Description

Overview:

SYNOPSIS: This lesson introduces solar energy and tasks students with solving an algebraic equation to determine the amount of daily sunlight needed to make a solar panel effective.

SCIENTIST NOTES: This lesson lets students analyze peak sun hours needed to generate electricity from a solar panel. The equation used in the calculation is appropriate, and students would be able to calculate their electricity footprint in real-time. All accompanying materials, case studies, and activities contained in this lesson are well-sourced. Accordingly, this lesson has passed our science credibility and is recommended for teaching.

POSITIVES:
-The lesson is personalized to the students' community, which will make it more engaging and relevant.
-This lesson ties closely with the following lesson in the unit, but it can also be used as a standalone lesson if desired.

ADDITIONAL PREREQUISITES:
-This is lesson 1 of 5 in our 6-8th grade Renewable Energy Algebra unit.
-Students should be familiar with renewable energy. If not, more time may be needed in the Inquire section to introduce renewable energy. This video can be used.
-Students should know kWh refers to Kilowatt-hour. This interactive map about the carbon intensity of electricity by country measured in kWh can support students with better visualizing the unit.
-Students should understand that kilo means 1,000, so a kilowatt is 1,000 watts. This reading can help students build background knowledge on electric power and its units of measure.

DIFFERENTIATION:
-Teachers can have students work with a partner on the calculations in the Investigate section and purposefully group students based on skill level.
-Teachers can work with small groups of students who may need additional assistance with the calculations.
-Teachers can limit the number of questions students complete. The questions get progressively more difficult.
-Some questions have the same setup but use different numbers. If necessary, some could be taken out to save time (questions 1-4 and questions 5-7).

Subject:

Mathematics

Level:

Middle School

Material Type:

Lesson Plan

Author:

Effie Albitz

Provider:

SubjectToClimate

Date Added:

06/30/2023