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Lesson Planet
This Design a Folding Solar Panel activity also includes:
- Project
- Vocabulary
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Solar energy is an amazing alternative ... but, not always particularly portable! Challenge young scientists to a folding solar panel build-off with an easy-to-execute activity. Scholars brainstorm around specific design needs, construct their panels, then put them through tough tests to determine their effectiveness.
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CCSS:
Adaptable
NGSS:
Adaptable
Concepts
Instructional Ideas
- Pre-fold some origami shapes to demonstrate the space-saving advantages of folding
- Tap into the space exploration aspect of folding solar panels by showing the class a simulation of the James Webb telescope launch
Classroom Considerations
- Reduce the design constraints for middle schoolers to allow them to focus on just a few aspects of the build
- Review the materials list carefully to identify which items are whole-group and which you need to provide to teams
Pros
- Activity uses a current engineering design scenario to create interest around the build in the form of space exploration
- The building constraints mimic actual constraints professionals face when designing a new use for a highly technical material
Cons
- None