Lesson Plan
PBS

Pbs Learning Media: Solar Racing

For Teachers 6th - 8th
This is an extensive project in designing and building a solar-powered car model. Young scholars must make detailed calculations and design decisions about wheel size, gear ratio, how to get the most energy from the sun, air drag,...
Handout
State Energy Conservation Office-Texas

State Energy Conservation Office: Solar and Electric Cars [Pdf]

For Students 4th - 6th
Learn the differences between cars powered by different fuels. Looks at solar, electric, hybrid and gasoline-powered cars.
Unit Plan
TeachEngineering

Teach Engineering: Exploring Solar Power

For Teachers 6th - 8th
This unit provides students the opportunity to explore methods engineers have devised for harnessing sunlight to generate power. Students will initially explore heat transfer and heat storage through the construction, testing, and...
Activity
Other

Lincoln Public Schools: Applied Technology & Engineering: Solar Dragster Project [Pdf]

For Students 7th - 9th
In this activity, students must design and build a solar-powered car that can complete a 20-meter racetrack (66 ft.) in the shortest amount of time over flat terrain. They learn about solar energy and car designs, and test their...
Activity
TeachEngineering

Teach Engineering: Racing With the Sun Creating a Solar Car

For Teachers 5th - 8th
Students use engineering design principles to construct and test a fully solar powered car. Several options exist, though we recommend the "Junior Solar Sprint" (JSS) Car Kits that can be purchased with direction from the federal...
Lesson Plan
Other

National Renewable Energy Laboratory: Junior Solar Car Competition

For Teachers 9th - 10th
A design challenge through which students design and construct a solar-powered model car to compete in a road race. Students work in teams using the engineering design process to select the optimal gear ratio and components.
Lesson Plan
TeachEngineering

Teach Engineering: From Sunlight to Electric Current

For Teachers 6th - 8th
The lesson will first explore the concept of current in electrical circuits. Current will be defined as the flow of electrons. Photovoltaic (PV) cell properties will then be introduced. This will lead to the principle of "Conservation of...
Handout
Energy for Sustainable Development

Esd Bulgaria: Kids & Energy: Energy Smart Inventions

For Students 3rd - 5th
Describes the use of electricity and of solar energy to power a vehicle.
Website
NASA

Nasa: The Space Place: Power Up With Tortillas!

For Students 3rd - 5th
This site from NASA provides The Space Place which gives a great explanation of energy sources for young readers using the space shuttle, cars, and our human body as examples.
Website
Other

Planet Ark: World Environmental News

For Students 9th - 10th
Welcome to Planet Ark's daily Reuters World Environment News - the most comprehensive source of environmental news on the Net. To read previous news stories, please use the search engine below to find stories relating to any...