Let's heat things up! This simple experiment demonstrates for learners the important role the sun plays in providing the earth with energy. Place one cup of water in direct sunlight and one in shade, then take measurements in order to...

Scientists need to have mastered algebraic slope-intercept concepts in order for this lesson to be effective. They will measure and graph solar panel output as a function of the amount of radiation striking it, discovering that there is...

More than 100 cities around the world have shifted from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources. Scholars investigate a city wanting to make this switch, but needs help determining how to make the shift. Groups consider all options,...

The perfect place to do one's math homework? Outside, of course. The third of seven lessons in the Understanding Science and Engineering unit focuses on solar energy. Learners investigate solar-powered calculators and discover how solar...

Students explore solar energy, why we use it and how we use it.  In this renewable energy lesson students compare active and solar techniques.

Students explore photovoltaic systems. In this alternative energy lesson, students calculate solar panel efficiency and convert devices to solar energy using photovoltaic cells.

Sixth graders explore process of drying food using solar energy. They cook and/or dry food such as pumpkins, watermelon, corn, and deer meat, explain how solar energy changes foods, and compare and contrast solar energy with other forms...

Students build a solar oven. In this Science lesson plan, students construct a functional solar oven. Students design the oven and explain the energy concepts involved.

Young scientists gain a better understanding of space, the solar system and its vastness by creating a scale model. Students first need to calculate the distance between each of the nine planets according to the size of their scale. This...

Students explore concept of current in electrical circuits. They examine how energy from the sun can be used to power everyday items, including vehicles.

Students study what passive solar design is for buildings and structures.  In this solar design instructional activity students identify passive solar design techniques.

What better way to learn about plant life than by creating a class garden? Young botanists start with a brief discussion about radishes before planting seeds and watching them grow. To determine the importance of water,...

High schoolers conduct a series of experiments to investigate density, buoyancy and climate. In this math lesson, pupils design and build a hot air balloon to demonstrate convection. They research and write a paper about solar chimneys.

Students use the Stefan-Boltzmann Law and the Wien displacement law to determine the amount of energy the sun emits.

Students access prior knowledge of solar energy and understand that solar energy produces heat. For this solar cooker lesson, students complete grade appropriate experiments using the heat of the sun. Students complete a worksheet on...

Students study different ways of using solar energy. They design a solar water heater and determine how much water it can heat in a set amount of time. They examine how the heaters work by solar radiation and convection.

Students examine where energy comes from and how it can be used.  In this solar energy lesson students explore different aspects of the sun. 

Students experiment with converting fuels to energy. They also must identify different types of fuels and ways to conserve energy.

Third graders review the placement and role of the sun in the solar system. Using beads, they create a necklace which they can use to identify the amount of sunlight is being illuminated. In groups, they record observations on the...

Students examine energy, where it comes from and the different fuels that are used.  For this energy lesson students design an energy infrastructure using a renewable energy source. 

Students investigate solar collectors. In this energy lesson, students create and demonstrate solar collectors. They will use measurement, data collecting, and analyze their findings to determine the best orientations for their solar...

Students design and build a model solar energy home. In this technology lesson plan, students test the efficiency of their model houses by measuring temperature at regular intervals. They analyze data and share results with the class.

Students examine fossil fuels, nuclear and renewable fuels. They study investigate types of heat transfer such as convection, conduction, and radiation. They complete crossword puzzles based on the vocabulary. They design, construct and...

Students explore energy production by participating in a class discussion. In this renewable energy activity, students discuss the differences between solar, coal, wind and fossil fuel energy sources and why some are better for the...