Identify how solar energy generates thermal energy by constructing solar cookers with your students. They will evaluate the factors that affect efficiency and the lesson can be adapted to capture data in a variety of ways.

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

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.

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 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 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...

The Yohkoh Public Outreach Project provides images, movies, and tours depicting our nearest star, the Sun. Content includes a wealth of information, learning activities, and much more.