Home Energy Use (Lesson 6)

Average Rating:
0
Unit:
Understanding Energy
Author:
Eric Gronseth
Intended Grade Level(s):
4th
5th
Subject Area(s) Covered:
Energy
home energy usage
energy conservation
electricity
energy transformations
electrical power
Watt
Watt-hour
voltage
Estimated Activity Length:
40 min
Learning Goal(s):

Students will make observations and record about the amount of energy used by various appliances in their home. Students will make conclusions about which items in their home are generating the most energy. Students will make conclusions about methods in which they can reduce the energy used in their homes.

This lesson is meant to provide students the opportunity to learn about the power usage of items in their home that they are already curious about. Students will learn to use a Watt meter to measure the

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How a Solar Cell Works: Photon Simulation

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0
Author:
Erin Sturtz
Intended Grade Level(s):
4th
5th
6th
7th
8th
Subject Area(s) Covered:
Energy
Estimated Activity Length:
50 min
Learning Goal(s):

To understand how a solar cell operates on the atomic level, through a simulation experience

The purpose of this activity is to simulate the movement of electrons at the p-n junction to create an electrical current. Students will play a modified game of musical chairs, where teams will compete against each other while creating their own electricity. By participating in the activity, students will be able to “see” how electricity is... View full description >>

How Do Solar Panels Work? (Lesson 4)

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0
Unit:
Solar Boats
Author:
Carol Patrick
Intended Grade Level(s):
4th
5th
6th
Subject Area(s) Covered:
Science
Energy
solar energy
photovoltaic effect
solar thermal
electromagnetic radiation
greenhouse effect
absorption
reflection
conductivity
energy transfer
photons
electrons
Estimated Activity Length:
1 hour
Learning Goal(s):

Students will be able to describe, in basic terms, the way that electricity is generated from a solar cell. Students will be able to determine that energy from the sun is being converted directly into electricity. Students will understand that this electrical energy that is produced in this energy transfer is able to perform the work required within a small load.

Students will learn the basics of how a solar cell generates electricity and observe the effects on a small electrical load attached to a solar module under a variety of conditions. They will build upon

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How Light Intensity Affects Solar Cell Output (Lesson 2)

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0
Unit:
PV Output
Author:
Todd Freiboth
Intended Grade Level(s):
6th
7th
8th
Subject Area(s) Covered:
Energy
renewable resources
inquiry
electricity
solar power
Estimated Activity Length:
40 min
Learning Goal(s):

After the completion of this lab, students will be able to describe how the light intensity affects solar cell output, have practiced using a multimeter, and have analyzed collected data.

Students will expose solar cells to a light source from different distances and measure the output with a multimeter. They will compare and contrast the outputs that the different distances produce. View full description >>

How much energy do YOU use? (Lesson 3)

Average Rating:
0
Unit:
Solar vs. Wind Energy
Author:
Craig Marais
Intended Grade Level(s):
7th
8th
Subject Area(s) Covered:
Science
Power
Energy
electricity
Watt
Kilowatt
Kilowatt-hour
energy consumption
Estimated Activity Length:
0 sec
Learning Goal(s):

Students will be able to:
• Explain the difference between power and energy
• Proficiently use a “Kill-A-Watt” meter to determine the power and total energy usage
of everyday devices
• Compare the total energy used by common household devices
• Brainstorm different ways we can conserve electrical energy

Students will learn the difference between energy and power. They will then use this new understanding to compare the energy and power difference of light bulbs (incandescent, halogen, fluorescent, and LED)

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How the Amount of Light Affects a Solar Cell (Lesson 1)

Average Rating:
0
Unit:
PV Output
Author:
Todd Freiboth
Intended Grade Level(s):
6th
7th
8th
Subject Area(s) Covered:
Energy
renewable resources
inquiry
electricity
solar power
Estimated Activity Length:
40 min

Students will cover portions of a solar cell and measure the output with a multimeter. They will compare and contrast the outputs of different percentages shaded and different configurations using the same percentage shaded. 

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How Tilt Angle Affects Solar Cell Output (Lesson 3)

Average Rating:
0
Unit:
PV Output
Author:
Todd Freiboth
Intended Grade Level(s):
6th
7th
8th
Subject Area(s) Covered:
Energy
renewable resources
inquiry
electricity
solar power
Estimated Activity Length:
40 min
Learning Goal(s):

After the completion of this lab, students will be able to describe how the angle of light exposure affects solar cell output, have practiced using a multimeter, and have analyzed collected data.

Students will expose solar cells to a light source from a set distance and measure the output with a multimeter. Students will change the angle that the light source strikes the solar panel and measure the resultant output. They will compare and contrast the outputs that the different angles produce. View full description >>

How to Measure Output of Solar Modules (Lesson 5)

Average Rating:
0
Unit:
Solar Boats
Author:
Carol Patrick
Intended Grade Level(s):
4th
5th
6th
Subject Area(s) Covered:
Science
Energy
circuit
open circuit
voltage
current
Power
short circuit
multimeter
measurement
load
Estimated Activity Length:
1 hour
Learning Goal(s):

Students will demonstrate that solar modules create electricity when light strikes the module. Students will determine the optimum angle for the generation of current by a solar cell when given a light source (indoors or outdoors using the sun). Students will be able to effectively use a digital multimeter to measure current and voltage produced by a solar cell.

Students will measure output from solar module before a load is attached and relate it to real world output. They will make these measurements using a multimeter and be able to determine the optimal angle at

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Hypothesizing Why Solar Beads Change Color (Lesson 1)

Average Rating:
5
Unit:
Introducing Solar Energy
Author:
Leah Gorman
Intended Grade Level(s):
3rd
4th
5th
Subject Area(s) Covered:
solar energy
Energy
wavelengths of light
Estimated Activity Length:
30 min
Learning Goal(s):

Students will be introduced to the vocabulary of observation, hypothesis, and evidence. Students will use the process of science discourse where people respectfully listen and disagree with each other’s ideas.

Common Core Standard(s) Met:
4.SL.1.b
4.SL.1.c
4.SL.1.d

The purpose of this activity is to introduce the idea that sunlight is energy and that this energy can be absorbed, converted into heat, or even cause a chemical reaction to occur. This lesson is also an introduction to the process of science, involving observation, hypothesis, testing, introducing evidence and respectfully listening to... View full description >>

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

Average Rating:
0
Unit:
Illuminate Me
Author:
Kristy Schneider
Intended Grade Level(s):
7th
8th
9th
10th
11th
12th
Subject Area(s) Covered:
electricity
electronics
Conductive Thread
solar energy
Wearable technologies
Programming
Arduino
Battery charging
Estimated Activity Length:
10 hours
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.

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 bright LEDs via conductive thread and a programmed microcontroller. ... View full description >>

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