Solar Energy--- TEACHER NOTES
OVERVIEW
Students will research renewable and non-renewable energy resources using the Internet. The focus of research will be solar energy. Findings will be presented in a website and students will design and describe a new household use for solar energy.
PREREQUISITE KNOWLEDGE: Ability to navigate the Internet, use a word processor and familiarity web authoring software is beneficial but not necessary.
TEACHER PREP TIME: minimal
Review websites in Resources. If necessary, become familiar with the web authoring software that students will be using. Prepare a lesson on using web authoring software if new to students.
DELIVERABLES:
Students will produce a website and design a new use for solar energy.
EVALUATION / GRADING: Questions in Steps /80 Website /50 New Solar Product Design and Description /20 Total Points available 150
Running short on time? Omit the design of a new use of solar energy or have students research and create their websites in pairs or small groups.
Only one computer in the classroom? Supplement Internet resources with books and magazines in the classroom for research. Have students prepare their websites in teams.
Teacher Tips: Investigate grants for projects such as this in your area. Possible funding areas include:
1. Student web products / projects 2. Alternative energy sources
3. Environment / conservation
There are some great activities on this website to help students learn more about solar energy: http://eeexchange.org/solar/frameset.htm
(Click on activities and choose any that you would like students to complete)
You are the Chief Technical Officer (CTO) at the International Renewable Energy Foundation (IREF). Your area of expertise is solar energy.
Your boss has asked for a website advocating the use of solar energy.
You will need to research renewable and non-renewable resources and present advantages and disadvantages of solar use for consumers.
The research and design team at IREF is developing their newest household use for solar energy. As CTO, you are responsible for managing this project as well.
This "new" use for solar energy will be launched to the world on your website.
Good luck - you have a busy few weeks ahead of you!
A computer with Internet access, word processor,web authoring softwareand draw / paint software. Use the links below to answer the questions in Steps and to prepare your website.
This list is a starting place, feel free to search the Internet for other related information.
Energy Story: Chapter 15 Solar Energy
(Detailed overview of solar energy with great diagrams)
http://www.energyquest.ca.gov/story/chapter15.html
Solar Energy Basics http://www.eren.doe.gov/RE/solar_basics.html
Solar Power http://www.rnp.org/htmls/solar.htm
Solar Energy: General Information
http://www.afdc.doe.gov/altfuel/sol_general.html
Turning Sunlight into Electricity (Web Video)
http://www.eren.doe.gov/pv/video.html
Clean Energy - Solar Energy
http://www.epa.gov/globalwarming/actions/cleanenergy/sol/links.html
Solar Energy
http://www.stanwell.com/frame.asp?ContentURL=/solar/default.asp
Catching some Rays http://whyfiles.org/041solar/main1.html
Energy Savers
http://www.eren.doe.gov/consumerinfo/energy_savers/energyuse.html
Photovoltaics http://www.nrel.gov/photovoltaics.html
Learn About: Solar Energy
http://www.solaraccess.com/education/solar.jsp
Solar Energy Topics http://www.eren.doe.gov/RE/solar.html
Fossil Fuels http://www.fe.doe.gov/education/
How Solar Cells Work http://www.howstuffworks.com/solar-cell2.htm
Using the websites in Resources (and others that you find), research answers to the following questions.
1. Definerenewable resource? Provide examples. /10
2. Define non-renewable resource. Provide examples. /10
3. What is solar energy? /10
4. How is solar energy collected? /10
Tip - Turning Sunlight into Electricity (Web Video) http://www.eere.energy.gov/solar/
5. What are some uses for solar energy today? /10
6. What are some benefits to using solar energy? /10
7. What are some disadvantages of using solar energy? /10
8. What is Photovoltaics? /10
Now that you have thoroughly investigated solar energy, its time to create your website and see how the team in R&D is making out on the exciting new household use for solar energy.
Be sure to document the source of your Internet research.
Last Name, First Name of Author (if known). "Title of work/article/page." Title of Complete Document (if applicable). Date last modified. URL (date visited).
Part 1. Create your website
Part 2. Check in with Research & Development to see how they are making out withthe new solar energy use discovery.
Part 1. Create a website intended to inform consumers on the use of solar energy.
You will need to describe non-renewable and renewable energy resources.
Explain how solar energy works. Include diagrams and images.
Provide examples for how solar energy is currently being used successfully.
Provide direction as to where solar energy scientific advancements are leading (what are realistic future possibilitiesfor solar energy to be used).
Part 2. Bad news!
There were major funding cuts to the R&D department at IREF. You went to check on your team - there is no one there - they have all been sent home!
You will have to research and create an exciting new household use for solar energy quickly!
Design your new use for solar energy.
Provide a description andsketch of the discovery. Create thesketch using a paint/draw software or scan a copy of an image that you draw.
Include both your drawing and description on your website.
Total Points available 150
Questions in Steps /80
Website /50
New Solar Product Design and Description /20
Website
/10 / Information on renewable and non-renewable resources present
/10 / Provides overview of solar energy
/10 / Links are all active
/10 / Navigation isintuitive
/10 / Content enhancing images are present
Solar Design
/10 / Design is described
/10 / Design is unique and demonstrates application of understanding
Notes:
1. Post your final project on the school website.
2. Debate the pros and cons of using non-renewable (fossils fuels) and renewable energy resources with your class. What are some realistic possibilities?
3. Debrief after the debate by brainstorming ideas as a class to reduce the use of non-renewable resources and increase the use of renewable resources.
4. Post the results in your classroom and on your school website
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