Get Free Access for 10 Days!
Activity

Concentrating on the Sun with PVs

Curated and Reviewed by Lesson Planet
This Concentrating on the Sun with PVs activity also includes:

Concentrate to determine the best reflector design. Pairs use the engineering design process to build a reflector to increase the current output of a photovotaic panel. Teams arrive at a final design and present it to the class along with their determination of the increase in current. The class keeps track of each team's design and estimates the current output for each.

1 Collection 20 Views 12 Downloads NGSS: Designed
Concepts
angles, design, engineering design, photovoltaic cells, the photovoltaic system, pv system, solar array, solar cells, solar panels, renewable energy sources, the sun, reflectivity, power, electrical energy, energy, technology resources
Show More Show Less
Instructional Ideas
  • Review the engineering design process prior to assigning the activity
Classroom Considerations
  • The class should have knowledge of solar panels and electricity
  • Set a time limit for the design, test, redesign process
  • The final resource in a series of eight
Pros
  • Contains suggestions for scaling the activity for lower or upper grades
  • The handout is a data collection chart so individuals can record information for each team
Cons
  • None