In this design challenge for grades 6 to 8, students will harness the power of the sun to design, construct and evaluate a solar-powered modelcar of their creation. Students will utilize the design process and undergo review by their peers to select an optimal gear ratio and components for their car. As a culminating activity, students compete in a “Solar Sprint” race modeled after the National Renewable Energy Laboratory’s Junior Solar Sprint competition.

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Filed under: Grades 6-8, Lesson Plans | 1 Comment »

Tags: Cars, Class Activities, Competitions for Students, Grades 6-8, renewable energy, Solar Engineering

In exploring ways to use solar energy, students investigate the thermal energy storage capacities of different test materials to determine which to use in solar building design.

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Filed under: Grades K-5, Lesson Plans | Comments Off on Lesson: Capturing the Sun’s Warmth

Tags: Lesson Plan, Solar Engineering