The Arizona STEM Acceleration Project

Energy Transfer in Solar Fountains

Energy Transfer in

Solar Fountains

A 5th Grade STEM Lesson

Janelle Moran

March 2023

Notes for Teachers

• This lesson requires students to test their solar panels outside on a sunny day.

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• Be sure to have access to water for the plastic tubs.

List of Materials (per group)

• 1 solar panel kit
• 1 plastic tub (12 qt or more)
• water
• 1 meter stick
• pencil
• Solar Fountain Activity sheet
• 3-2-1 Reflection sheet

Arizona Standards

Physical Science:

5.P4U1.6: Analyze and interpret data to determine how and where

energy is transferred when objects move.

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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
• obtain, evaluate and communicate information

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Math:

5.MD.A Convert like measurement units within a given measurement system.

5.MD.B Represent and interpret data.

5.MP.5 Use appropriate tools strategically.

5.MP.6 Attend to precision.

ELA:

5.W.2 Write informative/explanatory texts to examine a topic and convey ideas and information clearly.

Objective(s):

• I can draw and label energy transferring within a solar fountain system.
• I can explain the types of energy being transformed within a solar fountain system.

Agenda: This lesson can be completed over two 45-60 min periods.

Day 1

1. Drag and Drop activity (slide 8)
2. Background knowledge on Renewable/Nonrenewable Energy (slide 9)
3. Introduce activity and explore the parts of a solar water fountain (slide 10-12)

Day 2

1. Introduce expectations of Activity Sheet (slide 13)
2. Construct and test water fountains
3. 3-2-1 Reflection
4. Enrichment/Extension activities

Intro/Driving Question/Opening

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1. Students complete the drag and drop activity on the next slide. This gives the teacher an opportunity to see what students already know and any misconceptions they may have.

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• Using slide 9, introduce students to renewable energy and nonrenewable energy.

Drag and Drop

EXPLAIN

Identify the transformation and transfer of energy in a water fountain system.

• Student groups of 3-4.
• Use slides 11-12 to identify parts of a fountain.
• Complete the “Solar Fountain Activity Sheet” throughout all steps of the activity.
• Construct a working solar powered fountain.
• Test to see what is the highest projection of water each group can get at each angle. Record the results.
• Complete the 3-2-1 Water Fountain Reflection.

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What are the Parts of a Solar Water Fountain?

Solar Panel: The solar panel is the key component of the fountain. It is what collects energy from the sun and converts it into electrical energy to power the solar fountain.

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Battery: The battery stores the electrical energy that is generated by the solar panel. This way, the solar fountain can still operate even when there is no sun. (Ours do not have this.)

Charge Controller: The charge controller regulates the flow of electricity between the solar panel and the battery. This ensures that the solar panel doesn’t overcharge the battery, which can damage it. (Ours do not have this.)

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What are the Parts of a Solar Water Fountain?

Water Reservoir: The water reservoir is where the water for the fountain is stored. It is typically made from a durable plastic material and it can hold a fair amount of water.

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Water Pump: The pump is what circulates the water from the reservoir and up to the nozzle of the fountain.

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Nozzle: The nozzle is what creates the flowing water effect. Most solar fountains have adjustable nozzles so that you can control the height and pattern of the water.

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Name

Draw your fountain system in the box below. Be sure to label the main parts of your fountain. Use arrows to show the flow of energy through your system. Label the type of energy being transferred within your system.

What is the maximum height you can get your fountain to project water using different angels?

What nozzle are you using? (explain and sketch it here)

SOLAR FOUNTAIN ACTIVITY SHEET

Assessment

3-2-1 Reflection:

• Reflect on 3 Science concepts or ideas you found interesting or surprising to you during this activity.

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• Explain 2 forms of energy found in your Solar Water Panel system. After each explanation, state where it was located and how it transferred through your system.

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• Based on the data you collected, make 1 claim about energy in your Solar Water Panel system.

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Differentiation

For students that have difficulty diagramming and/or labeling their system, the teacher could have a printout of the words and diagram that could be cut out and glued to their activity sheet.

Remediation

Extension/Enrichment

Enrichment:

Have students create a bar graph of their highest projection of water at each angle.

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Extension:

Give student time to explore the website:

Renewable and non-renewable energy resources

Challenge the students to create a poster to teacher others - Where else could we use renewable energy in our daily lives?

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