Solar Energy
Readiness
TEKS Objective
Identify alternative energy resources such as wind, solar, hydroelectric, geothermal, and biofuels.
Essential Understanding
The student knows Earth's surface is constantly changing and consists of useful resources.
Science Background
Solar: US Department of Energy (website) - Links to news, information, and government programs related to solar energy.
Solar Today: American Solar Energy Society (website) - Solar energy news, and information about solar-related career opportunities, events and more.
Signature Lesson
Using Heat from the Sun: BioEd Online (website) - Students identify the sun as a source of heat, and learn that heat from the sun can be used as a source of energy (for example, to heat water).
- Supporting Lessons
- Extensions
- Assessment Ideas
- Literature Connections
- Related
TEKS - Additional Resources
Supporting Lessons
Greenhouse S’mores: BioEd Online (website) - Students identify the sun as a source of energy and learn that different materials absorb and trap heat differently.
Greenhouse S’mores
BioEd Online, www.bioedonline.org
Energy Resources and Trade-Offs: Science NetLinks (website) - Students identify and investigate a variety of renewable and nonrenewable energy resources, and evaluate the benefits and drawbacks of each.
Energy Resources and Trade-Offs
Science NetLinks, www.sciencenetlinks.com
Make a Pizza Box Solar Oven: New Mexico Solar Energy Association (website) - Explore basic principles of passive solar design while cooking with solar energy.
Make a Pizza Box Solar Oven
New Mexico Solar Energy Association, www.nmsea.org
Elaboration Lessons and Extensions
A Box of Sunshine: tvakids.com (PDF) - Students define solar energy, learn and demonstrate how solar energy can be trapped, and construct a simple solar air heater. (See pages R-1 through R-8.)
Assessment Ideas
Have students write persuasive newspaper editorials promoting the adoption and use of solar energy in the community. Students should defend their arguments by including information learned through all the lessons on alternative energy resources.
As a possible second step, hold a mock town hall meeting in which students advocate for different alternative energy sources. Structure the activity to suit the needs of your class. It could be a simple discussion, or an assignment for which students make posters and flyers, and dress in costume. In any case, have students discuss and debate various alternative energy sources. Conclude by holding a class vote to determine which type of alternative energy the town will adopt.
For a hands-on assessment, challenge students to design their own solar water heaters, and then draw and/or build their heaters from recycled materials.
Literature Connections
The Kids’ Solar Energy Book. Spetgang, Tilly and Wells, Malcolm (ISBN-10: 0982306415)
A Refreshing Look at Renewable Energy with Max Axiom, Super Scientist. Krohn, Katherine E. (ISBN-10: 1429639024)
Light and Shadow (Spanish). Ring, Susan (ISBN: 0-7378-4137-7)
Solar Power. Sherman, Joseph (ISBN: 0-7368-2474-X)
Sun (Spanish). Ring, Susan (ISBN: 0-7368-4139-3)
The Sun. Bourgeois, Paulette (ISBN: 0-7368-4139-3)
Arrow to the Sun. McDermott, Gerald (ISBN: 0-14-050211-4)
The Way to Start a Day. Baylor, Byrd (ISBN: 0-689-71054-2)
Additional Resources
Renewable Energy and Sustainability: www.InfinitePower.org (PDF) - Students are introduced to the concept of renewable energy and investigate/discuss new ways of generating energy to help our planet become environmentally healthy.
Renewable Energy and Sustainability
www.InfinitePower.org
Energy Source Book-Elementary Unit: Tennessee Valley Authority (PDF) - Includes complete units on renewable energy resources, energy and the environment, and energy conservation, among other energy topics.
Energy Source Book-Elementary Unit
Tennessee Valley Authority, tva.gov
TEKS Navigation
Grade 5
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