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Unit Plan - Chemical Differences in Emergency Energy Sources

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

Students develop atomic and molecular models of energy resources, analyze combustion of various fuels and build circuits with Photovolatic (PV) modules to evaluate and suggest revisions to a disaster preparedness supply list. They then research and...

Energy Content:
Circuitry,
Electrical Energy,
Electrical Grid (Transmission & Distribution),
Electrons,
Fuels,
Solar Photovoltaic,
Sources of Energy,
Thermal Energy (Heat)
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More Details Less Details
Learning Goal(s):
To build empathy for people in emergency situations and an understanding of how access to energy resources can increase one’s safety, health, and comfort. To understand the nature of a variety of energy needs and how different applications have different optimal solutions. To develop models to explain the molecular and extended structures of energy resources, including how the resources change when energy is generated (Electron movement in PV cells, combustion reactions in fuel). To understand that the properties of substances depends upon the atomic / molecular structure, which changes with chemical reactions. To build a circuit that includes a solar module and measure the voltage and current. To gather and evaluate information to describe the impact on society of converting natural resources into PV cells. To design, build and test a device that uses a chemical reaction to generate or absorb thermal energy. Evaluate and revise a plan for the energy resources one should store to prepare for a natural disaster. 
Pedagogy & Practice:
Empathetic Engineering,
English Language Strategies,
Engineering Design,
Group Work/Collaboration,
Hands-on Materials,
Multiple Learning Styles,
Phenomena-Driven Instruction,
Project-Based Learning,
Research-Secondary,
Social-Emotional Learning,
STEAM/Arts
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:
Melody Childers
Relevant NGSS PE:
MS-ETS1-1,
MS-ETS1-2,
MS-ETS1-3,
MS-ETS1-4,
MS-PS1-1,
MS-PS1-2,
MS-PS1-3,
MS-PS1-4,
MS-PS1-5,
MS-PS1-6
Other Subjects Covered:
ELA: Reading: Scientific & Technical,
ELA: Speaking & Listening,
ELA: Writing,
Math: Algebra,
Math: Graphing & Representation,
Social Sciences: Multicultural Studies
Estimated Activity Length:
0 sec
Arduino Angler Design

Illuminate Me: Merging Conductive Sewing, Technology, and Solar Power

Grades:
7-12
Unit:
Illuminate Me
Description:

Light up your clothing using solar power! For this unit, students will attach thin, flexible solar modules to a bike helmet and recharge NiMH rechargeable batteries for a renewable energy battery pack. The rechargeable batteries will be used to light up...

Energy Content:
Batteries & Storage,
Circuitry,
Electrical Energy,
Electronics,
Solar Photovoltaic
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More Details Less Details
Learning Goal(s):
1. Students will design and sew a wearable circuit using conductive thread. 2. Students will program a wearable microcontroller to light up garment with bright LEDs. 3. Students will incorporate solar power into a wearable garment project by recharging NiMH batteries for a renewable energy battery pack. 4. Students will apply knowledge of circuitry and energy transfer to maximize design.
Pedagogy & Practice:
21st Century Skills Development,
Project-Based Learning,
Hands-on Materials,
Engineering Design
NGSS Science and Engineering Practices:
2: Developing and Using Models,
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:
Kristy Schneider
Relevant NGSS PE:
MS-ETS1-1,
MS-PS1-3,
MS-PS3-5,
HS-ETS1-2,
HS-ETS1-3,
HS-ETS1-4
Other Subjects Covered:
Computer Science,
ELA: Speaking & Listening,
ELA: Vocabulary Development,
Math: Graphing & Representation,
Math: Measurement
Estimated Activity Length:
10 hours

Constructing a Solar-Powered MintyBoost USB Charger

Grades:
6-8
Description:

Students will receive a background on solar energy, solar energy applications, and electrical circuit components. Students will then apply these concepts to a Home Energy Consumption worksheet and the construction of a Solar Module MintyBoost USB Charger,...

Energy Content:
Circuitry,
Electrical Energy,
Solar Photovoltaic
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More Details Less Details
Learning Goal(s):
Students will gain a background on solar energy and be able to apply terms such as solar modules, photovoltaics, and solar power. Students will gain a background on electrical circuit components and be able to apply terms such as capacitor, resistor, diode, alternating and direct current, amps, inductor, volts, and watts. Through the completion of the Home Energy Consumption worksheet, students will determine their family’s monthly energy consumption and calculate the monthly dollar cost for household items such as light bulbs, game consoles, and televisions. Students will demonstrate their understanding of solar energy and electrical circuits through the construction of a Solar Module MintyBoost USB Charger and a presentation of their own unique product that utilizes the solar charger.
Pedagogy & Practice:
Engineering Design,
Hands-on Materials,
Project-Based Learning
NGSS Science and Engineering Practices:
6: Constructing Explanations and Designing Solutions,
8: Obtaining, Evaluating, and Communicating Information
Author:
Deb Frankel
Relevant NGSS PE:
MS-LS2-5,
MS-ETS1-2,
MS-PS1-3,
MS-PS2-3,
MS-PS3-3
Other Subjects Covered:
ELA: Speaking & Listening
Estimated Activity Length:
10 hours
Kill-a-Watt Meter

Home Energy Consumption

Grades:
6-8
Description:

Students will calculate the energy consumption of a set of common household devices based on their operating power rating and then investigate the power consumption of other devices in their homes.

Energy Content:
Electrical Energy,
Energy Efficiency,
Energy Fundamentals
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More Details Less Details
Learning Goal(s):
Students will understand power and energy as they relate to their electricity use. Students will be able to calculate energy consumption and the associated costs. Students will investigate ways they could reduce their own energy consumption
Pedagogy & Practice:
Field Work,
Research-Primary
NGSS Science and Engineering Practices:
5: Using Mathematics and Computational Thinking,
7: Engaging in Argument from Evidence
Author:
Deb Frankel
Relevant NGSS PE:
MS-PS1-3
Other Subjects Covered:
ELA: Speaking & Listening,
ELA: Vocabulary Development,
Math: Addition, Subtraction, Multiplication, Division,
Math: Measurement
Estimated Activity Length:
1 hour