Curated OER
Electrical Conduction in Semiconductors
In this electronics worksheet, students explore the properties of semiconductors to complete 17 short answer and problem solving questions.
Curated OER
Semiconductors
Students investigate the properites of a semiconductor device known as a diode. They recognize a diode as a one way conducting device. They describe alternating current and the use of a diode to convert it to direct current. Students...
Curated OER
Performance-based Assessments for Semiconductor Circuit Competencies
In this electronics worksheet, students predict the values of circuit components and compare this with the actual measured values. They solve 62 problems related to the circuits.
National Nanotechnology Infrastructure Network
Small Scale Sculpting: Etch Lab
Make works of art using a vintage yet effective etching strategy. The surface of a semiconductor chip has specific patterns formed through a process called etching. Through a lab investigation, young scholars recreate that process on a...
Bonneville
Introduction to the Photovoltaic Effect
Let a video light the way to a better understanding of solar energy. Scholars first learn vocabulary terms related to the photovoltaic effect, solar cells, and electricity. They then watch a video to learn why silicon is often used as a...
Curated OER
How Photocells Work
Give small groups of physical scientists tokens that represent electrons in a photovoltaic cell. They play a dice game in which they move the tokens around, representing the flow of electrons through the p-n junction of a semiconductor...
Texas State Energy Conservation Office
Investigation: Making a PV Cell
Rise and shine! Class members collaborate to construct a photovoltaic solar cell with two semiconductor layers, as guided by this fabulous lab sheet. They test its output with an ammeter or galvanometer.
Curated OER
Rectifying Diodes
For this physics worksheet, students solve 19 problems on rectifying diodes. They answer a series of conceptual questions that can be tested by building the circuit shown.
Curated OER
Discovering Circuit Boards
In this circuit board worksheet, students research the 5 parts of a circuit board: transistors, resistors, capacitors, diodes, and inductors. This worksheet has 5 short answer questions.
Curated OER
Conductors, Insulators, and Semiconductors
Students will investigate the differences in conductivity of materials, design a variety of complete circuits, and observe the differences between the manner in which light is produced in an incandescent light bulb and an LED.
Virginia Department of Education
Electricity and Circuits
Electrify your classroom as you lead pupils through a series of steps to demonstrate basic principles of electricity and magnetism. They design a simple circuit and test this for static electricity and current electricity. Next, they...
National Nanotechnology Infrastructure Network
Hiding Behind the Mask
Microchips are a man-made wonder. Investigate the manufacturing wonder with a hands-on inquiry-based lesson. Scholars simulate the process of pattern transfer using photoresist. Their conclusion identifies how their process replicates...
National Nanotechnology Infrastructure Network
Small Scale Stenciling: Mask Lab
Investigate the procedure for developing computer chips! Learners use solar print paper to create both positive and negative images. They observe the effects of single and multiple exposures and compare results.
Curated OER
Semiconductor Process Math Applications
Students listen to a description of how memory chips are made and watch a video about this process. They discuss etch uniformity and reasons it is important. Students determine the range of the uniformity. Students use sample chips and a...
Teach Engineering
Fun With Nanotechnology
Introduce your class to nanotechnology applications with three demonstrations that showcase scientific principles related to ferrofluids, quantum dots, and gold nanoparticles. Groups will work more closely with these applications in the...
Cornell University
Solar Cells: Juice From Juice
Unleash the power of ... blackberries! Science superstars create solar cells using the juice of berries or leaves of a citrus tree in an engaging lab. In addition to offering a plethora of resources, the teacher's guide gives background...
Bonneville
Solar Cell Manufacturing Field Trip and/or Guest Speaker
Appreciate the chance to get out of the classroom. Scholars take a field trip to a solar cell or solar panel facility to learn about the manufacturing aspect of the business. They also hear from a guest speaker and ask questions about...
Bonneville
Solar Panel Basics
Going outside is a logical step when dealing with solar panels. Future scientists learn about the n-type and p-type layers of solar cells in the third of 14 lessons in the Cost Effective Solar Cells unit. They go outside to model the...
Curated OER
Rectifier Circuits
In this physics learning exercise, students complete 17 short answer questions about rectifier circuits. They use the test equipment to check their answers.
Curated OER
Metalloids
Young scholars discuss metalloids, their use as semiconductors, and their impact on the computer industry. They work in groups to create a visual timeline showing the evolution of the computer.
Curated OER
Liquids and Solids
Learners describe the properties of solids and liquids, and explain how a semiconductor works. In this atom lesson students demonstrate the bonding properties of carbon and silicon.
Curated OER
The Photoelectric Effect in Photocells
Illuminate your physics class with this examination of a photovoltaic cell. Teach the structure and operation of the device using a diagram. Then make a human-powered, larger-than-life sized model of a PV cell. Learners become electrons...
Curated OER
Solar Kit Lesson #7 - Positioning Solar Panels I: Explorations with Tracking
In this first part of a two-part lesson, learners track and record the sun's azimuth using a solar panel. They graph and analyze the data to identify relationships among the time of day, the altitude and azimuth of the sun, and the...
Curated OER
Introduction to Photovoltaic Systems
The Green Education Foundation found that this lesson plan, written by the Texas State Energy Conservation Office, is right up their alley when it comes to teaching sustainability. It is ideal as a first lesson plan on photovoltaic...