Youngsters read text about an environmentally-friendly car. They try to figure out the meaning of the vocabulary in the text and discuss issues related to alternative energy sources. This thoughtful, well-designed plan has all the...

What are those shiny things that people are installing on the roofs of their houses? Learn about the structure, function, and logistics of solar panels, as well as the challenges of using the sun's energy as our exclusive power source on...

Students build and race solar powered cars after a teacher lecture. They answer questions based on their experiences with the car they build.

Here's an exciting and innovative lesson that's sure to get your charges fired up! In it, they use engineering design principles to construct and test a fully solar powered car. One caveat: the kits that each group needs to make their...

Students design and build solar-powered cars. In this renewable energy lesson plan, students view websites showing a Department of Energy contest and solar-powered car design guidelines. They work in teams to design and build prototypes...

Students design and construct a solar-powered model car. They watch a PowerPoint presentation, construct the car in small groups, and participate in a car race.

Should every school have solar panels? The 19th lesson in a series of 21 has scholars research the feasibility of using solar panels at their school. They begin by gathering data on the solar energy in the area before estimating the...

Pupils explore the relationship between time traveled, distance and speed.  In this solar race car instructional activity students wire solar batteries using series and parallel circuitry. 

In preparation for solar car races, middle schoolers attempt to discover what time of day the most solar energy can be collected. Begin by demonstrating the use of a voltmeter for measuring solar cell output. Take them outdoors to take...

Through scientific inquiry, middle schoolers discover how to arrange solar cells in order to produce electricity. This activity is intended to prepare learners to be able to design and construct solar cars. As with other resources...

You've probably heard of solar-powered cars, but what about wind-powered cars? Scholars build cars that can travel at least six feet. They can only use their breath to move the car—so, obviously, a sail might be a good feature for the...

How many different types of biofuels are out there? Seventh graders watch a series of videos and participate in a series of activities in order to better understand all the transportation options available. They consider what type of car...

Students harness the power of the sun to design, construct and evaluate a solar-powered model car of their creation. They race their cars in a "Solar Sprint" race modeled after the National Renewable Energy Laboratory's Junior Solar...

Young scholars examine solar, hydrogen, electric power. In this research based instructional activity, students will do simple investigations, view videos, discuss, and research how these three types of energy are used for power. They...

Young scholars design, construct and evaluate a solar powered model car.  In this solar power lesson students compete in a "solar sprint" race once their car is created. 

Come up with a great idea and change the world for the better. Working in groups of three, learners apply their knowledge of photovoltaic systems to design a battery-powered electric vehicle capable of replacing gas-powered cars. They...

Students 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.

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 information...

Students use data to find the best renewable energy potential.  In this solar energy instructional activity students import data into Excel and explain how solar energy is beneficial. 

Students participate in an outdoor activity in which they make direct but safe observations of the Sun. Students use a solar cell and voltmeter apparatus to collect data on the amount of DC voltage produced by the solar cell during a...

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

Pupils learn of multiple ways astronomers look for planets outside of the solar system. By completing a hands-on activity, scholars discover that trying to see the planets directly because of the glare from the nearby star is nearly...

Students examine renewable energy sources such as solar, water, and wind. They experiment to determine how renewable energy is transformed into electricity. They investigate the role of engineers who work in the field of renewable energy.