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Solar Lesson Plans

Elementary

Stuffed Suns

The student will be observe the items that use energy in their own homes, calculate the energy cost for their own homes, and compare this cost with others in their class and with the national average.

UV Beads

The student will be able to observe the affects of the sunlight on objects and how we can protect ourselves.

Pringles Cooker

The student will learn how to build a solar hot dog cooker and test its ability to function.

The Solar Bag

The students will be able to work in groups and show how solar energy can change the air temperature.

Solar Oven

The student will be able to complete a working solar oven and discuss different possible materials to make their oven more efficient.

Solar Oven 2

The student will review the basic needs for alternative energy sources, identify at least three different materials that will produce maximum heat, identify at least three different colors that will produce maximum heat,and be able to solve a design problem for a solar hot box.

Parabolic Cooker

The student will be able to follow directions and make a working solar cooker.

Solar Energy Radiometer

Students will be able to define energy sources, define the concept of renewable energy and explain the concept of solar energy using a Radiometer.

Intermediate

Introduction of Solar Energy

Introduce to solar energy by classroom discussion, reading the background information and finding answers to their questions in the reading and classroom discussion.

Solar hot dog cooker

To explore the conversion of radiant (electromagnetic) energy to thermal energy and how it can be used.

Transforming solar energy into heat

Transform radiant energy into thermal energy, motion and electricity. To decide which light source is the best for producing motion from the vanes of a radiometer. To decide which wavelength is the best for producing electricity from a solar panel.

Solar collection

To learn that radiant energy can be collected and converted into heat and stored.

Solar concentration

To learn that radiant energy can be concentrated on an object with a concave mirror.

Secondary

Solar powered cars

Students will learn to use solar power in a basic model application. Different styles and designs will be used to explore the scientific process.

Sun strength calculations

To compare the angle of the Sun as it changes through the day, and compare it to the power it produces, as measured in volts in a small PV cell. Students will understand the difference in solar energy density based upon the Sun’s position in the sky based upon time and location.

Passive solar water heater

To demonstrate solar energy on a small scale water heater. Students should understand how radiant energy is transformed into thermal energy, and that the thermal energy could be used by people in their homes. This is a scale model to show proof of concept.