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 solar energy potential for the school based on the climate. Then they step back and take a global perspective of which areas would be best for solar energy and which should look to other solutions.

Concepts

solar energy, cloud cover, the atmosphere, the hydrosphere, solar panels, renewable energy sources, solar radiation

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Additional Tags

science

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Instructional Ideas

• Research wind energy in the same way to see if that might be a better option for your school

Classroom Considerations

• Requires prior knowledge of latitude, longitude, making graphs in Excel, clouds, radiation, and renewable energy
• Lesson could be completed in groups or by individuals

Pros

• Provides technology tips for Excel and my NASA data programs
• Includes links related to the vocabulary, prerequisites, lesson links, student reading, and further resources
• Designed specifically for the National Science Education Standards, National Education Technology Standards, National Council of Teachers of Mathematics Education Standards, Climate Literacy Principles, and Energy Literacy Principles

Cons

• None

Common Core

RST.9-10.3 RST.9-10.7 RST.11-12.3 RST.11-12.7