Topic: Solar Energy and Model Cars
Timeframe: 5 Days
Essential Question: What is it that makes solar energy work?
Standard(s) and Indicators:
Standard 6-5:
The student will demonstrate an understanding of the law of conservation of energy and the properties of energy and work. (Physical Science)
Indicators
6-5.1 Identify the sources and properties of heat, solar, chemical, mechanical, and electrical energy.
6-5.2 Explain how energy can be transformed from one form to another (including the two types of mechanical energy, potential and kinetic, as well as
chemical and electrical energy) in accordance with the law of conservation of energy.
6-5.3 Explain how magnetism and electricity are interrelated by using descriptions, models, and diagrams of electromagnets, generators, and simple electrical
motors.
6-5.4 Illustrate energy transformations (including the production of light, sound, heat, and mechanical motion) in electrical circuits.
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 destroyed, but it can be transferred from one place to another and transformed between systems.
Task: The objective for this Performance Task is to analyze and interpret data to demonstrate an understanding of the properties of energy, the transfer and conservation of energy, and the relationship between energy and forces. Students will follow the directions of each day to complete their assignment and have a presentation ready to share on Day 5.
DAY 1: Do research on solar energy from the Articles and Videos listed below. Click on the links to go to your resource. PLEASE USE HEADPHONES WHEN WATCH VIDEOS.
Article 1: Solar Energy
Video 1: Capturing Solar Energy
Article 2: Solar Power and Aerodynamics
Article 3: Introduction Solar Car Project
Article 4: Chassis Solar Car
Carolina STEM Challenge Page 1
Carolina STEM Challenge Page 2-3
Carolina STEM Challenge Page 4-6
DAY 2
Build the Car
DAY 3
Test Run and gather data.
DAY 4
Make adjustments to your car and run the final race.
DAY 5
Create your Data Chart in Microsoft Word. (Watch a quick "How To" video on Creating a Chart in Word HERE )
Day 6 and 7
Make a presentation using some of the web tools we have available.
(There may be other assignments given by your teacher as a follow up.)