Renewable Energy Algebra Lesson: Peak Sun Hours
Lesson Plan
1 hourGrades6, 7, 8Mathematics
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Written by Effie Wolters
About this lesson
In this lesson, students explore solar energy by calculating the peak sun hours needed for solar panels using algebra. They apply their calculations to real-world data to assess the feasibility of using solar power in their area and predict whether their homes could be powered by solar panels based on their findings.
Inquire: Students work through a practice problem and discuss what they already know about solar energy.
Investigate: Students learn background information about solar energy, then use algebra to calculate the amount of peak sun hours needed to make a solar panel effective, and compare their calculated values to real-world data to determine if this amount of sunlight is possible in their area.
Inspire: Students make predictions and discuss if they think their home could be powered by solar panels using the calculations from class as evidence.
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Everything you need to teach it
How to edit these materials (video)Teaching tips
Suggestions
- The lesson is personalized to the students' community, which will make it more engaging and relevant.
- This lesson ties closely with the following lesson in the unit, but it can also be used as a standalone lesson if desired.
Prerequisites
- This is lesson 1 of 5 in our 6-8th grade Renewable Energy Algebra unit.
- Students should be familiar with renewable energy. If not, more time may be needed in the Inquire section to introduce renewable energy. This video can be used.
- Students should know kWh refers to Kilowatt-hour. This interactive map about the carbon intensity of electricity by country measured in kWh can support students with better visualizing the unit.
- Students should understand that kilo means 1,000, so a kilowatt is 1,000 watts. This reading can help students build background knowledge on electric power and its units of measure.
Differentiation
- Teachers can have students work with a partner on the calculations in the Investigate section and purposefully group students based on skill level.
- Teachers can work with small groups of students who may need additional assistance with the calculations.
- Teachers can limit the number of questions students complete. The questions get progressively more difficult.
- Some questions have the same setup but use different numbers. If necessary, some could be taken out to save time (questions 1-4 and questions 5-7).
From the scientist review
This lesson lets students analyze peak sun hours needed to generate electricity from a solar panel. The equation used in the calculation is appropriate, and students would be able to calculate their electricity footprint in real-time. All accompanying materials, case studies, and activities contained in this lesson are well-sourced. Accordingly, this lesson has passed our science credibility and is recommended for teaching.
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About the teacher writer
Effie Wolters
6-8 Chemistry and Earth Science Teacher
Effie Wolters is a science educator with nine years of teaching experience. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Chemistry from the University of San Diego and a master’s degree in Teaching Instruction from Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota. She is licensed to teach General Science in Grades 5–8 and holds a Cambridge CELTA certification.
