Curated OER
Cells
In this biology worksheet, students use the clues given at the bottom of the sheet to complete the crossword puzzle on cells. There are 22 clues to solve in the puzzle on cells.
Space Awareness
Climate Zones
The climate at the equator is hotter than the climate at the poles, but why? The instructional activity goes in depth, explaining how the angles of illumination relate to the heating rate at different latitudes and seasons. Scholars use...
Curated OER
Atmospheric Cells
Young scholars recognize that the sun is the source of energy driving atmosphere cells. They relate the motion of the atmospheric cells to mantle convection cells. Students recognize that the function of atmospheric cells is to move heat...
Curated OER
Out of This World
Fifth graders animate their own planets. In this solar system instructional activity, 5th graders use smartphones and the software, GoKnow Sketchy, to create images for presentations on their created planets that appear to be...
Curated OER
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.
Curated OER
Optimization
In this optimization of satellites worksheet, high schoolers 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...
Space Awareness
The Engine of Life
There is a specific zone, or distance from a star, that a planet must be in order to have water in a liquid form. The activity demonstrates how flux density depends on its distance from the source. A photovoltaic cell gets power to...
Teach Engineering
Maximum Power Point
Investigate the maximum power output of a photovoltaic panel with a lesson that introduces the class to the maximum power point. Individuals learn how to determine the maximum power point of a solar panel by using Ohm's law and the power...
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...
National Nanotechnology Infrastructure Network
Can We Absorb Nanoparticle Pollutants?
Just because we can't see it doesn't mean it isn't there! A growing concern for environmental scientists is toxic nanoparticles in our air and water. Young scholars conduct an experiment to demonstrate how these particles can cross our...
Cornell University
Making a Battery
Don't be shocked when your class has a blast making their own batteries! Science scholars examine a dry cell battery, then design and construct a wet cell battery. The activity guides them through the parts of a battery, the variables...
Teach Engineering
Pointing at Maximum Power for PV
Following detailed directions, teams collect the voltage and current outputs of a photovoltaic cell by adjusting the resistance. Using the collected data, they determine the highest power output. Implications for weather and a large...
Curated OER
Where Do Plants Get Their Food?
Plants need food to survive, just like any other living organism. Young biologists analyze an experiment performed in 1610 by Jan van Helmont to determine if plant nutrition is obtained through the soil. First, lab groups work together...
Curated OER
How do plant & animal cells make and use energy?
Middle schoolers show the relationship between the need for plants to undergo photosynthesis in order to generate oxygen. They see the flaws associated with this thinking because of the lack of CO2 and H2O and lack of sufficient gravity...
Curated OER
From Sunlight to Electric Current
Students explore concept of current in electrical circuits. They examine how energy from the sun can be used to power everyday items, including vehicles.
Curated OER
To Gol Solar or Not to Go Solar!
Learners evaluate the feasibility of installing a photovoltaic system on the roof of a new school being planned for their community. They research the topoc and then each student assumes the role of a specialist having a specific point...
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...
Curated OER
TE Activity: Racing with the Sun - Creating a Solar Car
Middle schoolers use a purchased kit to build a solar powered car. They connect a solar photovoltaic panel to a motor which runs the car forward and backward. They determine how to wire the car to move in both directions.
Curated OER
Plant and Animal Cell Structure
Seventh graders identify the different parts and functions of the cell. In this biology lesson plan, 7th graders make a labelled diagram of either a plant or animal cell. They write a story about it.
Curated OER
Spotlight on Photovoltaics and Fuel Cells
Students utilize Internet resources to uncover the pros and cons of two topics in alternative energy technology: photovoltaics and fuel cells. Students analyze the structure and function of each system to make observations about the...
Bonneville
Introduction to the Photovoltaic Effect
Let a video light the way to a better understanding of solar energy. Scholars first learn vocabulary terms related to the photovoltaic effect, solar cells, and electricity. They then watch a video to learn why silicon is often used as a...
Curated OER
Junior Solar Sprint Series: Gears and Drive Belts
Activate middle schoolers' minds with this physical science activity. Learners vary the diameter of gears and the number of teeth on them to find how energy output is affected. This writeup features well-developed background...
Bonneville
Three Ways to Generate Electricity
Get your hands on electricity. Pupils investigate magnetic fields and make the connection to generators in the fourth lesson plan in a series of six lessons on wind versus solar energy. Learners use a small electric motor as a generator...
Curated OER
STRAINING FOR SOUND
Sixth graders use a laser along with computer microphone probeware and the appropriate software, 6th graders determine the speed of rotating objects.An audio amplifier is connected to a solar cell to change the laser light signal into a...