energy Efficiency - Lighting

Grades:
4-5
Unit:
Solar Ovens
Lesson Number:
4
Description:

In this lesson, students will learn how to read light bulb packaging (lighting facts) and do a whole class experiment comparing a 60-watt incandescent to an equivalent CFL and an LED bulb. This experiment will be conducted using a kil-o-watt meter,...

Energy Content:
Energy Efficiency,
Light (Visible)
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More Details Less Details
Learning Goal(s):
Students will understand what energy efficiency means, and learn how to choose energy efficient light bulbs. Students will determine which lightbulbs are the most efficient. Students will understand how energy efficiency relates to energy generation and climate change.
NGSS Science and Engineering Practices:
2: Developing and Using Models,
3: Planning and Carrying Out Investigations
Author:
Debbie Abel
Relevant NGSS PE:
5-PS3-1,
5-ESS2-1,
5-ESS3-1
Other Subjects Covered:
ELA: Vocabulary Development,
Math: Measurement
Estimated Activity Length:
50 min

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