| SOLAR
ENERGY MODULE MATRIX |
 |
INTERDISCIPLINARY
EXTENSIONS |
FOSS
SCIENCE STORIES |
TECHNOLOGY/HOME
CONNECTION |
|
1. |
SUN
TRACKING |
|
Language
Extensions
• Collect sun and shadow stories.
• Go on a treasure hunt.
• Describe shadows.
Math Extensions
• Problem of the week.
• Use circles and degrees.
Science Extensions
• Work on day and night.
• Continue tracking.
• Research sundials.
Social Studies Extension
• Research shadow theater. |
See the
Science Stories folio.
• The Sun
• Shadows
• Building Time Devices
• Effects of the Sun |
www.fossweb.com
Check the FOSS website for interactive simulations, to write
questions to a scientist, for teaching tips, and to talk with
other classes using FOSS.
Home/School Connection: Students use a pattern to construct
a sundial. They figure out the angle of the gnomon that is
appropriate for their latitude.
|
|
2. |
HEATING
THE EARTH |
|
Language
Extensions
• List the effects of heat.
• Write to a TV meteorologist.
Math Extension
• Problem of the week.
Social Studies Extensions
• Research temperatures around the world.
• Find out about Eratosthenes.
Science Extensions
• Investigate other materials.
• Increase the volume.
• Investigate similar masses.
• Investigate direct sunlight.
• Get rid of the air. |
See the
Science Stories folio.
• Differential Heating
• The Sun and the Weather |
Home/School
Connection: Students take a look at seed packets or seed catalogs
to compare how many "sun days" it takes to have the
seeds produce. |
|
3. |
SOLAR
WATER HEATERS |
|
Language
Extensions
• Use Hot Discussion Topics.
• Write instructions for a solar water heater.
• List luminous and nonluminous light sources.
Math Extensions
• Problem of the week.
• Graph surface-temperature changes.
• Work with surface area.
Science and Social Studies Extensions
• Research the Sun in history.
• Research solar-energy use in different cultures.
• Visit a greenhouse.
• Test other collectors or use a reflector.
• Investigate photovoltaic cells. |
See the
Science Stories folio.
• Solar Technology
• Maria Telkes
• Solar Cookers in Third-World Countries |
Home/School
Connection: Students investigate the source of energy used at
home to heat water and how their family's use compares to some
average figures. They consider ways to cut down on the use of
hot water as a way to save energy. |
|
4. |
SOLAR
HOUSES |
|
Language
Extensions
• Interview solar users.
• Make a poster ad.
• Research commercial space heating.
Math Extension
• Problem of the week.
Social Studies Extension
• Investigate other cultures and solar energy.
Science Extensions
• Cook with solar energy.
• Research house design. |
See the
Science Stories folio.
• Solar Power in Homes
• Solar Power from the Wind |
Home/School Connection: Students will need extra time at
home to work on presenting their projects to the class.
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page 3
of 4 |
