Solar Energy Projects, 1995

Topic: Solar Energy

Source: US Dept of Energy and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory’s Office of Education

Web address: http://www.nrel.gov/education/pdfs/sciproj.pdf

Grade Levels: 9-12 HS

Learning Strategies: Project-based learning

Frameworks Connections:

Science and Technology/Engineering

• Earth and Space Science, Grades 9-10

  2. The Earth’s Sources of Energy

• Physics, Grade 9 or 10

  3. Heat and Heat Transfer

• Technology/Engineering, Grade 9 or 10

  2. Construction Technologies

Cost: Free downloadable booklet

Description: The student project booklet provided on this website offers a simple, inexpensive introduction to solar energy. The “Solar Energy Science Projects” consist of four solar energy projects including a solar air heater, solar water heater, and a solar hot dog cooker.

In each set of guided activities, students investigate solar energy using the materials and equipment needed. In addition, students are provided with instructions on acquiring needed materials, assembly of the experiment, and how the energy works in the system used.

The projects are not inquiry-based, and the instructions contain an expected outcome section to perform a check on the systems created. A glossary of terms is provided at the end of the booklet to assist the student in their discovery through the solar heating process.