The Energy of the Sun

Should every school have solar panels? The 19th lesson in a series of 21 has scholars research the feasibility of using solar panels at their school. They begin by gathering data on the solar energy in the area before estimating the...

There has been a huge solar energy spill! Let's go outside to play in it. This lesson includes multiple experiments showcasing solar and wind energies. Scholars build a solar heater and an anemometer before testing the results. The...

It takes less than 10 minutes for energy from the sun to travel 90 million miles to Earth! In the first installment in a series of four, groups measure the amount of solar radiation that reaches Earth. They then discuss how this is...

Warm up to the idea of solar energy. A lesson includes three activities that challenge scholars to apply knowledge in new ways. First, they learn to run an alarm clock without a battery by using solar energy. Next, they complete an...

Water wheels were first used more than 2,000 years ago, yet now they are only a small part of the energy generation people have come to expect. The Michigan-based energy unit covers the common types of energy used, residential energy...

Middle school science stars observe and record data on the solar radiation reflected off or transmitted through various materials. They predict properties for various materials, and test their predictions by touch. This lesson becomes...

Need to take your teaching of energy concepts to another level? Check out a strategic video that examines standard PS3D in the Next Generation Science Standards. Filled with examples, scenarios, and connections to the life sciences, the...

If renewable energy sources are the best option, why aren't they used on a global scale? Junior environmentalists explore the benefits and problems associated with energy sources such as solar, wind, and biomass with a short video and...

Light travels fast... really fast. But that doesn't mean it moves instantly from its source to whatever object it hits. After watching this video students will understand that once generated in the sun's core, light takes thousands of...

Energy from the sun travels millions of miles, and actually helps you move your thumb. Observe how reactions work together to release and consume energy, such as the power of a river grinding grains, which allows processes to occur. The...