Curated OER
Science Fair Project - Electric Pulse Motor
As a complex project, it's ideal for your older learners. Discuss electric currents and solar energy before building the motor to preload information. While sound is not included here, the steps are described through text and visual...
Curated OER
Introduction to Solar Photovoltaics
Delve into the practical basics of solar energy. This video opens with a short explanation of photovoltaic cells and how they convert solar energy into usable electricity. Actual footage of photovoltaic cell installation and computer...
PBS
Pbs: Nova: Making Stuff: Cleaner
Explore materials science as it pertains to developing alternative ways to create clean energy. Subject matter is geared toward creating a sustainable future with a zero-waste world. [53:00]
TED Talks
Ted: Ted Ed: How Do Solar Panels Work?
The Earth intercepts a lot of solar power: 173,000 terawatts. That's 10,000 times more power than the planet's population uses. So is it possible that one day the world could be completely reliant on solar energy? The following video...
PBS
Pbs News Hour Extra: Sun in a Bottle
This video and follow up questions shares the scientific discovery of man-made fusion. [6:36]
National Science Foundation
National Science Foundation: Solar Power to Go
A fascinating look at research into developing solar-powered fuels that are renewable, can be stored, and could one day be used to power vehicles. [3:11]
The Atlantic Monthly Group
The Atlantic: When Will Solar Get Cheap Enough for Everyone to Use?
This video explores solar photovoltaics and how it produces electricity differently than other energy sources. Also discussed is how the price of this technology is dropping very quickly. [1:58]
US Department of Energy
U.s. Department of Energy: Solar Energy Technologies Program: Solar Power Basics
Learn about the process of generating solar electricity from photovoltaic cell and concentrating solar power technologies. [3:57]
PBS
Pbs Learning Media: Cooking Cookies With Solar Power
In this video segment adapted from ZOOM, two solar cookers are tested against a control to see which can cook a "s'more" faster. [3:11]
PBS
Pbs Learning Media: Energy Sources
This video segment illustrates a variety of energy sources used to generate electricity, some of which are in use and some of which are under exploration. [6:09]
PBS
Pbs Learning Media: Solar Car
In this video from DragonflyTV, students will follow the investigation of Isaac and Anjali as they record, measure, and analyze data about how the Sun's position in the sky affects a solar-powered car's speed.
Science Friday Initiative
Science Friday: Chemistry and Personal Solar Power
We'll talk with an MIT chemist working on ways to improve solar energy.
Science Friday Initiative
Science Friday: A Big Solar Deal for California
In 2009, Southern California Edison announced a deal with solar power plant maker BrightSource to install and operate solar power plants totaling 1300 megawatts in the deserts outside Los Angeles. Take a look at what this deal meant for...
Science Friday Initiative
Science Friday: Growing the Technology for Artificial Leaves
An interview with Daniel Nocera at MIT about his research into creating artificial photosynthesis as a method of generating solar energy. One application would be to use it for a power generation system in developing countries. Aired...
Science for Kids
Science Kids: Experiment Videos: Solar Energy Panels
Learn why photons, electric fields, silicon, and electrons are important when it comes to generating electricity from sunlight in solar panels. [1:15]
PBS
Nova Labs: Solar Power
The Sun is a reliable energy source that we can harness and convert into electricity in several ways. So why are renewable and clean solar energy systems not used more widely? [3:00]
US Department of Energy
U.s. Department of Energy: Energy 101: Solar Pv
Learn about how the sun's energy is converted into renewable electrical power to power our houses and business in this video. Video discusses the solar photovoltaic (PV) system. [2:00]
Science Friday Initiative
Science Friday: Printing Solar Panels in the Backyard
An interview with two young entrepreneurs who have developed a machine that can print micro solar panels for the home owner. Aired Sept. 21, 2012. [4:13]
US Department of Energy
U.s. Department of Energy: Inside the White House: Solar Panels
Did you know that the White House has solar panels? This video shows us the panels that have been installed and explores the possibly of solar energy. [2:48]
US Department of Energy
U.s. Department of Energy: Energy 101: Concentrating Solar Power
A video discussing how concentrating solar power works to harvest the sun's energy to power a lot of homes! [2:16]
US Department of Energy
U.s. Department of Energy: Energy 101: Wind Turbines
Explore this history and function of wind turbines in this short video. [2:16]
Crash Course
Crash Course:here Comes the Sun: Crash Course Kids #5.1
"Ever hear of "Sol"? Sure you have! It's our Sun! It sits at the center of our 8 planet solar system, providing us with heat and light. But how does that energy get to us? In this episode of Crash Course Kids, Sabrina chats about the...
National Geographic
National Geographic: Lightbulbs in the Desert
Learn the basics of solar energy in this video. Includes teacher resources for learning. [5:55]
PBS
Pbs Kids Design Squad: How Do You Make a Solar Backpack?
Can a backpack light up with solar power? Watch as Deysi prototypes a backpack with lights powered by the sun from our Build it Better challenge. [3:50]