Renewable Energy Algebra Lesson: Solar Energy
Lesson Plan
1 hourGrades6, 7, 8Mathematics
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Written by Effie Wolters, Mallory Swafford
About this lesson
In this lesson, students complete real-world calculations related to residential solar energy use, including the number of solar panels needed to power the average house and how many solar panels could fit on their own home or a local building.
Inquire: Students complete calculations to determine if the average American home could be powered using solar panels.
Investigate: Students explore the Google Project Sunroof site and use data from their home addresses to solve problems.
Inspire: Students discuss the benefits and drawbacks of using solar energy and explore equity issues related to the affordability of solar panels.
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Everything you need to teach it
How to edit these materials (video)Teaching tips
Suggestions
- Students are able to use algebra skills in real-world applications.
- The lesson is engaging for students because it is personalized to each student's actual home or local building.
Prerequisites
- This lesson is 2 of 5 in our 6-8th Grade Renewable Energy Algebra unit.
- If teachers did not complete Lesson 1, omit questions 1, 3, and 5 on the Student Document and use this video to introduce solar energy and its connections to climate change.
- Slides 14-16 are vocabulary words from the first lesson that teachers may wish to review with students again or introduce if teachers skipped Lesson 1.
- Students need access to computers and calculators for this lesson.
Differentiation
- Students can work individually or in groups.
- If students do not feel comfortable using their actual address, they can select a random nearby address to use.
- Teachers can walk students through certain calculations as a class. Teachers can also pull small groups to work through any areas with the most needs.
- Optional Extension Activity: Students research possible solutions to the issues of equity in solar energy. The following websites can be used as a starting point in their exploration:
From the scientist review
This lesson lets students evaluate the impact of solar energy in addressing the energy crisis and energy inequities, especially in low-income communities. It would build their analytic skills in calculating the amount of energy a solar panel can produce per hour, which is important information for houseowners to choose the size of solar panels to build. All materials embedded in the lesson are illustrative and were fact-checked thoroughly. On that account, this lesson has passed our science credibility process and is recommended for teaching.
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About the teacher writers
Effie Wolters
6-8 Chemistry and Earth Science Teacher
Effie Wolters is a science educator with nine years of teaching experience. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Chemistry from the University of San Diego and a master’s degree in Teaching Instruction from Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota. She is licensed to teach General Science in Grades 5–8 and holds a Cambridge CELTA certification.
Mallory Swafford
Teacher
I graduated in 2014 from Southern Illinois University, Carbondale with a zoology degree. I worked in the field of zoology until 2018 when I decided to make the switch to education. I now am certified to teach first through sixth grades in general education. I am endorsed in middle grades science and I expect to finish my master's in high school biology this year. I love teaching science and am excited to work with the Subject to Climate team!
