This unit explores the NGSS Middle School bundle for Engineering Design (MS-ETS1-1, MS-ETS1-2, MS-ETS1-3, MS-ETS1-4) by engaging students in a Project-Based engineering task where students develop and apply their understanding of solar energy to create a solar device which can generate electricity for people who have lost power due to a natural disaster.
Unit Overview
Grades: 6-8
Duration: 25 Sessions
Materials:
- Computers with internet access
- Long rope (jump rope)
- Bell
- LabQuests (or computers with ezlink)
- Vernier Energy Sensors
- Vernier Variable Load
- KidWind 2V solar panel
- 2 wire leads with clips
- Protractor
- Light bulb
- Light bulb socket or lamp
- Materials to test variables (will depend on experiment design)
- Clear tape
- Ice bath
- Ring stand
- Different colored pieces of paper
- Ruler
- Lamp and 100W bulb (or LEDs)
- Aluminum foil
- Various materials for building (cardboard, plastic bottle and boxes, containers, etc.
- Sunshine
