Solar Energy

Unit: Solar Energy

Persistent Issue: Should solar energy be used to meet our needs?

Central Question: Should schools adapt to the solar energy source like the rest of the world will overtime?

Lesson Summary

Although, fossil fuels account for more than half the energy in the US, in the near future, a greater fraction of energy will come from nuclear energy and renewable sources such as solar power. Energy conservation, such as solar power, is predicted to be the largest energy source after 2020 by reducing requirements due to increased efficiency. Although solar power can be efficient, problems come along with harnessing the sun’s energy to meet our needs. Using the advantages and disadvantages of harnessing the sun’s energy that will be presented to students in an article, student’s will take a side on whether solar power should be used or not. Based on the side the student takes, he or she will create a proposal explaining why or why not schools should begin to use solar panels just like the rest of the world will overtime.

Lesson 1:

Grabber & Introduction

Teacher will begin by presenting an article that discusses how Solar Panels have surpassed coal-fired electricity overtime. Next, a video will be showed to the students as another resource to contour their understanding of where our energy source comes from today.

Introducing Central Question:

Now that students have a brief idea of what solar energy is, and how it has become the main source of energy, students will then be presented with the central question which is “Should schools adapt to this energy source?” Why or why not? and what are the advantages or disadvantages?

Culminating Activity

Students will split into groups based on their personal opinion of whether solar power should be used or not. Based on their opinion on solar power, students will create a group proposal that discusses why the school should or should not begin to use solar power just like rest of the world will overtime. Students in each individual group will create a proposal in written form and presentation form. Students will present their proposal to the class using PowerPoint, and students will also submit their written proposal to the school board.

Students will be graded individually based on: