Sun4Schools Curriculum
The Power of Solar Energy :: 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).
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