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Sustainability Lesson Clearinghouse
Introduction to Photovoltaic Systems
Lesson Description:
This unit introduces students to the concept of converting sunlight to electricity with photovoltaic cells. Students will familiarize themselves with these concepts through the reading passage, answering assessment questions, and by conducting a lab activity to determine the effect of several variables on the output of a photovoltaic cell. The follow up activity explores energy from the sun in terms of heat energy to expand on the concept of electricity generation.
This unit introduces students to the concept of converting sunlight to electricity with photovoltaic cells. Students will familiarize themselves with these concepts through the reading passage, answering assessment questions, and by conducting a lab activity to determine the effect of several variables on the output of a photovoltaic cell. The follow up activity explores energy from the sun in terms of heat energy to expand on the concept of electricity generation.
Lesson Type:
- Experiment
- Project
Sustainability Topic:
- Energy
GEF Program Category:
- Green Energy Challenge
Time Needed:
60 Minutes - Introduction and Reading Passage Science Vocabulary Reading 90 minutes 2 – Lab Activity – Testing PV Cells Science Mathematics 45 minutes
60 Minutes - Introduction and Reading Passage Science Vocabulary Reading 90 minutes 2 – Lab Activity – Testing PV Cells Science Mathematics 45 minutes
Materials Needed:
- Copy of Reading Passage and Student Data Sheets for each student
- An equipment kit for each group containing:
- Small PVcell, at least0.5v output, or several PV cells in series
- several sheets of colored transparency film in various colors
- 30 cm of thin electrical wire
- DC ammeter
- DC volt meter
- Direct sunlight
- Magnifying glass
- Aluminum foil
- Protractor
- Ice in sealed plastic bag
- Goggles
Submitted By:
Green Education Foundation (GEF) on Behalf of Infinitepower.org
Green Education Foundation (GEF) on Behalf of Infinitepower.org
School or Group:
Infinitepower.org
Infinitepower.org
Contact Email:
service@greeneducationfoundation.org
service@greeneducationfoundation.org
Located in: Science
