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A Solar Kit for the Classroom

Description

Fifteen lessons designed to help teachers and students use hand-held mini-solar panels to inquire into such topics as:

• the motion of the sun across the sky
• how light interacts with objects
• the movement of light through the atmosphere
• how solar panels are constructed and how they work
• the effect of clouds on solar power
• solar-electric power system design
• the conversion of radiant energy into electrical, mechanical, and chemical energy
• electricity and magnetism
• storing energy
• concepts of work, power, energy, and efficiency

Availability

Lessons: You can download the fifteen lessons from the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority's School Power ... Naturally web site.

Materials: Although NESEA does not endorse any particular supplier, if you would like to put together your own kit you can order raw solar cell chips from Sun Watt Corporation, Jonesport, ME, 207-497-2204 and mini-solar electric panels from several education supply companies such as Pitsco or Kelvin Electronics. The Solar Kit for the Classroom lessons are designed to use 1 V, 400 mA solar panels. You might have to solder on your own alligator clips or other type connector.

Each of the fifteen lessons requires additional materials. These are described in each lesson.

Funded By:

A Solar Kit for the Classroom was produced by the Northeast Sustainable Energy Association with funding from the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority.