Teacher Activity Center

Electricity Generation,

Solar Photovoltaic

More Details Less Details

Learning Goal(s):

Students will be able to use a Solar Pathfinder to determine the amount of solar resource lost to shading from nearby trees, buildings, etc. Students will be able to calculate the number of kWh of electricity that can be produced in a specific location and in a specific sized area. Students will be able to calculate the amount of carbon emissions that can be offset due to installing photovoltaic panels of various sizes. Students will be able to calculate the size array needed to offset all electricity use for the high school.

Pedagogy & Practice:

Hands-on Materials,

Project-Based Learning

NGSS Science and Engineering Practices:

8: Obtaining, Evaluating, and Communicating Information

Author:

Clayton Hudiburg

Relevant NGSS PE:

Other Subjects Covered:

Math: Addition, Subtraction, Multiplication, Division,

Math: Algebra,

Estimated Activity Length:

1 hour

Can Portable PV Charge Vehicles?

Grades:

10-12

Unit:

Solar Transportation

Lesson Number:

Description:

In this lesson, students will begin to explore the potential and challenges related to using photovoltaics to supplement the power needed to charge batteries in BEVs. Students will test a variety of wiring options related to series and parallel wiring....

Energy Content:

Batteries & Storage,

Circuitry,

Electricity Generation,

Energy Fundamentals,

Fuels,

Solar Photovoltaic,

Transportation

More Details Less Details

Learning Goal(s):

Students will explore the role of series and parallel wiring as they pertain to voltage and amperage.Students will explore the processes involved with charging batteries and relate these processes to voltage and amperage.Students will test photovoltaic modules to identify voltage and amperage outputs.Students will calculate, using data from field tests, the maximum power that can be produced using photovoltaics within the constraints of a typical passenger vehicle’s surface area.Students will calculate charging times using various PV array power ratings.

Pedagogy & Practice:

NGSS Science and Engineering Practices:

4: Analyzing and Interpreting Data,

5: Using Mathematics and Computational Thinking

Author:

Clayton Hudiburg

Relevant NGSS PE:

Other Subjects Covered:

ELA: Writing,

ELA: Vocabulary Development,

Math: Addition, Subtraction, Multiplication, Division,

Math: Algebra,

Estimated Activity Length:

2 hours

Designing a Solar Charger

Grades:

10-12

Unit:

Solar Transportation

Lesson Number:

Description:

In this lesson, students will further explore the potential and challenges related to using photovoltaics to supplement the power needed to charge batteries in BEVs. Students will be provided with a 12 V lead-acid battery and several 3 V, 1.5 A solar...

Energy Content:

Batteries & Storage,

Circuitry,

Solar Photovoltaic,

Transportation

More Details Less Details

Learning Goal(s):

1. Students will explore the role of series and parallel wiring as they pertain to voltage and amperage. 2. Students will explore the processes involved with charging batteries and relate these processes to voltage and amperage. 3. Students will test photovoltaic modules to identify voltage and amperage outputs. 4. Students will design a system of wiring 3 V, 1.5 A modules together as a means to charge a 12 V lead-acid battery 5. Students will predict and test the effectiveness of their designed solar charger.

Pedagogy & Practice:

Engineering Design,

NGSS Science and Engineering Practices:

2: Developing and Using Models,

6: Constructing Explanations and Designing Solutions

Author:

Clayton Hudiburg

Relevant NGSS PE:

Other Subjects Covered:

ELA: Informational Text,

ELA: Writing,

Math: Addition, Subtraction, Multiplication, Division

Estimated Activity Length:

4 hours

Photovoltaic Solutions "Shark-Tank Style"

Grades:

10-12

Unit:

Solar Transportation

Lesson Number:

Description:

In this lesson, the students will take their knowledge gained in the previous activities to innovate design solutions that will allow PV technology to plan an increased role in the transportation sector. The challenge given to them is to design a BEV that...

Energy Content:

Batteries & Storage,

Solar Photovoltaic,

Transportation

More Details Less Details

Learning Goal(s):

1. Students will use data and mathematics to design a solution for using PV technology in the transportation sector. 2. Students will create a presentation with visuals and specs outlining their proposed solution. 3. Students will present and attempt to “sell” their products to a panel of judges.

Pedagogy & Practice:

Engineering Design,

Group Work/Collaboration

NGSS Science and Engineering Practices:

6: Constructing Explanations and Designing Solutions,

7: Engaging in Argument from Evidence

Author:

Clayton Hudiburg

Relevant NGSS PE:

Other Subjects Covered:

ELA: Speaking & Listening,

Math: Addition, Subtraction, Multiplication, Division

Estimated Activity Length:

5 hours

Circuit Analysis With Solar Energy: Measure the Power Consumed by Various Devices

Grades:

6-12

Description:

Students will set up a simple circuit using a solar module and three small loads. They will then use a multimeter to measure the voltage across each load and the current through each circuit. Students will then calculate the power consumption and...

Energy Content:

Circuitry,

Solar Photovoltaic

More Details Less Details

Learning Goal(s):

Students will understand that voltage is a measure of a difference in electric potential energy and that current is the rate at which charge flows through a circuit. Students will understand how to measure and quantify electricity. Students will become familiar with the relationships between the fundamental electrical quantities.

Pedagogy & Practice:

Establishing a Culture of Science,

NGSS Science and Engineering Practices:

4: Analyzing and Interpreting Data,

6: Constructing Explanations and Designing Solutions

Author:

Emily Barrett

Relevant NGSS PE:

4-PS3-2,

4-PS3-4,

MS-PS2-3,

HS-PS3-1,

HS-PS3-2,

HS-PS3-5

Other Subjects Covered:

Math: Addition, Subtraction, Multiplication, Division,

Estimated Activity Length:

1 hour

Using a Multimeter to Analyze a Solar Circuit: Measuring Current and Voltage—Calculating Power and Resistance

Grades:

6-12

Description:

Students will set up a simple circuit using a multimeter and a load resistor to measure the voltage and current in the circuit. Students will learn to use a multimeter, learn how to calculate power and be introduced to Ohm’s Law. This activity provides a...

Energy Content:

Electrical Energy

More Details Less Details

Learning Goal(s):

Students will understand that voltage is a measure of a difference in electric potential energy and that current is the rate at which charge flows through a circuit.Students will understand how to measure and quantify electricity. Students will become familiar with the relationships between the fundamental electrical quantities.

Pedagogy & Practice:

NGSS Science and Engineering Practices:

4: Analyzing and Interpreting Data,

7: Engaging in Argument from Evidence

Author:

Emily Barrett

Relevant NGSS PE:

4-PS3-2,

4-PS3-4,

MS-PS2-3,

HS-PS3-1,

HS-PS3-2,

HS-PS3-5

Other Subjects Covered:

ELA: Vocabulary Development,