Can Wisconsin Go Solar?
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Provided by: Wisconsin Center for Environmental Education|Published on: July 13, 2023
Lesson PlansScientist Reviewed
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Scientist Reviewed This resource has been reviewed by SubjectToClimate's climate scientists and verified for scientific accuracy and up-to-date information. Learn about our review process →
Synopsis
- This lesson leads students through an exploration into Wisconsin's potential for solar power production, including data analysis, ArcGIS maps, and a focus on solutions.
- Students will interpret solar dashboards, maps, and graphs to determine if Wisconsin is an ideal location for solar power.
Subjects: Geography, Engineering
Authors: K-12 Energy Education Program, Wisconsin Center for Environmental Education
Region: Wisconsin
Languages: English
Teaching Materials
Prerequisites:
- Ensure students know how to interpret graphs, maps, and charts. With younger students, consider going over how to read each map and graph as a class.
- Consider beginning with a primer on greenhouse gases, the greenhouse effect, and how current means of energy production are contributing to climate change.
- Consider defining the terms geospatial, generation, array, and photovoltaic prior to starting the lesson.
- Review latitude and longitude with students.
Differentiation:
- For students who do not speak/read English, translate the slides to their primary language using the translate function in Google Slides.
- Use strategic pairing if there are students who struggle with interpreting data. If many students struggle with this concept, the worksheet can be completed as a class.
Extensions:
- Students map out where solar panels are located in their area and/or discuss where the placement of solar panels would be in their area.
- Extend this exploration by having students research what their school would need to do to incorporate solar power if they don't already.
- Students learn more about solar using the solar dashboards with lessons from KEEP's Wisconsin Solar Schools Map and Dashboard.
Scientist Notes
Teaching Tips
Standards
Resource Type and Format
Scientist Reviewed
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