Lesson Overview
Upon completing this lesson, the students will be able to:
• Describe various ways that solar energy can be used; and
• Describe the advantages and disadvantages of using solar energy
Essential Question
1. How can solar energy produce heat and electricity?
2. What are the advantages and disadvantages of solar energy?
Grade(s):
Subject(s):
Recommended Technology:
Other Instructional Materials or Notes:
3, 6
UV Solar Beads (Steve Spangler Science)
• Clear Zipper-Lock Bags • Sunscreen • Clear Cups
• Thermometer
• Black Construction Paper
• White Construction Paper
• Water
• Clear Plastic Wrap
Please be aware that this activity contains the use of sunscreen lotion. Make your students aware that sunscreen lotion may stain clothing or irritate eyes/skin.
The S.C. Energy Office (SCEO) may have certain materials for this lesson available for teachers to use. Contact Stacey Washington the SCEO at swashington@ors.sc.gov to check for availability
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Log In to View LessonStandards
- Physical Science: Properties and Changes in Matter
- 3.P.2 The student will demonstrate an understanding of the properties used to classify matter and how heat energy can change matter from one state to another.
- 3.P.2A Matter exists in several different states and is classified based on observable and measurable properties. Matter can be changed from one state to another when heat (thermal energy) is added or removed.
- 3.P.2A.3 Plan and conduct scientific investigations to determine how changes in heat (increase or decrease) change matter from one state to another (including melting, freezing, condensing, boiling, and evaporating).
- 3.P.2A.4 Obtain and communicate information to compare how different processes (including burning, friction, and electricity) serve as sources of heat energy.
- 3.P.2A Matter exists in several different states and is classified based on observable and measurable properties. Matter can be changed from one state to another when heat (thermal energy) is added or removed.
- 3.P.2 The student will demonstrate an understanding of the properties used to classify matter and how heat energy can change matter from one state to another.
- Physical Science: Energy Transfer and Conservation
- 6.P.3 The student will demonstrate an understanding of the properties of energy, the transfer and conservation of energy, and the relationship between energy and forces.
- 6.P.3A Energy manifests itself in multiple forms, such as mechanical (kinetic energy and potential energy), electrical, chemical, radiant (solar), and thermal energy. According to the principle of conservation of energy, energy cannot be created nor de...
- 6.P.3A.1 Analyze and interpret data to describe the properties and compare sources of different forms of energy (including mechanical, electrical, chemical, radiant, and thermal).
- 6.P.3A.2 Develop and use models to exemplify the conservation of energy as it is transformed from kinetic to potential (gravitational and elastic) and vice versa.
- 6.P.3A.5 Develop and use models to describe and compare the directional transfer of heat through convection, radiation, and conduction.
- 6.P.3A Energy manifests itself in multiple forms, such as mechanical (kinetic energy and potential energy), electrical, chemical, radiant (solar), and thermal energy. According to the principle of conservation of energy, energy cannot be created nor de...
- 6.P.3 The student will demonstrate an understanding of the properties of energy, the transfer and conservation of energy, and the relationship between energy and forces.
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Log In to View LessonLesson Partners: The South Carolina Energy Office