This learning experience aims to deepen students' understanding of electrical theory through hands-on projects that connect scientific concepts to real-world applications. By collaborating with a renewable energy company and engaging in interactive activities, students will explore the transformation of energy and the construction of electrical circuits using everyday materials. The goal is to foster critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and self-directed learning, empowering students to apply their knowledge in meaningful ways to address sustainability challenges.
Learning goals
Students will explore the principles of electrical theory by constructing simple solar-powered devices, understanding the transformation of energy, and identifying key components of electrical circuits. They will engage in critical thinking and problem-solving as they design, build, and refine their projects, while fostering a sense of belonging through collaborative workshops and community partnerships. By documenting their learning journey in digital portfolios and presenting at the Energy Expo, students will enhance their self-directed learning skills and academic mindset.
Standards
[Next Generation Science Standards] HS-PS3-5 - Develop and use a model of two objects interacting through electric or magnetic fields to illustrate the forces between objects and the changes in energy of the objects due to the interaction.
[Next Generation Science Standards] HS-PS2-5 - Plan and conduct an investigation to provide evidence that an electric current can produce a magnetic field and that a changing magnetic field can produce an electric current.
[Next Generation Science Standards] HS-PS3-5 - Develop and use a model of two objects interacting through electric or magnetic fields to illustrate the forces between objects and the changes in energy of the objects due to the interaction.
Competencies
Self Directed Learning - Students use teacher and peer feedback and self-reflection to monitor and direct their own learning while building self knowledge both in and out of the classroom.
Academic Mindset - Students establish a sense of place, identity, and belonging to increase self-efficacy while engaging in critical reflection and action.
Critical Thinking & Problem Solving - Students consider a variety of innovative approaches to address and understand complex questions that are authentic and important to their communities.
Products
Students will create a simple solar-powered device using everyday materials, guided by insights from a renewable energy company guest speaker, and present it at the Energy Expo. Additionally, they will design a mini solar-powered car, race it to understand solar energy conversion, and showcase the project with a digital presentation. Participants will also construct a basic electrical circuit using conductive play dough and everyday materials, demonstrating the flow of electricity, and exhibit their creation at the Energy Expo. Lastly, students will build a small solar-powered model house, incorporating key components of an electrical circuit, and display the project with an accompanying digital portfolio.
Launch
Kick off the learning experience with a dynamic 'Spark the Circuit' workshop, where students use conductive play dough to create simple circuits. They will explore how electricity flows through various materials, experimenting with different configurations to observe their creations light up. This hands-on activity will ignite curiosity and set the stage for deeper exploration of electrical theory and sustainable energy solutions.
Exhibition
Students will showcase their solar-powered devices at the Energy Expo, a gallery-style exhibition where each project is accompanied by a digital presentation. This presentation will highlight the learning process, challenges faced, and successes achieved. Students will engage with peers, teachers, and community partners, sharing insights and reflecting on their experiences in transforming energy and understanding sustainability.
