The Arizona STEM Acceleration Project
Making Solar Energy Accessible to All
How Accessible is Solar Energy?
(Do all citizens have access to cheaper sustainable energy?)
A 9-12th grade STEM lesson
Author:
Milton Johnson
Date:
1/27/24
Notes for teachers
The goal is for students to learn about the pros and cons of installing solar panels on residential rooftops.
While great for the environment and energy cost saving, the cost can be prohibitive for many homeowners
Resident who rent a house or live in apartments do not typically have options for cost saving solar energy programs.
A Solar Equity Gap exists in America between those who can ‘afford to save’ money and those who cannot access saving via solar energy
List of Materials
Az H.S. Standards
HS+E.E1U3.9 Construct an explanation, based on evidence, for how the availability of natural resources, occurrence of natural hazards, and changes in climate have influenced human activity.
HS+E.E1U3.10 Ask questions, define problems, and evaluate a solution to a complex problem, based on prioritized criteria and tradeoffs, that account for a range of constraints, including cost, safety, reliability, and aesthetics, as well as possible social, cultural, and environmental impacts
HS.P4U3.9
Engage in argument from evidence regarding the ethical, social, economic, and/or political benefits and liabilities of energy usage and transfer.
Science & Engineering Practices
● use mathematics and computational thinking
● construct explanations and design solutions
● engage in argument from evidence
● obtain, evaluate, and communicate information
Objectives:
Agenda
This lesson ideally takes two 50 minute class periods (or can be assigned as homework)
Students can discuss their final takeaways in small group or whole class discussions
Intro/Driving Question/Opening
What are the advantages of installing solar panels on the rooftop of a home?
What are the disadvantages of installing solar panels?
How many of you know someone who has solar panels on their roof?
What is the startup cost for installing solar panels?
Hands-on Activity Instructions
collect data, answer questions, and make their final argument.
Assessment
Students write a letter to a local government entity discussing the solar equity gap and potential solutions,such as subsidizing the cost, group farms, policy shifts or economic programs.
Students should be able to clearly describe the solar equity gap and give numeric examples of startup costs using the Google Sunroof activity. Solutions do not need to be well vetted, as many students will not have a depth of understanding of government policymaking.
Differentiation
Pair student together based on ability or prior knowledge to the subject
Part 1 and Part 2 can be separated and done independently.
This activity can be lead in a structured manner (as written) or can be picked apart for what is desired.
Extension/Enrichment