Lesson Plan

Feel the Heat

Curated and Reviewed by Lesson Planet

Pupils examine how solar energy can supply power and heat on the lunar surface. As groups design and build a solar-powered water heating system, they test their system to determine the change in temperature of the water and redesign it based on the results. 

1 Collection 33 Views 19 Downloads NGSS: Adaptable
Instructional Ideas
  • Test colors of background materials and tubing to determine the best combinations to transfer more heat
  • Research solar heaters used on Earth
  • Let the water reach room temperature before running it through the water heaters
Classroom Considerations
  • Performing the activity in sunlight eliminates the need to have multiple identical lighting setups
  • The final installment of a six-part series
Pros
  • Provides extensions to the original activity
  • Leader pages provide a tip on how to measure the temperature change
Cons
  • The materials list limits the creativity of the designs