Curated OER
Avoiding Carbon Dioxide Emissions from Burning Fossil Fuels
High schoolers calculate stoichiometrically the amount of carbon dioxide that would be emitted from burning a mole of varios alkanes that comprise fossile fuels. If the energy released from burning a mole of these alkanes is known, then...
Curated OER
Maximum Power Point
Students investigate how to optimize the power output of a photovoltaic cell using a home-made gnomon stand. They use data collected to create current-voltage and power-voltage curves and determine the "maximum power point," (MPP) at...
Curated OER
Alternative Energy Resources
In this alternative energy resources worksheet, students identify the ore that is commonly used in nuclear power plants and how it is processed. Then they determine the reaction that occurs when uranium atoms are split. Students also...
Curated OER
Photocells II: The Photoelectric Effect in Photocells
Learners discuss the principles of atomic structure that underlie the operation of a photovoltaic cell and explains how they apply to a photovoltaic cell's operation. An area of the classroom is staked off to represent a photovoltaic...
Curated OER
Build a Simple Ammeter
Students build and work with a simple ammeter to test theories on why solar cells connected in parallel produce more current that in series. Students use the ammeter to indicate the presence, direction, and strength of an electric...
Curated OER
Orienting a Photovoltaic Cell
Students explore the optimum angle for orienting a solar collector relative to the rays of incoming sunlight. They review equinoxes, solstices, and various locational ideas before students investigate using meters, light sources, and...
Curated OER
Waves, Sound, and Light
Ninth graders explain waves in terms of energy transfer and describe their basic types and characteristics. They solve mathematical problems involving wavelength and frequency. Students conduct experiments in reflection and refraction.
Curated OER
Maximum Power Point
Pupils investigate how to optimize the power output of a photovoltaic cell using a home-made gnomon stand. They use data collected to create current-voltage and power-voltage curves to determine the "maximum PowerPoint," (MPP) at which...
Curated OER
Let's Make a Solar Car
Students transform a car that they have built out of K'NEX into a solar car. Students add one or two solar cells to the car to power a DC motor then connect the motor to the car and come up with a method to drive the car. This is the...
Other
U.s. Department of Energy: Photovoltaics
This site has an overview of PV technology, impact, system application and design. Information is provided on how to select the best solar system for various needs.
University of Wisconsin
The Why Files: Super Solar Cells
An understandable description of modern research that is currently being conducted to develop a more efficient photovoltaic (solar energy) cell. It also contains links to other pages on renewable energy sources.
Read Works
Read Works: Solar Absorbers and the Future of Electricity
[Free Registration/Login Required] An informational text about solar panels being used to create electricity. A question sheet is available to help students build skills in reading comprehension.
Other
Flasolar: Solar Energy
An overview of practical uses of solar energy. Information and basic facts about solar energy use in homes and businesses. Covers the history, economics, and ecology of solar energy and includes pictures and schematics of solar technology.
Other
Sun Wind Solar Industries, Inc.
Solar energy facts and information. Instructions on how to build solar devices.
Ducksters
Ducksters: Environment for Kids: Solar Energy
Kids learn about solar energy and how this renewable power can help the environment. Teach students about solar cells and using the sun for heat.
NASA
Nasa: Helios, the Solar Powered High Flyer
This site is an article on, "Helios can fly higher than any other airplane! And it uses only the Sun's energy for fuel!"