Texas State Energy Conservation Office
Investigation: Making a PV Cell
Rise and shine! Class members collaborate to construct a photovoltaic solar cell with two semiconductor layers, as guided by this fabulous lab sheet. They test its output with an ammeter or galvanometer.
Rochester Institute of Technology
Solar Energy
Warm up to the idea of solar energy. A instructional activity includes three activities that challenge scholars to apply knowledge in new ways. First, they learn to run an alarm clock without a battery by using solar energy. Next, they...
Curated OER
Satellites and Solar Cells
In this satellite and solar cells instructional activity, students determine the electrical power generated by the solar cells on the IMAGE satellite. Students solve 3 problems including finding the usable area of the satellite,...
Curated OER
Cosmic Rays and Solar Cells
In this cosmic rays and solar cells activity, students read about how cosmic rays damage the electrical output of solar cells over time on satellites. Students use a graph of the solar power output compared to the year for the SOHO...
Curated OER
Solar Electricity
In this solar electricity and satellites worksheet, students calculate the perimeter of a satellite, they find the area of the surface of the satellite and they determine if there is sufficient space for enough solar panels to supply the...
Curated OER
IMAGE Satellite and Solar Cells
In this IMAGE satellite and solar cells worksheet, students calculate the surface area of the satellite in order to determine how much electrical power can be generated by the solar cells.
Curated OER
Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Kit
The National Energy Foundation presents this activity, which instructs students to follow directions to connect a solar electric panel to a buzzer. They charge the solar panel to cause the buzzer to sound. The process is repeated with a...
Curated OER
Hinode Satellite Power
In this Hinode satellite learning exercise, students find the area of the solar panels that cover the Hinode satellite to provide power. They determine the amount of power produced by the solar cells and if it is enough to keep all the...
Curated OER
Optimization
In this optimization of satellites worksheet, students read about the Octagonal IMAGE satellite and solve 4 problems related to the size and shape of the satellite and the solar cells used to power the satellite. Students find the mass...
Teach Engineering
Ice, Ice, PV!
Knowing the temperature coefficient allows for the calculation of voltage output at any temperature. Groups conduct an experiment to determine the effects of temperature on the power output of a solar panel. The teams alter the...
Curated OER
Alternative Energy Resources
In this alternative energy resources worksheet, learners 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...
Teach Engineering
Quantum Dots and Colors
Introduce teams to quantum dot solutions with an activity that has them expose solutions to a blacklight, observe the colors, and take measurements. Groups graph the data and analyze the dependence between particle size and color...
California Institute of Technology
Physics of Light
Gummy bears are tasty, but did you know they are also used to determine color and light properties? Use the activity as a way to demonstrate light absorption, light reflection, and refraction with high schooler. Pupils conduct small...
Curated OER
Sources of Electricity
In this online electricity worksheet, students are asked 10 questions about electric current and battery energy, an online answer key provided.
Curated OER
Energy Alternatives and Conservation
In this energy alternatives and conservation worksheet, learners research the topic, answer 3 questions, then complete a 4 step plan to create a print or digital project. This page has numerous links to web resources.
Curated OER
Analogies
In this analogies instructional activity, students complete the analogies about fuel, carbon dioxide, decay, and more. Students complete 10 analogies.