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Analyzing energy dashboards �to explore patterns of solar �energy production.

Solar Switch Challenge

Teachers: Refer to the speaker notes of each slide for additional information.

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Lesson Overview:

Audience: Grades 5-12
Subjects: CTE, Science
Time: 40 - 60 minutes
Learning Objectives:
Apply properties of electricity and solar technology
Apply engineering design principles while working in a group
Select materials based on insulation and conduction characteristics
Materials:
Presentation slide deck (to project digitally)
Solar circuit kits (1 kit per 3-4 students) that include at least 2 solar panels, 2-4 connector wires, 1 pre-made switch, 2 LED bulbs, 1 motor, 1 buzzer
Paper clips, brass fasteners, scissors, tape, cardboard
Post-it notes
Lesson Author:

Meghan Milo, Solar Empowered Schools,

meghan@solarempoweredschools.com

Teachers: Refer to the speaker notes of each slide for additional information.

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Direct Connections to

VA Learning Standards

Science:

Grade 5

5.4 The student will investigate and understand that electricity is transmitted and used in daily life. Key ideas include:

electricity flows easily through conductors but not insulators;
electricity flows through closed circuits;
electrical energy can be transformed into radiant, mechanical, and thermal energy;

5.6 The student will investigate and understand that visible light has certain

characteristics and behaves in predictable ways. Key ideas include:

visible light is radiant energy that moves in transverse waves;
radiant energy can be transformed into thermal, mechanical, and electrical

Physical Science

PS.5 The student will investigate and understand that energy is conserved. Key ideas include:

energy can be stored in different ways;
energy is transferred and transformed; and
energy can be transformed to meet societal needs

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Direct Connections to Virginia Learning Standards

CTE:

Introduction to Technology and Engineering	Inventions and Innovations	Technological Systems	Technology Foundations	Fundamentals of Power Generation
42 Select materials based on their properties when designing a technology. 46 Create sketches and drawings. 50 Design a device using criteria and constraints. 53 Plan the model or prototype. 54 Produce a model or prototype. 55 Assess the design. 56 Describe how the solution could be improved. 57 Communicate the results.	40 Model electronic circuits used in inventions and innovations. 46 Explain the effect of the criteria and constraints on a design. 50 Plan a solution to an engineering design problem, as part of a team. 51 Build a model or prototype of the proposed solution, as part of a team. 52 Communicate the process and results of the proposed solution, as part of a team. 53 Evaluate the team process followed.	43 Distinguish the characteristics/properties of materials and families of materials. 54 Model electronic systems.	76 Develop a design using recycled materials. 86 Construct a functional model of an electronically controlled device.	Exploring sources of Energy Construct a series circuit Construct a parallel circuit Construct circuits that contain resistors Exploring Photovoltaics (all)

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Solar Switch Challenge

Level 1:

Make TWO TYPES of on/off switches

Level 2:

Make a dimmer switch

Level 3:

Find a way to switch one load off while keeping the other on

Materials:

Cardboard
Paper clips
Brass brads
Tape
Scissors
Solar panels
Fan motor
LED lights
Connector wires

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Before You Start:

Solar Circuit Basics

The power source is sunlight (solar panel)
A load is something that uses electricity (motor)
Electricity flows through closed circuits (uninterrupted loops)
Polarity matters (red = +, black = -)
Circuits can be wired in series or parallel with different advantages and disadvantages

Example of a basic switch

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Before You Start:

Series and Parallel Wiring

Image: We Share Solar

Series circuit

Parallel circuit

Series

Parallel

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Reflection

Explain your design process

How did you adapt or change your design?

How would you change your design if you had more time?
How did your group work together?