Solar Energy by Kim Phillips

Solar panels on a home in Arizona

kimephillips72 — 2015-10-02 18:51:17 UTC

This image shows a picture of a house in Arizona with solar panels. The image helps students understand how the panels can simply be put on roof tops of houses.

Kasper.M (2014, August 1). Retrieved from https://d3n8a8pro7vhmx.cloudfront.net/energyandpolicy/pages/164/attachments/original/1406911462/Arizona_Solar_Rooftop.jpg?1406911462

How Solar Works

kimephillips72 — 2015-10-02 18:56:14 UTC

This diagram shows the steps in a simple illustration of how the sun rays hit the solar panels, where it travels and what happens to it after that. All Solar Electric. (2015). Retrieved from https://padlet-uploads.storage.googleapis.com/73380888/21f316fa5e2c696a95f426ea82094eac0e4adcec/85bb7a28a725376a9213def4619a0d1d.jpg

How Solar Energy Panels Work

kimephillips72 — 2015-10-02 19:12:37 UTC

This short video explains that an hour of sun that falls on the earth is equal to the amount of energy that the entire planet uses in one year. Then it explains some of the benefits and how it works.

Signalfly1. (2010. Dec, 10). How solar energy panels work. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x4CTceusK9I, starting at 0:00 ending at 1:18.

Solar Energy

kimephillips72 — 2015-10-02 19:27:20 UTC

-Comes from the sun

-The sun's rays that reach the earth

-It can be converted into electricity and heat

- It does not produce pollutants or carbon dioxide

-Solar energy is the cleanest and most abundant renewable energy source in the world.

-It is unlimited and reliable

Standard: ACCRS: Concept 3: Organisms and Environments: PO 2. Differentiate renewable resources from nonrenewable resources. Objective: Students will be able to distinguish between solar energy and non-renewable energy. Students will be able to describe how solar energy works and understand why it is valuable for Arizona.

kimephillips72 — 2015-10-03 19:05:57 UTC

Non-renewable Energy:

kimephillips72 — 2015-10-03 19:14:07 UTC

-Energy that exists in nature

-These sources took millions of years to form

-It is limited

-Most non-renewable energy comes from Fossil Fuels

-Fossil Fuels are made up of Carbon

-As this energy is used it gives off carbon dioxide

-This carbon dioxide release can harm the environment in many different ways

Arizona Solar

kimephillips72 — 2015-10-03 19:35:24 UTC

This image should help students to think about the benefits of solar for Arizona. This image is used to help the students start thinking about answers for the class discussion, "Why is solar valuable for Arizona?" Rgr Marketing. (2014). Arizona's state and local solar incentives and rebates. Retrieved from http://www.rgrmarketing.com/a-roundup-of-solar-incentives-for-arizona-residents/

Discussion:

kimephillips72 — 2015-10-03 19:40:14 UTC

Why is solar energy valuable for Arizona?

I would have the students come up with their ideas of why solar is valuable for Arizona and then fill in any blanks. I would be looking and guiding towards answers such as: The number of sunny days per year in Arizona, the amount of solar energy that can be produced, it is unlimited, better air, healthier living, cleaner water, the reduction of pollutants, the savings, create new jobs, possibility of helping others by "sending out our extra energy" and anything else along these lines.

Activity: Small Group Poster and Presentation

kimephillips72 — 2015-10-03 20:37:02 UTC

In order for students to demonstrate their understanding and knowledge, I would have them complete a small group activity. I would put students into five groups. Each group would receive markers, a poster size sheet of paper, and a few resources for reference. The groups would be numbered and complete the task according to their group number. Group #1 would compare solar to non-renewable energy, Group #2 would explain and demonstrate how solar energy works, Group #3 would explain and show the different usages for solar energy, Group #4 would explain reasons why solar energy is valuable especially for Arizona, and Group #5 would demonstrate what types of things can be done in Arizona in order to use more solar energy.

After each group completes their poster, they will present their information to the whole class. After each presentation, we will briefly discuss the information and touch on information that was left out (if any). Students will hang posters on the science wall for reference, as well as, celebrating students work and supporting sustainability in the classroom.

Sun Devil Power

kimephillips72 — 2015-10-03 20:53:01 UTC

This image helps student to see uses for solar panels other than on roof tops of houses. It should help students to begin thinking about the variety of ways solar energy can be used.

Residential Solar 101. (2014). Retrieved from http://www.residentialsolar101.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/AZ-Solar.jpg

Solar for heat

kimephillips72 — 2015-10-03 21:07:29 UTC

This images shows how solar can be used for heating water. It should help students to begin thinking about the variety of ways solar energy can be used.

Kids Corner. (2009). How we use solar energy. Retrieved from http://c03.apogee.net/contentplayer/templates/kids/images/las2.jpg