In this series of lessons for grades 6-8, students first experiment with a virtual solar cooker to discover the mathematical relationship among reflection, transmission and absorption. Then they apply their knowledge to building and testing a solar cooker of their own invention. In an extension, students investigate how these principles can be used as sustainable energy sources for homes through passive solar heating.

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Filed under: Grades 6-8, Lesson Plans | 2 Comments »

Tags: Grades 6-8, Solar Engineering

In this activity for grades 6-12, students design a seawall to protect a major coastal highway from erosion by ocean waves and address these questions: Erosion–can you fight it? How much energy is involved with waves and erosion? Can humans stop erosion of the shoreline? Should we? Is it cost effective?

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Filed under: Class Activities, Grades 6-8, Grades 9-12 | Comments Off on Activity: Prevent Shore Erosion

Tags: Marine engineering, Math Lesson Plans, Mathematics