Determine the best energy generator. Groups play with a photovoltaic cell to determine the variables that affect its energy output. The teams investigate a variable to determine the optimum performance of the solar cell. Pupils compare the wind turbine designed in the previous lesson to the solar cell in the final lesson in the six-lesson unit on solar versus wind energy.

Concepts

energy, solar cells, solar energy, solar panels, wind energy, wind turbines, generating electricity

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Additional Tags

science

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Instructional Ideas

• Research to find the angle that the sun shines locally to use as an initial angle to begin

Classroom Considerations

• Assumes knowledge of circuits and how a photovoltaic cell generates electricity
• Requires a variety of photovoltaic cells and lights

Pros

• Provides a data sheet to record results
• Includes a list of materials needed to test a variety of variables

Cons

• None

Common Core

RST.6-8.3