Renewable Energy

About Our Program:

The Renewable Energy course will teach students about the science of electricity while emphasizing the ecological consequences of conventional energy production and consumption. Through hands-on design lab activities, students will learn about renewable power, including solar, wind, and bio-diesel. This course will encourage students to formulate an appreciation of science and engineering and to encourage their further exploration of these disciplines with respect to environmental issues.

Program Setup

Schedule a Program: To schedule a program please fill out this Pre-Visit Form and email back to education@solar1.org.

Time: The Renewable Energy program is available for all K-12 students. A program can be scheduled for either two or three 1.5 hour long  sessions.  There is a maximum of 25-30 students per session.

Locations: Off Site (At Your School)

K-3rd Session Outline
Session One: Introduction to Energy : In this session, students explore how we use energy every day and how all life on earth relies on the sun for energy.
Session Two: Energy from the Sun- In this session students will make sun-dial watches and/or experiment with UV beads that react to UV light from the sun.
Session Three: Renewable Energy Workshop- In this session students will learn about how we can generate electricity from the sun and the wind. Students will experiment with solar panels and make pinwheels.

4th-8th Session Outline
Session One: Introduction to Energy + Electricity in NYC: In this session, students explore electricity production and consumption, how power plants work, climate change, and methods for electricity conservation. This session includes a power point presentation.
Session Two: Introduction to Renewable Energy- In this session students will learn about different forms of renewable energy and they will conduct a classroom electricity audit using Kill-A-Watt meters. This session includes a power point presentation.
Session Three: Renewable Energy Workshop- In this session students will participate in a hands-on workshop where they will build mini-solar powered racers.

9th-12th Session Outline
Session One: Introduction to Energy + Electricity in NYC: In this session, students explore electricity production and consumption, how power plants work, climate change and the environment, and methods for conservation. This session includes a power point presentation.
Session Two: Introduction to Renewable Energy- In this session students will learn about different forms of renewable energy and they will conduct a classroom electricity audit using Kill-A-Watt meters. This session includes a power point presentation.
Session Three: Renewable Energy Workshop- In this session students will participate in a hands-on workshop where they will build mini-solar powered racers. High school groups also have the option to sign up for a renewable energy exploration lab, or a PV installation session.

Teacher Materials

Click on the links below to download great worksheets, readers and activities perfect for you classroom. The files are PDF files, if you do not have Adobe Reader you can download one here.

Kindergarten -3rd Grade Resources
Energy Conservation Pledge
Sun Connection Worksheet
What is Energy?

4th – 8th Grade Resources
Energy 101
Energy Conservation Reader
The NYC Blackout
New York City and Electricity

9th – 12th Grade Resources
Solar Energy Reader
Solar Design Reader

Note: These materials are meant for educational purposes solely. All text, unless otherwise noted, is copyright Solar One 2011.

Resources

National Renewable Energy Lab
Solar Energy Calculator
U.S. Department of Energy: Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy
New York Incentives for Renewable Energy
Campaign Earth
Solar Energy International
DIY Kyoto
Kelvin Solar Racers
Design e2: Energy

Northeast Sustainable Energy Association

NYC Standards

Solar One enrichment programs strive to meet or exceed NYC science, math and language arts standards. Here is a sampling of science standards met:
Grade K Exploring Properties
Grade 1 Properties of Matter
Grade 2 Forces and Motions
Grade 3 Energy
Grade 4 Electricity & Magnetism
Grade 5 Earth Science
Grade 6 Simple & Complex Machines
Grade 7 Interactions Between Matter and Energy
Grade 8 Earth, Sun, Moon System Humans in their Environment
Grades 9-12 Living Environment, Earth Sciences Concepts, Scientific Thinking, Scientific Tools and Technologies, Scientific Investigation, Life Sciences Concepts, Environmental Science

Pictures