Schools Power Unit of Study

Our lessons are structured and standards-based in a ready-to-implement package that is easily integrated into existing Science, Math and Technology curriculum. Everything the teacher needs for implementation is included and covered in the professional development session. Our materials are Web-based and run on your current school technology.

Our lessons feature:

• Standard-based instruction that uses current school-based technology
• Project-based, inquiry-driven investigations of energy alternatives and energy smart technologies
• Combined interactive learning materials, rich media, and instructional simulations with cross-school learning activities
• Range of learning modalities in multi-sensory formats

Our lessons:

• Integrate easily into existing curriculum
• Increase use of higher learning thinking addressing math and science connections through real-world connections
• Deepen student engagement in higher learning thinking while applying math and science knowledge through real-world connections
• Strengthen student skills in working cooperatively to solve problems, while improving reasoning and communication skills.
• Engage and challenge all students by facilitating needs of different learning styles
• Stimulates student interest in preparing for careers in STEM fields.

Students will benefit from using our standards-based lessons because they apply their science and math skills to investigate solar energy in real-world contexts. This enhances student understanding of related conservation and sustainability principles.

Our lessons include:

I. Grade 6-7: Comparing Multi School Solar Power System Data

Students work in teams to:

• Plot and interpret electrical energy production measurement from school solar power systems
• Analyze other data sets to develop and test hypotheses to explain the visible differences.
• Select site and build models for school solar power systems using key design principles learned in the lessons
• Present their school solar power system design to the class.

II. High School: Introduction to Solar Power System Design

Students work in teams to:

• Evaluate, design and build a virtual solar PV system for their school.
• Prepare and present system proposals in competitions with other class teams and other schools.
• Explore career pathways in the solar energy industry

The solar energy unit of lessons is the first in a series of upcoming units. Future units of study will use other energy alternatives and energy-smart technologies: wind, bio-fuel, geothermal, waterpower, smart grid, energy-efficient buildings, electric charging stations, and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles.