1-Pager
Plan
Week 1
Day 1
Day 2
Day 3
Phase
Discover
Activities
Introduction to the Project - Introduce students to the project challenge and goals, discuss the importance of electricity in everyday life, and explore how sustainable energy impacts communities. (15 min)
Exploration of Basic Electricity Concepts - Hands-on exploration with simple circuits to understand the flow of electricity and the role of components like resistors and switches. (30 min)
Understanding Renewable Energy Sources - Group research activity where students explore different types of renewable energy sources and their benefits. (20 min)
Infographic Design Planning - Students begin planning their Renewable Energy Infographic by organizing research findings into key points and visuals. (25 min)
Conducting a Local Energy Audit - Guided activity where students conduct a basic energy audit of a designated area in the school, identifying areas for potential energy efficiency improvements. (30 min)
Infographic Creation and Presentation Preparation - Students finalize their Renewable Energy Infographic and prepare to present it, ensuring they articulate the benefits and applications of renewable energy. (15 min)
Deliverables
No deliverables due
No deliverables due
Renewable Energy Infographic
Local Energy Audit Report
Preparation 1. Gather materials for electromagnet experiment: copper wire, batteries, nails, and paper clips.
2. Prepare a presentation on the project overview and real-world challenge.
3. Set up a digital platform for students to share and document their research and project progress.
4. Collect resources and articles on renewable energy sources for student research.
5. Schedule a virtual guest speaker session with a professional from Holaluz for a future class.
Week 2
Day 4
Day 5
Day 6
Phase
Examine
Activities
Magnetism Exploration - Students conduct hands-on experiments using magnets and coils to observe how electricity and magnetism are related, reinforcing the concept that an electric current can produce a magnetic field. (20 min)
Research on Electricity and Magnetism - In groups, students research how changing magnetic fields can produce electric currents, using online resources and textbooks to prepare for the upcoming presentation. (25 min)
Interactive Presentation Preparation - Students finalize and practice their interactive presentations on electricity and magnetism, focusing on demonstrating their understanding of the concepts and the relationship between them. (30 min)
Presentation Delivery - Students deliver their interactive presentations to peers, receiving feedback and discussing key concepts to deepen their understanding. (15 min)
Introduction to Energy Efficiency - Begin with a discussion on energy efficiency and its importance in sustainable living, focusing on the impact of energy-efficient systems on communities. (15 min)
Energy Efficiency Research - Students explore different energy-efficient technologies and strategies, compiling a list of potential improvements for their energy audit report. (30 min)
Deliverables
No deliverables due
Interactive Presentation on Electricity and Magnetism
Energy Efficiency Research Report
Preparation
Week 3
Day 7
Day 8
Day 9
Phase
Examine
Engineer
Activities
Exploring Magnetic Fields - Conduct an experiment to observe the creation of a magnetic field by an electric current using coils and compasses, aligning with the HS-PS2-5 standard. (20 min)
Analyzing Magnetic Fields - Discuss findings from the experiment and relate them to real-world applications, fostering an understanding of how electric currents can produce magnetic fields. (25 min)
Collaborative Design Session - In groups, develop detailed sketches of the house plan, focusing on the layout of electrical outlets, integration of renewable energy, and energy efficiency strategies. (30 min)
Scale Model Construction - Begin building the scale model of the home design, using materials to represent electrical components and renewable energy sources. (30 min)
Peer Review and Feedback - Share progress on scale models with peers, receiving constructive feedback to refine designs and improve energy efficiency plans. (15 min)
Deliverables
No deliverables due
No deliverables due
Scale Model Construction
Preparation 1. Gather materials for electromagnet experiments (batteries, wire, nails, compasses).
2. Provide access to design software or sketching tools for house layouts.
3. Prepare a list of renewable energy components (e.g., small solar panels, LEDs).
4. Organize collaborative spaces for group discussions and planning.
5. Coordinate with local renewable energy professionals for a guest speaker session.
Week 4
Day 10
Day 11
Day 12
Phase
Engineer
Do
Activities
Refining Electrical Layouts - In groups, review and refine the electrical layouts of the home designs, ensuring optimal placement of outlets and integration of renewable sources. (20 min)
Advanced Circuit Prototyping - Build advanced circuit prototypes using breadboards and components to test the efficiency and functionality of the proposed designs. (25 min)
Renewable Energy Integration Workshop - Collaborate with a guest speaker from Holaluz to explore best practices in integrating renewable energy sources like solar panels into home designs. (20 min)
Design Iteration - Apply insights from the workshop to iterate on house plans, focusing on improving the sustainability and efficiency of the electrical systems. (25 min)
Scale Model Finalization - Complete the construction of scale models, incorporating feedback and ensuring all electrical components and renewable sources are accurately represented. (25 min)
Testing and Troubleshooting - Conduct tests on the scale models to identify any issues in the design, using problem-solving skills to troubleshoot and make necessary adjustments. (20 min)
Deliverables
No deliverables due
No deliverables due
No deliverables due
Preparation
Week 5
Day 13
Day 14
Day 15
Phase
Do
Activities
Functional Home Model Presentation Preparation - Students finalize their scale models and practice presenting their design solutions to peers, focusing on the integration of renewable energy sources and energy efficiency strategies. (20 min)
Peer Presentation and Feedback Session - Students present their functional home models to peers, receive constructive feedback, and discuss ways to enhance their designs. (25 min)
Renewable Energy Efficiency Testing - Conduct tests on the home models to evaluate the effectiveness of renewable energy integration and overall energy efficiency, documenting findings. (25 min)
Troubleshooting and Design Improvements - Use insights from testing to make design improvements, ensuring optimal functionality and sustainability of the home electrical systems. (20 min)
Energy Audit Data Collection - Students conduct detailed energy audits on their home models, focusing on identifying areas for further energy efficiency improvements. (25 min)
Proposal Development - Based on audit findings, students develop a proposal outlining recommended improvements and strategies to enhance energy efficiency, preparing for an upcoming presentation. (20 min)
Deliverables
Functional Home Model Presentation
No deliverables due
No deliverables due
Preparation 1. Gather materials for scale model construction, including cardboard, wires, small bulbs, solar cells, and other necessary components.
2. Prepare handouts detailing experimental procedures for testing electrical systems and renewable integration.
3. Ensure access to measurement tools such as voltmeters and ammeters for data collection during testing.
4. Organize collaboration with Holaluz or other renewable energy professionals for student consultation and feedback sessions.
5. Set up a space in the classroom where students can easily test and refine their models.
6. Prepare guidelines for students to document their data and findings effectively, including templates for recording observations and results.
Week 6
Day 16
Day 17
Day 18
Phase
Do
Share
Activities
Final Testing and Data Analysis - Conduct final tests on the home models to gather comprehensive data on energy efficiency and renewable energy integration, ensuring alignment with HS-PS2-5 standards. (20 min)
Real-World Application Discussion - Reflect on the implications of the project findings in real-world contexts, discussing how these solutions could benefit low-income communities and improve sustainability practices. (25 min)
Presentation Rehearsal - Practice delivering the final presentation of the home model designs, focusing on clear communication of design solutions and sustainability benefits to engage the audience. (20 min)
Feedback and Refinement - Collaborate with peers to provide and receive feedback on presentation delivery, refining content and delivery for clarity and impact. (25 min)
Final Presentation to Audience - Deliver the final presentations to an authentic audience, such as school staff, community members, or renewable energy professionals, showcasing the completed home models and energy efficiency proposals. (30 min)
Reflective Sustainability Impact Essay - Write and submit a reflective essay on the sustainability impact of the project, addressing personal growth, learning outcomes, and the potential real-world impact of the designs. (15 min)
Deliverables
No deliverables due
No deliverables due
Reflective Sustainability Impact Essay
Preparation 1. Ensure all materials for building the scale models are available, such as cardboard, markers, wires, and small solar panels.
2. Prepare a checklist for students to self-assess their models and presentations against project goals and rubric criteria.
3. Arrange for a space to hold the final exhibition, ensuring it can accommodate students, staff, families, and external guests.
4. Coordinate with local renewable energy companies to confirm their participation in the exhibition.
5. Set up equipment for presentations, including projectors, screens, and sound systems, if needed.
6. Prepare reflection prompts or questions to guide the post-exhibition discussion and ensure a meaningful conclusion to the project.