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Tinkercad: Create a Solar-Powered Invention
Source: Tinkercad
This project challenges students to use the engineering process to imagine, plan, and design a solar-powered invention. Students draw 2D sketches and 3D models of their designs using Tinkercad software. A scaffolded lesson plan is provided, complete with planning worksheets and an evaluation rubric. Skills: engineering, design, CAD software, geometry, geometric measurements.
Interpreting Solar Energy Dashboards Lesson
Source: Solar Empowered Schools
This inquiry-based lesson is a great introduction to the solar energy dashboard. Students first analyze graphs of solar production to form conclusions about seasonal and weather patterns, and then apply their understanding to make predictions about future production.
Intro to Solar - Online Course
Source: Solar Energy International (SEI)
Solar Energy International is the industry go-to for solar workforce training, with both all-online and hands-on courses. PVOL101 is an on-demand, self-paced online course that is ideal for CTE teachers looking to gain a solid understanding of photovoltaics before teaching a course about solar. Contact Sun Tribe to see if scholarships are available for teacher tuition.
Solar Technical Training Curriculum
Source: Center for Renewable Energy Advanced Technological Education (CREATE)
This curriculum unit is perfect for CTE; students will learn about solar resource evaluation, siting, and design using the technical tools commonly used in the field. In addition to a thorough Solar PV unit, the Center for Renewable Energy Advanced Technological Education also offers free unit plans for other energy-based units, such as Energy Efficiency and Energy Bill Analysis.
U.N. Sustainable Development Goals & Lessons
Source: United Nations
Solar topics integrate beautifully with broader sustainability themes, such as the 7th U.N. Sustainability goal, "Affordable and Clean Energy". Visit this site for a wide range of captivating sustainability-related educational resources, including links to lessons about renewable energy through "The World's Largest Lesson."
Candy Collector: Renewable vs. Non-Renewable Activity
Source: National Energy Education Development (NEED)
In this fun, hands-on activity featuring CANDY(!) students choose between renewable and non-renewable energy sources to power their town. Common materials such as straws (extractors), M&Ms (non-renewable energy sources), and jellybeans (renewable energy sources) are used for the simulation. Teacher Tip: Search YouTube for "Candy Collector - Exploring Renewable & Nonrenewable" for a video demonstration of this lesson.
Project Wild Lessons about Pollinators and Adaptations
Source: Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies
Project Wild offers an excellent student-centered, experiential K-12 curriculum about wildlife and the environment, including lessons about pollination and adaptations. Teachers who participate in this FREE professional development workshop receive the treasured Activity Guide - a compilation of excellent standards-aligned, low-prep lessons that are feasible in any setting.
So Happy Together: Solar and Pollinators Interactive Lesson
Source: Solar Empowered Schools
This lesson, which includes a scavenger hunt, illuminates how ground-mounted solar can offer the double benefit of (1) generating clean, renewable energy and (2) creating a habitat for important pollinators.
National Energy Education Development (NEED) Solar Curriculum
Source: National Energy Education Development (NEED)
NEED specializes in K-12 renewable energy curriculum and teacher professional development. Their site includes a huge library of standards-aligned lesson plans (free) and hands-on experiment kits (for purchase).
Intro to Renewable Energy - Free Online Course
Source: Solar Energy International (SEI)
This free self-paced online course covers the basics of electricity, conservation and efficiency, and renewable energy technologies. This course is perfect for teachers seeking professional development or motivated high school students.
Exploring Solar Energy Careers
Source: Sun Tribe Solar
Part I surveys the career paths of three real-life solar professionals and the skills and certifications needed to get a job in solar. Part II is a guided, interactive exploration of solar careers. Students can complete all activities independently. (Did someone say "sub plan"?)
Energy Transformations Lesson and Solar Circuit Challenge
Source: Solar Empowered Schools
In the first part of this lesson, students will explore different forms of energy and discuss how energy can be transformed. In the second part, they will apply their understanding as they build their own circuits using solar panels, motors, lights, and switches. Ideal for 5th grade, but applicable for grades 4-12. Equipment required; materials list included.
Solar Storytime for Pre-K
Source: Wisconsin K-12 Energy Education Program (KEEP)
Children can follow along with the video recording to hear two solar-related stories and create a sun craft. Featured books: Solar Power Comes to My Home by Susie Flann and Sun Song by Jean Marzollo. Video by the Wisconsin K-12 Energy Education Program.
Escape Room - Energy for Your World...And Beyond!
Source: Solar Empowered Schools
Energize your classroom with this fun escape-room activity! Teams of students will work together to unlock energy solutions for a newly discovered planet whose climate is similar to Earth's. Excellent as an introduction to -- or summary of -- energy and environmental impact, this one-hour lesson touches on themes of renewable energy, greenhouse gasses, and carbon dioxide emissions while encouraging problem-solving and collaboration.
Energy Career Activities and Lessons
Source: National Energy Education Development (NEED)
The Energy Careers Excursion curriculum pack includes activities suitable for all ages. With activities like "Energy Industry Guess Who?" and "Soft Skills Soirée", students assess which types of energy jobs match their interests and skills.
Solar Suitcase Project: Local Learning, Global Impact
Source: We Share Solar
This hands-on STEM education program links practical engineering skills with global humanitarian service as students build and share We Share Solar Suitcases with schools in energy-scarce regions of the world.
"Solar at Our School" Infographic Project
Source: Solar Empowered Schools
This project leads students to learn about their schools' solar array, investigate the environmental benefits of solar, and create an infographic poster about solar at their school.
Switch: Free Energy Documentaries and Curriculum Modules
Source: Switch Energy Alliance
Switch is an award-winning documentary that explores all types of energy, from coal to solar, and examines our energy decisions. In addition to the free full-length film, Switch Classroom offers six free curriculum modules. The content is non-partisan and the modules are self-paced and asynchronous - ideal for a flipped classroom style or a substitute plan.
