Using the sun's light as a source of energy is not a new concept. Give your environmental studies, engineering, or physical science class this list of how humans have used solar energy throughout history. Assign groups a certain time...

If you have solar car kits for your junior high schoolers, they can experiment with photovoltaic cell angle, light intensity, and aerodynamic design to discover what makes their car move more quickly. This is a classic activity to use...

Students use NASA satellite data to see cloud cover over Africa.  In this seasons instructional activity students access data and import it into Excel. 

Learners analyze line plots. In this weather instructional activity using real NASA data, students discuss how weather affects the way the Earth is heated by comparing different line plots.

You will need a photovoltaic system and monitor at your school in order to obtain all of the data required to thoroughly implement this instructional activity. Your class monitors daily temperature and insolation amounts over a two week...

Students explore how rechargeable batteries work by conducting a series of experiments. In this physics lesson, students discuss the benefits of using rechargeable batteries over disposable ones. They build their own battery charger...

Students are introduced to how the sun is used to heat water.  For this solar lesson students identify the different types of solar water heating and demonstrate how it works.

Students examine how to convert sunlight to electricity.  In this renewable energy sources lesson students explain how solar cells are used and use a voltmeter to measure the energy produced by a solar panel.

Young scholars explore photovoltaic systems. In this alternative energy lesson, students calculate solar panel efficiency and convert devices to solar energy using photovoltaic cells.

Students sketch what a solar installation will look like. In this energy lesson, students examine the benefits of using solar energy. They record a video on the installation event for further study.

Young scholars read the story "Night Golf" and respond to questions that enhance their comprehension of the book's message.  In this reading lesson, students participate in a literature circle to explore reading passages. Young...

Students research solar energy. In this solar energy lesson, students construct a KWL chart and research solar energy through various websites and related readings. Students complete a science journal page as an assessment.

First graders identify the sun as a source of heat and light. They identify features of houses that help keep use sheltered and comfortable throughout daily and seasonal cycles. Students are told that summer is the best season to...

High schoolers experiment with a virtual solar cooker to discover the mathematical relationship among reflection, transmission and absorption. Then they actually build and test a solar cooker of their own invention.

Students use cardboard and aluminum foil to construct a solar oven that concentrates enough sunlight to cook a hotdog. They review the history and use of solar energy in relation to the Olympics.

In this photosynthesis summary, 6th graders read the one page passage which contains vocabulary, definitions and a summary of the process, then answer 2 guided reading questions.

Students design, construct and evaluate a solar powered model car.  For this solar power lesson students compete in a "solar sprint" race once their car is created. 

Students examine energy, where it comes from and the different fuels that are used.  For this energy lesson students design an energy infrastructure using a renewable energy source. 

Students experiment with a virtual solar cooker to discover the relationship between reflection, transmission, and absorption.  In this solar cooking lesson students apply what they learn to construct their own solar cooker. 

Students explore solar power. In this solar power lesson, students build simple solar cookers after they study convection, conduction, and radiation. Students transfer their knowledge of how the solar cooker works to climate changes on...

Students investigate solar energy. They explore ways that energy from the sun can be turned into energy that humans can use in our everyday lives. In various experiments, they explore the effect of clouds and dust on photovoltaic energy...

Pupils, using the Internet to research the different types of energy that people use, prepare a slideshow presentation with their research.

Students use a formula to measure the eccentricity of an ellipse, then state Kepler's Law of Elliptical Orbits. They predict the solar energy received at different positions in a planet's orbit.

Pupils discover different types of energy. In this energy source lesson students compare different types of energy, renewable and nonrenewable. Pupils answer questions about the different types of energy and their impact on the environment.