The Arizona STEM Acceleration Project

Solar Panels Part 1: How do they work?

Solar Panels Par 1:

How do Solar Panels convert the Sun's energy into electricity?

A 8th grade STEM lesson

Peggy Lord 11/2022

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Notes for teachers

Notes:

• This is an introduction/engage to solar panels and how they work.
• The length of this lesson should be one 55 minute class period.
• I have students working in pairs , also works with up to 4 in a group.
• This lesson is after we have learned about energy transfer.

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Unit Lessons

List of Materials

• ½ sheet copies of Solar Energy Introduction & Video
• ½ sheet copies of the Solar Panel Exploration paper.
• ½ sheet copies of Solar Panel Diagram & Video
• Voltmeter
• Explore Solar Panels Kit:
• 1- Solar Panel
• 1- Motor/fan
• 2-Alligator Clips wires
• 1- String Light
• 3-LED Lights

Standards

Science Standards:

8.P4U1.3

Construct an explanation on how energy can be transferred from one energy store to another.

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Science and Engineering Practices

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• ask questions and define problems
• develop and use models
• plan and carry out investigations
• analyze and interpret data
• use mathematical and computational thinking
• construct explanations and design solutions
• engage in argument from evidence
• obtain, evaluate and communicate information

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Standards

Math Standards:

8.SP.A.1-4 - Investigate patterns of association in bivariate data

8.F.A. 1-2 - Define, evaluate, and compare functions

NGSS.MS.ETS1-1: Define criteria and constraints of a design problem with sufficient precision to ensure a successful solution, taking into account relevant scientific principles and potential impacts on people and the natural environment that may limit possible solutions

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Objective(s):

Today we will watch a video on solar panels to see how they work.

Today we will use a solar panel and motor to see what can be powered.

Today we will be asking questions and collaborating with our group to have 3 questions for the question board.

Today we will start to make a model of how the energy from the sun gets transferred in the solar panel to power other objects.

Agenda (50 minutes)

Phenomena (5 minutes)

Energy 101 video and questions (10 minutes)

Solar Panel Exploration paper and kit ( ~20 minutes)

Group Question (5 minutes)

How does a solar panel work video and model (10 minutes)

Phenomenon

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Go outside to stand in the sun and ask the students:

“ What 2 types of Energy do we get from the sun?”

Introduction to Solar Panels

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Hands-on Activity Instructions

Students use the Solar Panel Exploration paper and their kit and go outside to see what and how they can power items. Walk around to make sure they are filling in the paper

Make sure to bring out extra materials in case of breakage.

Also have some groups combine and see what they can do.

This can take from 5-20 minutes depending on the temperature outside.

When it is time to come back in make sure they have everything in the kit.

Hands-on Activity Instructions

Also have some groups combine and see what they can do.

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3 Questions about Solar Panels and Energy Transfer

• Have each group member talk about their questions from the explore.
• Each group needs to come up with 3 questions.
• Using one sticky note per question.
• One person per group puts the question on the question board.
• When students put them on the board they need to check the questions on the board and double stack the sticky notes for ones that are the same questions.

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Solar Panel Model

As you watch the video,

• Listen for the following words:
• Photons
• Electrons
• Protons
• Silicone
• Observe what is happening to the photons (light particles) and electrons. Is there a relationship?

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Assessment

Did each group :

1. Get the fan to move
2. Make a light work
3. Come up with 3 group questions for the board
4. Did each student fill in the solar power diagram using photons, electrons, protons, and silicone.

Differentiation

Group students.

Provide a bigger group up to 4 when needed.

Give some students extra time and guidance during the explore with the solar panels.

Remediation

Extension/Enrichment

Give students a certain amount of supplies and see if they can make a string of lights work or many fans.

Gather data from morning and afternoon classes to do comparisons.

Ask students, would your data be different at a different time of the year?