http://www.teachengineering.org/view_lesson.php?url=collection/duk_/lessons/duk_solarcar_tech_less/duk_solarcar_tech_less.xmllessontext/xmlFrom Sunlight to Electric Current Techtronics Program, Solar EnergyCurrentVoltagePhotovoltaic cellConservation of EnergyOhm's Lawcurrentvoltagephotovoltaic cellConductorThe lesson will first explore the concept of current in electrical circuits. Current will be defined as the flow of electrons. Photovoltaic (PV) cell properties will then be introduced. Generally constructed of silicon, photovoltaic cells contain a large number of electrons BUT they can be thought of as "frozen" in their natural state. A source of energy is required to "free" these electrons if we wish to create current. Light from the sun provides this energy. This will lead to the principle of "Conservation of Energy." Finally, with a basic understanding of the circuits through Ohm's law, students will see how the energy from the sun can be used to power everyday items, including vehicles. This lesson utilizes the engineering design activity of building a solar car to help students learn these concepts.
The lesson utilizes the engineering design activity of building a solar car to help students learn about Ohm's law, photovoltaic cells, and conservation of energy.
Be able to define current Be able to explain why a solar photovoltaic panel is like a battery.1TeachEngineering.orgRahmin Sarabi (Primary Content Creator), Pratt School of Engineering, Duke UniversityRoni Prucz (Primary Content Creator), Pratt School of Engineering, Duke Universityhttp://www.teachengineering.org/collection/duk_/lessons/duk_solarcar_tech_less/solarcarspvcells.pdfS1028437North_CarolinaScience2.03 Evaluate technological designs for:<br />• Application of scientific principles.66S1028499North_CarolinaScience6.07 Analyze the Law of Conservation of Energy:<br />• Conclude that energy cannot be created or destroyed, but only changed from one form into another.66S10284D2North_CarolinaScience2.03 Evaluate technological designs for:<br />• Application of scientific principles.77S102851ENorth_CarolinaScience6.01 Demonstrate ways that simple machines can change force.77S102851FNorth_CarolinaScience6.02 Analyze simple machines for mechanical advantage and efficiency.77S1028527North_CarolinaScience6.05 Describe and measure quantities that characterize moving objects and their interactions within a system:<br />• Time.77S1028556North_CarolinaScience2.03 Evaluate technological designs for:<br />• Application of scientific principles.88United StatesCopyright 2012 - Techtronics Program, Pratt School of Engineering, Duke Universityhttp://www.teachengineering.org/policy_ipp.phphttp://www.teachengineering.org/2008-09-267Teacher