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Why is Summer Hot?
Students examine how variations in temperature are due to the Sun and length of day. In this solar instructional activity students complete a lab activity using thermometers and artificial sunlight to see how the earth is heated.
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Sunspots
Students examine what a sunspot is and how it is produced. For this sun lesson students locate and measure sunspots then view them through a camera.
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Rechargeable Batteries
Students explore how rechargeable batteries work by conducting a series of experiments. In this physics lesson, students discuss the benefits of using rechargeable batteries over disposable ones. They build their own battery charger...
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Primary Energy Sources Pros and Cons
Students explore the different types of renewable and nonrenewable energy sources. In this earth science lesson, students discuss the pros and cons of each type. They conduct a variety of experiments on renewable energy.
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Methods of Power- Solar, Hydrogen, and Electric
Students examine solar, hydrogen, electric power. In this research based lesson, students will do simple investigations, view videos, discuss, and research how these three types of energy are used for power. They illustrate a...
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The Magic of Solar Thermal: How the Sun Can Be Used to Heat Water
Learners are introduced to how the sun is used to heat water. In this solar instructional activity students identify the different types of solar water heating and demonstrate how it works.
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How Solar Cells Work: Converting Sunlight to Electricity
Students examine how to convert sunlight to electricity. In this renewable energy sources lesson students explain how solar cells are used and use a voltmeter to measure the energy produced by a solar panel.
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The Power of PV: Measuring the Power and Energy of Photovoltaic System
Students explore photovoltaic systems. In this alternative energy lesson plan, students calculate solar panel efficiency and convert devices to solar energy using photovoltaic cells.
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Our Solar Roof
Students sketch what a solar installation will look like. In this energy instructional activity, students examine the benefits of using solar energy. They record a video on the installation event for further study.
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Measuring Solar Energy
Students study solar energy and how to measure it. In this energy sources lesson students complete a lab, obtain data and use that to convert surface temperature to energy.
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Solar Cooker Challenge
Students use the scientific method to design a slow cooker. In this experimental method lesson students measure temperatures and conversions of the solar cooker that they create.
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Catching Rays
Middle schoolers investigate solar collectors. In this energy lesson, students create and demonstrate solar collectors. They will use measurement, data collecting, and analyze their findings to determine the best orientations for their...
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Night Golf Classroom Guide
Students read the story "Night Golf" and respond to questions that enhance their comprehension of the book's message. In this reading lesson, students participate in a literature circle to explore reading passages. Students personalize...
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The Solar System: Go Green with the Sun!
Third graders learn how to use solar power. In this sun, technology and energy instructional activity, 3rd graders learn how the solar power from the sun can give off energy, learn about solar panels, discuss their uses and benefits,...
US Department of Energy
Solar Distiller
Explore the sun's ability to distill contaminated water with this simple set of classroom experiments. After filling two glass bowls, one with muddy water and the other with salt water, they are covered with plastic wrap and placed in...
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Solar Racing
Students design and build solar-powered cars. In this renewable energy lesson, students view websites showing a Department of Energy contest and solar-powered car design guidelines. They work in teams to design and build prototypes of a...
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Photovoltaics and Solar Energy
Students experiment with photovoltaic cells and determine the energy use of their appliances. In this renewable energy lesson plan, students calculate the energy emitted by a photovoltaic cell through an inquiry-based lab. They keep...
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Cooking with the Sun!
Students access prior knowledge of solar energy and understand that solar energy produces heat. In this solar cooker lesson, students complete grade appropriate experiments using the heat of the sun. Students complete a worksheet on...
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Hinode Satellite Power
In this Hinode satellite worksheet, students find the area of the solar panels that cover the Hinode satellite to provide power. They determine the amount of power produced by the solar cells and if it is enough to keep all the...
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Solar Electricity
In this solar electricity and satellites worksheet, students calculate the perimeter of a satellite, they find the area of the surface of the satellite and they determine if there is sufficient space for enough solar panels to supply the...
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Solar S’Mores
Students use the energy of the sun to make s'mores. In this solar energy lesson, students gather the listed materials and follow the procedures to find out if they can make s'mores using solar energy.
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Solar Matters II
Students research solar energy. In this solar energy lesson, students construct a KWL chart and research solar energy through various websites and related readings. Students complete a science journal page as an assessment.
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Solar Energy Experiment
Students observe solar energy at work. In this science instructional activity, students watch two bottles, painted black and white, sit in the heat with balloons on the mouth of the bottles. They observe and discuss why the balloon of...
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Solar Energy
For this solar energy worksheet, students read about the uses of solar energy, the benefits and the costs. They answer four critical thinking questions about solar energy.