Introduction
The Power of Solar Energy
is an intermediate-level thematic unit appropriate for grades 7-10. The unit is
intended to engage your students in learning about solar energy through a "hands-on,
minds-on" approach. This unit is designed to be flexible. It can be implemented
as a stand-alone unit, or its pieces may be used individually as appropriate.
The unit has cross-curricular applications, i.e. some lessons might be used in
science classes, where others might be used in math, economics, or other classes.
Alignment with
Science Education Standards
This unit is intended to meet the
goals of Science Content Standard 2: Students demonstrate knowledge of properties,
forms, changes, and interactions of chemical and physical systems.
Expected Outcomes
By the end of this unit, your students
will have a more solid understanding of energy production and use, renewable energy
sources and applications, and solar energy system components. They, as the next
generation of energy users, will be better able to predict the consequences of
their energy choices.
Learning Objectives/Benchmarks
After completing this unit, students
will:
- Define and classify renewable
and nonrenewable energy sources;
- Describe the impacts of energy
use on society;
- Describe the benefits of solar
and other renewable energy sources;
- Identify and describe photovoltaic
systems and components; and
- Conduct experiments that demonstrate
the principles of solar energy.
Acknowledgements
The Power of
Solar Energy was prepared
by the National Center for Appropriate Technology (NCAT) for its Sun4Schools project,
sponsored by the NorthWestern Energy Universal Systems Benefits Charge (USBC).
