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).
