Solar Sleuths: Investigating the Sun’s Impact on Our School
by Arlette Johnson
This third-grade STEM lesson introduces students to solar energy, the heat island effect, and data analysis. Students will use temperature gauges to measure different areas of the school at various times of the day, then create a line graph to track temperature changes. They will explore how different surfaces heat up due to solar energy and the heat island effect. To reinforce these concepts, students will build and test solar ovens, learning how solar energy can be harnessed for practical purposes. This hands-on lesson integrates science, math, and engineering while addressing real-world environmental issues.
Lesson Grade Level
3rd GradeLesson Plan Link/URL
https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1QTlD7TugoMeKa4yGIbd0Vo2KIOrW-JX4/edit?u…Subject Area
Science Earth and Space Science E1: Earth Systems Technology 4. Innovative Designer 5. Computational Thinker Engineering S2: Apply the Engineering Design Process Mathematics Measurement and Data (MD) English Language Arts (ELA) Reading (Informational Text) Writing Speaking & Listening
Featured
Off
Related Content
Grades:
3rd Grade, 4th Grade, 5th Grade
Students will determine the best materials to use to build their school budget. They will create several garden models and determine which garden they ultimately want to build. Students will then
Grades:
7th Grade
In the lesson on upcycling empty water bottles, students will embark on an innovative and eco-friendly exploration of creative reuse, incorporating science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM)
Grades:
7th Grade, 8th Grade, 9th Grade, 10th Grade, 11th Grade, 12th Grade
Students will combine science and art by using an alternative photographic process called cyanotypes or sun prints. After a short introduction to the history of cyanotypes and the process of creating