Setting Up the Experiment - Solar Water Heating

Solar Water Heating Experiment
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Intended Grade Level(s):
4-5
Energy Content:
Solar Thermal,
Thermal Energy (Heat)
Learning Goal(s):

Students will use their previous learning about observation and solar power to set up an experiment to determine the amount of heat that can be collected in water containers from the sun. Students will determine three variables that affect the jug’s absorption and trapping of energy from the sun. Students will take data measurements from these set ups in order to make evidence-based conclusions from the experiment.

Unit:
Understanding Energy
Lesson Number:
8
Pedagogy & Practice:
Engineering Design,
Establishing a Culture of Science,
Field Work,
Group Work/Collaboration,
Hands-on Materials
NGSS Science and Engineering Practices:
3: Planning and Carrying Out Investigations
Relevant NGSS PE:
4-PS3-2,
4-PS3-4,
4-ESS3-1
Estimated Activity Length:
40 min
Files Associated with this Activity:
PDF icon lesson8.pdf
Description:

Students will set up the experiment that they will use to determine the amount of energy from the sun that can be used to heat water and the variables that can help the exchange of heat most effectively. They will accomplish this through setting up simple water heaters made from water jugs, noting the components that play specific roles in the absorption and trapping of energy received from the sun. During this process, they will discuss these components as specific variables, using scientific language. 

Other Material(s) Used:
solat energy spiral notebook, 4 plastic 5-gallon jugs, 4 probe thermometers