Introduction to the Photovoltaic Effect
Intended Grade Level(s):
9-12
Learning Goal(s):
Students will be able to describe the basic structure of a photovoltaic solar cell. Students will be able to outline or summarize how solar cells produce electricity. Students will be able to explain why silicon, boron and phosphorous are most often used to construct solar cells.
Lesson Number:
1
Pedagogy & Practice:
NGSS Science and Engineering Practices:
Other Subjects Covered:
Estimated Activity Length:
1 hour 40 min
Files Associated with this Activity:
Description:
This lesson begins with basic chemistry with regards to atomic structure. The lesson then moves to understanding the special properties of silicon as a photoelectric semi- conductor. Building on this, the basic structure of photovoltaic solar cells is described in detail.
Other Material(s) Used:
Computer access to show/watch YouTube video • “Student Worksheet #1” (one per student) • “Photovoltaic Effect Summary Scoring” (cut in half, one per student) • “Macro-Scale Photovoltaic Technology” PowerPoint presentation • Cornell Notes paper
