The Solar Power Challenge

Students will identify photovoltaic solar power as a source of energy.

Summary

SEEd 4.2.4 Design a device that converts energy from one form to another. Define the problem, identify criteria and constraints, develop possible solutions using models, analyze data from testing solutions, and propose modifications for optimizing a solution. Emphasize identifying the initial and final forms of energy. Examples could include solar ovens that convert light energy to heat energy or a simple alarm system that converts motion energy into sound energy. (PS3.B, PS3.D, ETS1.A, ETS1.B, ETS1.C)

Lesson Performance Expectations

  1. Students will identify photovoltaic solar power as a source of energy.
  2. Students will explain what happens when a photovoltaic cell is shaded.
  3. Students will understand why we can’t rely solely on this resource for energy.

Download Lesson PlanDownload Handout