Summary of NMSEA Solar Energy Curricula/Projects

Also see our Summary of Educational Programs/Resources

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Suggested Curriculum Sequences

1. Decide if you want to request a visit from the SunChaser2 or ask for a presentation involving a demonstration exhibit. If you're hosting a SunChaser2 visit, we suggest that the visit occurs before the students do any solar projects. A SunChaser2 visit should not be considered as a substitute for classroom instruction, rather, its a chance to augment this instruction with hands on interaction with exciting renewable energy technology.

2. Read/skim the Primer From Oil Wells to Solar Cells. This provides a solid background on energy issues and renewable energy, and can be used later as a resource.

3. Read/skim the first six sections of the Energy Concepts Primer. This provides a solid appreciation of basic energy concepts.

4. Host a SunChaser2 visit OR follow the presentation sequences outlined in the first three sections of the  SunChaser2 Energy Pathways Curriculum. This will begin to address basic questions including:

   • What are the different types of energy? 

   • Where does energy come from?

   • How is energy transported? 

   • How does energy flow through the environment?

   • What are the pollution effects of energy production and usage?

5. Having laid a solid background, now pick one or more of the projects below, for example, for young students (grades 3-6) a good sequence is:

   1. Let's Study the Sun! 

   2. Introduction to the Interaction of Light with Matter, 

   3. Make a pizza box solar oven

   4. Simple Solar Cell Demonstration

   For older students (grades 7-12), a good sequence is:

   1. Introduction to dc Electricity

   2. Simple Solar Cell Demonstration

   3. Explore Passive Solar Design

   4. Explore Photovoltaics

   5. Electrolysis: Obtaining hydrogen from water: The Basis for a Solar-Hydrogen Economy
   6. Explore Fuel Cells
   7. Introduction to the Interaction of Light with Matter
   8. Experiment with a Passive Solar Design Laboratory

   Happy Learning!

Teacher Primers 

• From Oil Wells to Solar Cells: A Solar Energy Primer

  • A comprehensive introduction to renewable energy science, technology, and issues

• Passive Solar Design Primer

• Energy Physics Primer

  • A conceptually deep but mathematically simple introduction to the physics of energy on an adult level

• New Mexico Energy and Sustainability Education directory

Demonstration Exhibits

NMSEA has a powerful and growing collection of demonstration exhibits and skilled individuals that we are happy to bring to schools in New Mexico, time and resources allowing. There is no charge.  

Non-NMSEA Educational Resources

• New Mexico Energy and Sustainability Education directory

• Websites (including curricula from other groups), books, films, etc.

SunChaser2 Related Curricula

• SunChaser2 Energy Pathways Curriculum

  • The curriculum followed by our instructors during SunChaser visits. Students are led to understand the flow of energy through their world along various pathways.

Classroom Curricula/Projects

About our Sun: 

• Let's Study the Sun! 
  • All ages
  • Includes two projects:
    • Let's Observe the Sun
    • Sing a Solar Song
  • Includes necessary background information about the Sun

Energy Basics:

• What is Energy?
  • This section of our Energy Pathways Curriculum can be presented in the classroom
• Explore the Solar Resource
  • Calculate how much land area is needed to solar power the United States (upper high school levels)

Photosynthesis: 

• The Biological Energy Pathway
  • This classroom presentable section of our Energy Pathways Curriculum introduces students to how energy flows in the nature, and also to the fact that they are solar powered. 
• The Fossil Fuel Energy Pathway
  • This classroom presentable section of our Energy Pathways Curriculum introduces students to how fossil fuel sources of energy are really a form of solar energy. Pollution problems are also introduced (a picture of a power plant and global warming data are included).

Passive Solar Design

• Explore Passive Solar Design

Solar Electricity:

• Introduction to dc Electricity
  • Basic concepts of atoms, batteries, circuits, volts, amps, and watts
• Simple Solar Cell Demonstration
  • The easiest possible solar cell demo (grades 3-12): demonstrates a solar electricity generation process
• Explore Photovoltaics
  • Explore the history, science, and components of solar electricity.
• Calculate the cost of Photovoltaic Systems (Home Solar Electricity)
  • A good math/physics/economics calculation for upper level high school students
• Electrolysis: Obtaining hydrogen from water: The Basis for a Solar-Hydrogen Economy
  • A classic for grades 7-12! Demonstrates a possible future solar energy storage process
• Explore Fuel Cells
  • Explore the history, science, and applications of this fascinating emerging technology that promises to revolutionize energy storage. 

Solar Thermal:

• Make Sun Tea!
  • Simple but fun
• Introduction to the Interaction of Light with Matter
  • The simple basics of absorption, transmission, and reflection of light.
• Make a pizza box solar oven 
  • A classic for grades 3-6!
• Experiment with a Passive Solar Design Laboratory
  • Grades 7-12; Good for developing basic experimental skills

General Energy Awareness:

• Learn about our sources of energy through drawing  
  • Young Students

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 High-School/College Level Course Outlines

• Solar Curricula