The Arizona STEM Acceleration Project

SOLAR ENERGY FOUNTAIN PART 2

SOLAR ENERGY FOUNTAIN PART 2

A 7th & 8th grade STEM lesson

Jennifer Laughlin

06/07/23

Notes for teachers

This lesson takes place inside and outside a classroom/ for 45-60 minutes

Students may work in small groups of 2-4.

Learning target is to use solar energy to power a fountain

Facilitate student reflection on solar energy

Solar Panel Fountain Part 1

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List of Materials

• Solar panel (preferably 5-10 watts)
• Fountain pump
• Tubing for the fountain
• Container or basin for the fountain
• Water
• Multimeter
• Alligator clips
• Wires
• Small tools (screwdriver, pliers, etc.)
• Safety goggles (for students' safety during experimentation)

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Solar Water Fountain Experiment

Science Standards:

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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

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RI.8.1 Cite the textual evidence that most strongly supports an analysis of what the text says explicitly as well as inferences drawn from the text.

RI.8.2 Determine a central idea of a text and analyze its development over the course of the text, including its relationship to supporting ideas; provide an objective summary of the text.

W.8.2A Introduce a topic clearly, previewing what is to follow; organize ideas, concepts, and information into broader categories; include formatting (e.g., headings), graphics (e.g., charts, tables), and multimedia when useful to aiding comprehension.

SL.8.1.C Pose questions that connect the ideas of several speakers and respond to others’ questions and comments with relevant evidence, observations, and ideas.

Arizona ELA Standards

Arizona Science Standards

Learning Objectives:

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• Students will be able to review the basic principles of solar energy as a source of renewable energy.
• Students will be able to explore the concept of solar panels and their role in converting sunlight into electricity.
• Students will be able to demonstrate how solar energy is used to power a water fountain

Agenda (60 minutes)

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Day 1

• What is a solar energy?
• What’s the purpose of solar energy?
• Discuss the uses of solar energy

Day 2

• Make a solar energy fountain
• Collect data based on the solar energy fountain
• Write a paragraph using the data from the solar fountain observations

Day 2: Step 1 - Introduction (5 minutes)

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• Review the lesson by discussing the importance of renewable energy sources and their role in sustainable living.
• Review the concept of solar energy and its potential as a clean and abundant energy source.
• Motivate students by asking questions :
• What are some renewable energy sources you are familiar with?
• How can we harness solar energy effectively?
• What materials are required for a solar energy fountain to work?
• What are the roles of each student in the group?

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Step 2 - Group assignment (5 minutes)

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Each student is assigned a role a note taker, panel holder, protractor holder, scale holder, presenter

Students pick up the materials and walk outside the classroom

Connect the solar panel to the multimeter using alligator clips to measure the voltage generated under different light conditions.

Each group will connect the dc pump to the water fountain (Pump + tube) and place the water fountain in a trough of water.

Every group with have assigned students with assigned roles.

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Step 3 - Solar Panel Demonstration (20 minutes)

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• Each group will test their fountain setups in an outdoor area with sufficient sunlight.
• Students will assist in troubleshooting any technical issues that arise, such as pump connectivity or water flow.
• Students will document their observations and measurements during testing.
• Students will record their observations of the fountain from different angles of the solar panel.
• Students will make a presentation of their observations and findings of the solar fountain

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Step 4 - Presentation of observations of the solar powered water fountain (10 Minutes)

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• Students will make a presentation of their observations and findings of the solar fountain (slides, video, podcast, live)
• Students share how a solar fountain works from different angles and positions of the solar panel when positioned under the sun, away from the sun and blocking the sun.
• Students will also share the highest and the lowest heights of the water fountain when compared to the different angles and positions of the solar panel.

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Step 5 - Classroom Discussions - Question and answers(5 minutes)

• Students make presentations of their observations and data recording
• Students ask and answer questions based on their experiment and recordings on the solar water fountain.

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Step 6 - Assessment (5 Minutes)

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• Ask students to write on a sticky note the steps in conducting a solar water fountain experiment
• Students find a partner and share their answers from the sticky note

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Step 7- CORE SUBJECT CONNECTIONS(5 Minutes)

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• ELA - Students write a paragraph on the solar fountain by using information from the data recorded
• Math - Students describe the use of the ruler and the protractor in measuring the height and the degrees of the fountain

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Step 7 - DIFFERENTIATION

• Students research different projects in the community that are utilizing solar panels

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• Students research the cost and benefits of solar panels.

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• Students share researched information with the class.

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Step 8 - Review and Lesson Closing (5 Minutes)

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• Review the steps in a solar powered water fountain
• Students write the steps on an index card and share the information at their tables