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To Go Solar or Not to Go Solar!
Middle schoolers imagine that they are on a panel to consider if a solar energy system would be advantageous to a new school as it is being built. They read the included handout and then each play a role as a participant in a community...
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Solar Hot Box
Students investigate how different colors and materials create various temperatures and apply this it the concept of solar energy.
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Why is Summer Hot?
Learners examine how variations in temperature are due to the Sun and length of day. In this solar lesson students complete a lab activity using thermometers and artificial sunlight to see how the earth is heated.
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Primary Energy Sources Pros and Cons
Learners explore the different types of renewable and nonrenewable energy sources. In this earth science lesson plan, students discuss the pros and cons of each type. They conduct a variety of experiments on renewable energy.
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The Power of PV: Measuring the Power and Energy of Photovoltaic System
Students explore photovoltaic systems. For this alternative energy lesson, students calculate solar panel efficiency and convert devices to solar energy using photovoltaic cells.
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Our Solar Roof
Young scholars sketch what a solar installation will look like. In this energy lesson, students examine the benefits of using solar energy. They record a video on the installation event for further study.
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Measuring Solar Energy
Students study solar energy and how to measure it. In this energy sources instructional activity students complete a lab, obtain data and use that to convert surface temperature to energy.Â
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Catching Rays
Young scholars 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...
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Solar Racing
Young scholars design and build solar-powered cars. In this renewable energy lesson, students view websites showing a Department of Energy contest and solar-powered car design guidelines. They work in teams to design and build prototypes...
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Photovoltaics and Solar Energy
Students experiment with photovoltaic cells and determine the energy use of their appliances. In this renewable energy lesson, students calculate the energy emitted by a photovoltaic cell through an inquiry-based lab. They keep track of...
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Cooking with the Sun!
Students access prior knowledge of solar energy and understand that solar energy produces heat. In this solar cooker lesson, students complete grade appropriate experiments using the heat of the sun. Students complete a worksheet on...
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Solar S’Mores
Students use the energy of the sun to make s'mores. In this solar energy lesson, students gather the listed materials and follow the procedures to find out if they can make s'mores using solar energy.
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Solar Matters II
Young scholars research solar energy. In this solar energy lesson, students construct a KWL chart and research solar energy through various websites and related readings. Young scholars complete a science journal page as an assessment.
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Solar Energy Experiment
Students observe solar energy at work. For this science lesson, students watch two bottles, painted black and white, sit in the heat with balloons on the mouth of the bottles. They observe and discuss why the balloon of the black bottle...
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Solar Energy
In this solar energy worksheet, students read about the uses of solar energy, the benefits and the costs. They answer four critical thinking questions about solar energy.
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How Can Renewable Energy Be Used?
In this renewable energy worksheet, students will write in details about the 4 types of renewable energy sources: solar, wind, moving water, and nuclear energy. This worksheet is a graphic organizer.
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Secret Message: Worksheet #1
In this following directions instructional activity, students will have to follow 12 directions in order to decipher a secret message. The message is "Solar energy is renewable."
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Daily and Seasonal Cycles
First graders identify the sun as a source of heat and light. They identify features of houses that help keep use sheltered and comfortable throughout daily and seasonal cycles. Students are told that summer is the best season to...
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Solar Cooking
Learners experiment with a virtual solar cooker to discover the mathematical relationship among reflection, transmission and absorption. Then they actually build and test a solar cooker of their own invention.
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Using GLOBE Data to Study the Earth System (College Level)
Students use the GLOBE Website to locate and study environmental data. They use the GLOBE Graphing Tool to display data. Students describe the role of solar energy in the annual fluctuations of soil moisture. They describe reservoirs and...
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Solar Energy Connection
Students conduct solar experiments. They calculate the solar gain and operate a solar cell devise used to generate electricity. Students compare and contrast solar energy gain with students in India. They analyze the difference...
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TE Lesson: Using Heat from the Sun
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...
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TE Activity: You're in Hot Water
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.
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As the Sun Burns
Students investigate the sun's energy. They explore various websites, demonstrate proper solar protection, conduct experiments using special UV beads, and complete worksheets.