Solar Transportation

Biomass Energy,

Energy Fundamentals,

Fuels,

Materials Science,

Sources of Energy,

More Details Less Details

Learning Goal(s):

1. Students will define energy density. 2. Students will compare energy densities among various transportation fuel options. 3. Students will compare costs per unit of energy among various transportation fuel options. 4. Students will compare energy return on energy invested among various transportation fuel options. 5. Students will assess which fuels have the most potential to replace fossil fuels in the transportation sector using a weighted matrix.

NGSS Science and Engineering Practices:

1: Asking Questions and Defining Problems,

5: Using Mathematics and Computational Thinking

Author:

Clayton Hudiburg

Relevant NGSS PE:

HS-ETS1-3

Other Subjects Covered:

Math: Addition, Subtraction, Multiplication, Division,

Math: Algebra,

Math: Measurement

Estimated Activity Length:

1 hour

Background Research on Alternative Transportation Vehicles

Grades:

10-12

Unit:

Lesson Number:

Description:

Students completing this lesson will already have identified some of the problems inherent in the development of ideas to replace fossil fuels in the transportation sector. Students will now conduct some research to identify some of the pros and cons of...

Energy Content:

Fuels,

Hydrogen,

Sources of Energy,

More Details Less Details

Learning Goal(s):

1. Students will define BEVs, HEVs, HFCVs, and HICEVs 2. Students will compare the above vehicles and relate the pros and cons of each technology 3. Students will begin to evaluate which type of technology might be best suited for the goal of replacing fossil fuels in the transportation sector 4. Students will begin to brainstorm ideas for how solar energy might be used to enhance these technologies

Pedagogy & Practice:

Research-Secondary,

Research-Primary

NGSS Science and Engineering Practices:

6: Constructing Explanations and Designing Solutions,

8: Obtaining, Evaluating, and Communicating Information

Author:

Clayton Hudiburg

Relevant NGSS PE:

HS-ETS1-3

Other Subjects Covered:

ELA: Informational Text

Estimated Activity Length:

1 hour

Can Portable PV Charge Vehicles?

Grades:

10-12

Unit:

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:

Circuitry,

Electrical Energy,

Electricity Generation,

Energy Fundamentals,

Fuels,

Solar Photovoltaic,

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:

Group Work/Collaboration,

Hands-on Materials

NGSS Science and Engineering Practices:

3: Planning and Carrying Out Investigations,

4: Analyzing and Interpreting Data,

5: Using Mathematics and Computational Thinking

Author:

Clayton Hudiburg

Relevant NGSS PE:

HS-ESS3-2,

HS-ETS1-2,

HS-ETS1-3,

HS-PS3-2

Other Subjects Covered:

ELA: Writing,

ELA: Vocabulary Development,

Math: Addition, Subtraction, Multiplication, Division,

Math: Algebra,

Math: Measurement

Estimated Activity Length:

2 hours

Designing a Solar Charger

Grades:

10-12

Unit:

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:

Circuitry,

Electrical Energy,

Solar Photovoltaic,

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,

Group Work/Collaboration,

Hands-on Materials

NGSS Science and Engineering Practices:

2: Developing and Using Models,

5: Using Mathematics and Computational Thinking,

6: Constructing Explanations and Designing Solutions

Author:

Clayton Hudiburg

Relevant NGSS PE:

HS-ESS3-2,

HS-ETS1-2,

HS-ETS1-3,

HS-PS3-2

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:

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:

Electrical Energy,

Solar Photovoltaic,

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:

HS-ESS3-2,