Can Wisconsin Go Solar?

Provided by: Wisconsin Center for Environmental Education |Published on: July 13, 2023

Lesson Plans

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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.

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Subjects: Geography, Engineering

Authors: K-12 Energy Education Program, Wisconsin Center for Environmental Education

Region: Wisconsin

Languages: English

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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.

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Can Wisconsin Go Solar?

Synopsis

Teaching Materials

Scientist Reviewed

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