Title
|
Grade Level
|
Type
|
Time
|
Materials
|
Summary and Activity Goals
|
K – 8
|
Introduction
|
5 – 10 min
|
None
|
Open the class by assessing student knowledge and generating curiosity about solar and renewable energy. This can be a whole group discussion, or modified to groups or pairs, at the teacher’s or your discretion.
|
|
K – 8
|
Introduction or Presentation
|
10 – 15 min
|
Printed photos
|
Students gain a basic understanding of the ways we generate electricity.
|
|
6 – 8
|
Introduction
|
5 – 10 min
|
None
|
Share some quick facts about solar energy to get students interested.
|
|
K – 8
|
Presentation
|
15 – 20 min
|
Handout
|
Following a simple visual diagram/coloring page, students gain a basic understanding of how a PV solar system works. You may tailor the level of detail to the students’ level.
|
|
K – 2
|
Group Game
|
5 – 10 min
|
None
|
Students physically model how photons “excite” electrons inside a solar cell to create an electric current.
|
|
K – 2
|
Individual or Group Activity
|
10 – 20 min
|
Coloring pages, pens, pencils, markers
|
Students complete coloring activities to gain a basic understanding of solar energy.
|
|
3 – 5
|
Group Game
|
5 – 10 min
|
None
|
Students play a game to actively model how photons travel through a solar electric system.
|
|
3 – 5
|
Individual Activity
|
10 – 15 min
|
Sticky notes
|
Students independently think about how to creatively implement or invent a renewable energy technology.
|
|
3 – 8
|
Individual or Group Activity
|
15 – 20 min
|
Markers, colored pencils, or crayons. Large pieces of paper.
|
Students apply what they have learned about solar and other forms of renewable energy to imagine a 100 percent renewable home, school, city, or world. Students will think about the forms of renewable energy discussed in class, and have a chance to think creatively about ways to apply current technology or invent new ones!
|
|
6 – 8
|
Presentation
|
10 min
|
Printed or projected graphs
|
Students see how solar production varies depending on season and time of day.
|
Opening Questions (Grades K-3)
The following is an example of how one might lead young students into a discussion about solar energy. Consult with the teacher to make sure your approach is appropriate for students’ levels.