Math: Measurement

Designing a Faster Water Pump

Grades:

2-5

Unit:

Understanding Science and Engineering Through Solar Power

Lesson Number:

Description:

Students use all their prior knowledge to design and construct a water pump that can pump 1 cup of water the fastest.

Energy Content:

Circuitry,

Electrical Energy,

Solar Photovoltaic

More Details Less Details

Learning Goal(s):

Students will be able to use available tools to design and test a solar water pump, refine their design, test and finally evaluate their efforts. Through this process students will understand and gain experience with the engineering design process.

Pedagogy & Practice:

Engineering Design,

Group Work/Collaboration,

Hands-on Materials,

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,

6: Constructing Explanations and Designing Solutions,

7: Engaging in Argument from Evidence

Author:

Mike Hellis

Relevant NGSS PE:

4-PS3-2,

4-PS3-4,

3-5-ETS1-1,

3-5-ETS1-2

Other Subjects Covered:

ELA: Speaking & Listening,

ELA: Writing,

Math: Measurement

Estimated Activity Length:

1 hour

Collect Data and Compare Performance of Different Boat Designs

Grades:

4-6

Unit:

Solar Boats

Lesson Number:

Description:

Students will race the solar speedboats, airboats, and surface submarines and then compare the performance results and of the various types of solar boats made by the class. Students will compare and contrast forces acting on the system by examining the...

Energy Content:

Electrical Energy,

Solar Photovoltaic

More Details Less Details

Learning Goal(s):

Students will compare and contrast forces acting on the system by examining the results of the airboat, speedboat and surface submarine races. Students will collect quantitative and qualitative data points that denote the effectiveness of each boat design. Students will compare observations made during the race and draw conclusions from these observations.

Pedagogy & Practice:

Engineering Design,

Group Work/Collaboration,

Hands-on Materials

NGSS Science and Engineering Practices:

3: Planning and Carrying Out Investigations

Author:

Carol Patrick

Relevant NGSS PE:

4-PS3-2,

4-PS3-4,

3-5-ETS1-1,

3-5-ETS1-2,

3-5-ETS1-3

Other Subjects Covered:

Math: Measurement

Estimated Activity Length:

0 sec

Passive Solar Water Heating: Collecting and Reporting Data, Making Recommendations

Grades:

4-5

Unit:

Understanding Energy

Lesson Number:

Description:

Students will explore ways that the sun can be used to heat water and the variables involved in the efficiency of using the sun to heat water for use in homes or businesses. They will determine this through taking measurements of their solar water heaters...

Energy Content:

Solar Thermal,

Thermal Energy (Heat)

More Details Less Details

Learning Goal(s):

Students will identify variables related to the sun heating water such as time of exposure, air temperature, and color of container. Student groups will design and build solar water heater containers using five-gallon water jugs. Students will design containers using color, cover material, and surround as variables. Students will predict which container and location will collect the most heat from the sun.

Pedagogy & Practice:

Engineering Design,

Establishing a Culture of Science

NGSS Science and Engineering Practices:

3: Planning and Carrying Out Investigations,

4: Analyzing and Interpreting Data,

6: Constructing Explanations and Designing Solutions

Author:

Eric Gronseth

Relevant NGSS PE:

4-PS3-2,

4-PS3-4,

4-ESS3-1

Other Subjects Covered:

ELA: Writing,

Math: Graphing & Representation,

Math: Measurement

Estimated Activity Length:

1 hour

Analyze Data and Develop Conclusions

Grades:

4-6

Unit:

Solar Boats

Lesson Number:

Description:

Students have performed the investigation. They will now analyze their data, refer to their initial predictions, and develop their conclusions. Students will have the opportunity to discuss the usefulness of both quantitative and qualitative data forms,...

Energy Content:

Electrical Energy,

Solar Photovoltaic

More Details Less Details

Learning Goal(s):

Students will analyze data from the solar boat races and develop conclusions. Students will write out their conclusions in a clear, articulate manner that demonstrates the usage of evidence from their own observations. Students will determine specific uses for quantitative vs. qualitative data in science experiments.

Pedagogy & Practice:

English Language Strategies

NGSS Science and Engineering Practices:

4: Analyzing and Interpreting Data,

5: Using Mathematics and Computational Thinking,

6: Constructing Explanations and Designing Solutions,

8: Obtaining, Evaluating, and Communicating Information

Author:

Carol Patrick

Relevant NGSS PE:

5-PS2-1,

5-PS3-1,