The Arizona STEM Acceleration Project

Agrivoltaics: Solar Panel Scale Activity

Agrivoltaics: Solar Panel Scale Activity

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A 7th Grade STEM Lesson

Jennifer Martell

7/22/2023

Notes for Teachers

• This activity takes place in the classroom/outdoor classroom for one or more hours.
• Students will work in groups of 3-4.
• The final product will be a scale drawing of a solar panel kit.
• Problem solving and creativity will be emphasized.
• Students will determine the reasonability of their designs.

List of Materials

• assembled solar panel kit
• measuring tool (ruler, yardstick, tape measure)
• protractor
• grid paper of various sizes
• calculator
• pencil

Arizona Math Standards

7.M.G.A.01: The Highly Proficient student can use a scale drawing to calculate the actual dimensions of a figure and reproduce a scale drawing using a different scale.

7.M.RP.A.01: Compute unit rates associated with ratios involving both simple and complex fractions, including ratios of quantities measured in like or different units.

Mathematical Practices

1. Make sense of problems and persevere in solving them.

2. Reason abstractly and quantitatively.

4. Model with mathematics.

5. Use appropriate tools strategically.

6. Attend to precision.

7. Look for and make use of structure.

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Arizona Science Standards

7.E1U1.5 - I can construct a model that shows the cycling of matter and flow of energy in the atmosphere, hydrosphere, and geosphere.

7.P2U1.2 - I can develop and use a model to predict how forces act on objects at a distance.

Science and Engineering Practices

●ask questions and define problems

●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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Objective(s):

Today we will explore all aspects of the solar panel kit and make scale drawing.

We will use ratios and proportions to calculate accurate measurements.

We will use measuring tools with precision.

Agenda (80 - 120 minutes)

Review skills (using measuring tools, proportion, scale)

Explore and measure a solar panel

Choose a scale and calculate measurements

Sketch scale drawing

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What is a solar panel system?

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Solar Panel Scale

Hands-on Activity Instructions

• Students will work work in small groups (3 or 4).
• Part 1 - Observe
• Study the solar panel kit. Observe it from all angles.
• Sketch what you see. Make several drawings from different perspectives (front, back, sides, top).
• Part 2 - Measure
• Measure the length, width, and height of the structure. On your drawings, note the measurements.
• Also measure the length and width of the solar panel.
• Include the angle of the solar panel!
• Part 3 - Calculate
• Determine the scale you want to use.
• Use proportions to find the measurements of your scale drawing.
• Part 4 - Draw
• Use your scale measurements and grid paper to draw a scaled drawing of the solar panel kit.
• Part 5 - Turn it in
• Turn in your original sketch with measurements, your work paper showing proportions, and your scale drawing.

Assessment

Students will be able to explain the process they used to find the scaled measurements.

The scale drawing will be proportional.

As students are working, check in with the groups and ask questions. Have them show and explain their work. Ensure that all group members are contributing.

Differentiation

• Provide students with a copy of the actual measurements.
• Suggest a scale factor to use.
• Provide larger grid paper.

Remediation

Extension/Enrichment

• Provide a larger solar panel for students to measure. Students can find the scale factor of the small panel to the large panel.
• Students can use the scale factor to determine the size of a structure to support the larger panel.