This video will introduce viewers to the concept of agrovoltaics, which adds solar panels to farmland in strategic ways that can benefit the farmers and produce clean electricity.
Topics covered include research about putting solar arrays on farmland versus open farmland, the benefits of agrovoltaics for energy production and farmers, and how introducing agrovoltaics can impact farms.
Teaching Tips
Positives
This video will give students a solid understanding of how agrovoltaics is mutually beneficial for agriculture and solar power production.
The visuals included in this resource are helpful for students of various learning styles.
Additional Prerequisites
Students should understand some of the hurdles that solar power has to overcome in order to gain access or reduce restrictions.
Differentiation
This resource would work equally well in science classes learning about solar power or in social studies classes considering how societies overcome problems.
Before watching the video, an interesting discussion starter would be to ask students to think about symbiotic relationships and discuss what they are, having them think of examples. Then explain that this video will introduce another symbiotic relationship that may be surprising.
After watching the video, have students research areas near them that could benefit from agrovoltaics. Is there a way for them to advocate for this change?
Scientist Notes
This video introduces the concept of agrovoltaics, which is the idea of pairing agriculture with solar farms. The benefits of agrovoltaics for the farmers, crops, and animals are discussed. Limitations of this method are discussed as well. This is an example of a different climate solution that is normally not talked about. The information presented is accurate and this resource is recommended for teaching.
Standards
Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS)
ESS3: Earth and Human Activity
MS-ESS3-3 Apply scientific principles to design a method for monitoring and minimizing a human impact on the environment.
HS-ESS3-1 Construct an explanation based on evidence for how the availability of natural resources, occurrence of natural hazards, and changes in climate have influenced human activity.
HS-ESS3-4 Evaluate or refine a technological solution that reduces impacts of human activities on natural systems.
College, Career, and Civic Life (C3) Standards
Dimension 2: Civics
D2.Civ.10.6-8 Explain the relevance of personal interests and perspectives, civic virtues, and democratic principles when people address issues and problems in government and civil society.
D2.Civ.14.6-8 Compare historical and contemporary means of changing societies, and promoting the common good.
D2.Civ.10.9-12 Analyze the impact and the appropriate roles of personal interests and perspectives on the application of civic virtues, democratic principles, constitutional rights, and human rights.
