As our world changes, exploring alternative energy sources will become more important. Students have an opportunity to explore solar energy as one example of alternative energy through a lecture followed by activities to reinforce the principles discussed. Classes can explore one aspect of solar power, or go into more depth and partake in each different program. These programs are flexible with age group and time requirements.
Passive Solar Power
Grades 3-12
Solar power is energy captured from the sun. The sun generates a great amount of energy daily which we can harness and use. Students will learn the basics of passive solar energy and conduct experiments or activities to reinforce these principles.
Students will work in groups to apply passive solar power building principles to model houses, exploring their own neighborhood and comparing architectural patterns from different cultures. Further investigation may include solar cooking and solar water purification.
Class length: Basic program 60 min
Additional activities 90 min
Size: 20-30 students
Program Costs: supply costs may apply
Photovoltaic Cells
Grades 6-12
Students learn how solar power can be incorporated in active solar energy systems to harness the sun’s energy through photovoltaic cells. To begin, students receive an introduction to electricity and how solar panels harness the sun’s energy. Students explore and discuss the benefits and drawbacks to solar energy.
To reinforce the principles, students receive hands on experience creating series and parallel wiring of solar panels to provide energy to a variety of small electronics. Further investigations may include an assessment of electricity and power needed for a classroom or home and the correlating number of solar cells needed.
Class length: Basic program 60 min
Additional activities 90 min
Size: 20-30 students
Program Costs: supply costs may apply
Building a Solar Home
Grades 3-12
Building a Solar Home is an additional section for classes that want to go further in depth exploring solar energy. Students receive education on active and passive solar energy and then implement these concepts through the construction of a model solar home. For younger grades (3-6), students construct their homes using passive solar energy and explain the design and concepts in a short essay and vocally to classmates. For an older audience (6-12), students integrate passive solar building principles with photovoltaic cells to create a solar community. Students work as a class to create different homes in the community and finally describe the community both in writing and vocally.
Class length: Depends on teacher’s desired depth – Range from 1 session of 60 min, to multiple sessions.
Size: 20-30 students
Program Costs: supply costs may apply
Energy Efficiency
Grades 6-12
Students explore energy consumption in their classroom and home. Facilitators lead students in a discussion focusing on what appliances consume the most energy in the home, which appliances use energy even when they are not on, and ways for students to become more energy efficient in their lives. Students gain a practical understanding of utilities and how one can reduce their monthly electric bill.
Class length: Basic program 60-75min
Size: 20-30 students
Program Costs: supply costs may apply
