Put the infinite power of the sun to good use. Young scientists learn about solar energy by completing a challenging project. They imagine that they are in charge of planning a solar panel array for a building and must decide where to place it. They create scale drawings, determine cost estimates, and write up a proposal to the local government.

Concepts

renewable energy sources, solar energy, scale drawings, solar panels

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Instructional Ideas

• See if a solar panel installment company would be willing to provide information or even give a demonstration to the class
  

Classroom Considerations

• Sixth of seven lessons in the A Community Powered by Renewable Energy unit
• Scholars should be familiar with how to use multimeters and how to draw scale drawings
  

Pros

• Includes lesson extension recommendations
• Provides student handouts for easy implementation
  

Cons

• None

Common Core

RST.6-8.9 WHST.6-8.7 6.RP.A.3.a 6.RP.A.3.b 6.RP.A.3.c 6.RP.A.3.d 7.RP.A.2.a 7.RP.A.2.b 7.RP.A.2.c 7.RP.A.2.d 7.RP.A.3 7.G.A.1 7.G.B.6