Scaling up to Power Production Let’s use Data to Optimize the Performance of a Solar Cell Array

Design a 50 Year Energy Plan
Average Rating:
0
Rate This Activity:
0
Intended Grade Level(s):
9-12
Energy Content:
Circuitry,
Electrical Energy,
Electrical Grid (Transmission & Distribution),
Solar Photovoltaic,
Sources of Energy
Learning Goal(s):

1. Design, build, and refine a system that most effectively converts energy from the sun into electrical energy. 

Unit:
50 Year Energy Plan
Lesson Number:
4
Pedagogy & Practice:
Engineering Design,
Group Work/Collaboration,
Hands-on Materials,
Phenomena-Driven Instruction
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
Relevant NGSS PE:
HS-PS3-3
Other Subjects Covered:
ELA: Speaking & Listening,
Math: Graphing & Representation,
Math: Measurement
Estimated Activity Length:
0 sec
Files Associated with this Activity:
PDF icon 50 Year Energy Plan - Lesson 4.pdf
File Data Table for Optimizing a Solar Cell .xlsx
File Interactive Notes for Data Discussion on Patterns in Solar Cells .docx
Description:

Somewhat similar to the first part of the wind turbine project from Lesson 3, students are tasked with optimizing the performance of a photovoltaic system. This objective both allows students to apply the engineering-design process they absorbed in previous lessons, while also addressing NGSS performance expectation HS-PS4-3 that states:

“Evaluate the claims, evidence, and reasoning behind the idea that electromagnetic radiation can be described either by a wave model or a particle model, and that for some situations one model is more useful than the other.”

Students meet this standard by using their understanding of solar radiation and position of the sun to inform decision making while designing an effective solar array. 

Other Material(s) Used:
• 4 Vernier Solar Cells of varying voltages • 4 Vernier Labquests, Labquest 2, or GoDirect Sensors • 4 Vernier Variable Loads • 4 Vernier Energy Sensors • Light sources – natural and man-made can work well to compare and contrast power output