As we journey toward a sustainable future, the spotlight shines brightly on solar power as a clean, renewable energy source. It’s important for students to know and understand how harnessing the power of the sun can ultimately help maintain our planet. Let’s explore what solar power is and how we can teach this topic within the classroom including some examples of solar machines you can have students create.
Solar power is the cheapest source of renewable energy, since it is energy harnessed from the sun—if there is sunlight, there is power to be gathered. Solar power is typically categorized into two main types: solar thermal (passive) and photovoltaic (PV) (active). Solar thermal technology harnesses the heat from sunlight to generate electricity or provide heating for residential and commercial purposes. On the other hand, PV or active solar power directly converts sunlight into electricity by utilizing solar panels made of photovoltaic cells, like those found on homes. Both types offer versatile and sustainable solutions for meeting energy needs while reducing reliance on nonrenewable resources.
Educating students about solar power is vital in nurturing environmentally conscious and technologically savvy future leaders. By introducing solar energy concepts at a young age, students can develop a deeper understanding of renewable energy, sustainability, and the potential to mitigate environmental challenges. Teaching solar power empowers students to explore innovative solutions, engage in critical thinking, and inspire them to become advocates for a greener planet, shaping a brighter future for all.
Students can build and test solar ovens using simple materials to harness the power of the sun for cooking small treats such as s’mores or melting crayons. Most materials can be found in the classroom or around the house, so this makes for a great investigation during the school year or as an at-home project during the summer. Check out this simple guide from NASA on how to build your own solar oven.
Engage students in a hands-on activity where they observe the power the sun’s heat contains. Students only need three items to conduct this experiment, along with a notebook to record their observations. Get an egg, small pan, and a piece of foil large enough to cover the pan. You want to conduct this investigation at the hottest point of the day to harness the most heat. Place the pan in an open, sunny area and crack the egg inside. Have students draw a picture of what the egg looks like and record the time the egg was placed in the pan. Wait a few minutes, check on the egg, have the student draw a picture and record the time. Calculate how long it takes to fully cook the egg. Discuss why it took so long or didn’t take so long. Make the connection between the amount of heat and the time it takes to cook something.
Students can conduct a solar energy experiment where they compare the difference in light absorption by melting ice in the sunlight. All students need is three ice cubes, three different materials (such as foil, plastic, paper), the sun, and a stopwatch. Simply place sheets of each type of material in an open, sunny area and place one ice cube on each sheet of material. Start the timer to see how long it takes for the ice to melt. Students can then order them from the most absorbing to the least.
Encourage students to create an entire city using solar panels, combining creativity with renewable energy awareness, and showcasing the integration of engineering and sustainability. This is a great project-based lesson that combines multiple skills and concepts from beginning to end. Here’s a free lesson on how to have your own students create their own cities.
Students can analyze real-time or historical solar energy data from their location to understand patterns, trends, and potential for solar power generation in their community. Students can visit the Solar Energy Industries Association to learn more about how much solar energy Texas produces.
By immersing students in solar power through hands-on activities and educational initiatives, we can cultivate a generation that champions sustainability, innovation, and environmental stewardship. As we empower students to embrace solar energy, we are sowing the seeds for a brighter, cleaner, and more sustainable future. Let’s embark on this enlightening journey, together illuminating minds and inspiring positive change.
