Careers in Solar Power Engineering Teacher Resource Guide

Transcription

1 Careers in Solar Power Engineering Teacher Resource Guide Northwest Ohio NWOET Educational Technology This resource was made possible by a grant from etech Ohio and the State of Ohio.

2 Module Synopsis Terms Solar engineering is considered one of the Green technologies. Our reliance on fossil fuels is decreasing due to costs and availability. The use of solar power and solar power technologies is on the rise. Do you have what is takes to join this exciting field? A love of math and science, problem solving and an opportunity to work outdoors are just some of the requirements. Definitions obtained from: unless noted Carbon Footprint - A measure of how our daily activities affect the environment. It relates to the amount of greenhouse gases we release into the world through burning fossil fuels. For instance, driving our cars, heating our homes, and using electricity all contribute to the release of greenhouse gases. Even buying food and clothes affect the amount of greenhouse gases released into the environment. Energy - The ability to do work or the ability to move an object. Energy conservation - The practice of decreasing the amount of energy used. Energy efficiency - The practice of using less energy to do something as good as before or better. Photovoltaic cells - A device that converts energy from light into electricity. Renewable energy - Energy sources can be replenished (made again) in a short period of time. Sunlight, wind, water, geothermal, and plants are all examples of renewable energy sources. Solar cooker - A device that reflects and absorbs the sun s rays to produce heat that allows foods to cook. Solar energy - The radiant energy of the sun, which can be converted into other forms of energy, such as heat or electricity. Solar engineering - The branch of technology that studies the conversion of solar radiation energy into other forms of energy suitable for practical use. Solar panels - A device which is used to convert energy contained within the sun s rays into electricity. From Solar power - Energy from the sun that is converted into thermal or electrical energy. From 2 Careers in Solar Power Engineering

3 Pre & Post Assessment Correct answer is shown with a RED Capital letter 1. One of the fastest growing career areas is a. Solar manufacturing b. Solar storage ( battery ) maintenance C. Design and installation of solar panels d. Electrical mechanical engineering 5. While no form of power is perfect, an advantage of solar is a. Low cost installation b. Better methods of storage are available c. Many small business can use solar but not wind energy D. No moving parts in-home installations 2. The solar energy reaching the earth in 24 hours can provide enough power to last every person in the world a hours b hours c. 365 hours D. an entire year 3. A degree in solar engineering requires course work in A. Math, engineering and science b. Electrical engineering c. Mechanical engineering d. Industrial technology 4. To become a national board certificated installer you must a. Complete a college degree in this area B. Complete both coursework and handson experiences c. Certification can now be earned 100% online d. Certification can be earned 100% hands-on after several years experience 6. Compared to other forms of energy, the cost of solar energy is expected to a. Increase about the same as other forms of energy b. Increase more rapidly than other forms of energy c. Decrease slightly compared with other forms of energy D. Decrease significantly from current costs 7. A homeowner using solar panels may see their electric meter a. Stop working B. Run backward c. Operate normally d. Most solar homes do not use electric meters 8. What college is most likely to offer degrees in solar energy? a. Education b. Business administration C. Engineering and technology d. Both a and b Careers in Solar Power Engineering 3

4 Activity 1 Build A Solar Cooker from PBS Kids ZOOM The sun provides plenty of light, warms us up, makes us sweat and has the ability to cook our food. Harness the sun s energy to cook up some treats. Build this solar oven with readily available materials. Directions and more information are available on the following two websites. Zoom Science - Solar Cookers Home Science Tools - Build a Solar Cooker The principles of a solar cooking: A solar box cooks because the interior of the box is heated by the energy of the sun. Sunlight, both direct and reflected, enters the solar box through the glass or plastic top. It turns to heat energy when it is absorbed by the dark absorber plate and cooking pots. This heat input causes the temperature inside of the solar box cooker to rise until the heat loss of the cooker is equal to the solar heat gain. Temperatures sufficient for cooking food and pasteurizing water are easily achieved. as found and explained on this website: Principles of Solar Box Cooker Design Activity 2 Solar Activities: Ice Cube Meltdown (Which colors absorb light and heat?) This activity is taken from National Aeronautics and Space Administration NASA and linked to this website: Solar Energy Activities About this Activity Some colors absorb light and heat better than others. Some colors are better at reflecting light and heat. Guess which color gets the hottest, and test your guess by melting ice cubes on different colored surfaces. Experiment with ways of making the ice cubes melt faster and slower. (Age range: middle school) Modified from an activity from: Preparation: Gather materials To Do and Notice 1. Guess which color will melt an ice cube fastest. 2. Put different colored pieces of paper (and a piece of aluminum foil) in the sun. 3. Place an ice cube on each surface. 4. See which ice cube melts first, and which melts last. 5. Which surface caused the ice cube to melt the fastest? Why? 4 Careers in Solar Power Engineering

5 OPTIONAL: Put a piece of cardboard under the colored surfaces. Would this make any difference in how long it takes the ice cubes to melt? Why? Now try putting the ice cubes in plastic bags, or covering them with plastic wrap. Would this make any difference in how long it takes the ice cubes to melt? Why? Activity Notes Light is one form of energy. When light hits an object, that energy is absorbed into the object and transformed from light energy into heat energy. Activity 3 Exploring the Solar Energy Profession The Bureau of Labor Statistics list the following as occupations in the category of Careers in Solar Power Using the resources and websites in the Resource Guide, as well as other resources, explore the the occupations listed. Choose two to compare. List the educational requirements, median income levels, and general responsibilities/job duties of the occupations chosen. Summarize the benefits and limitations of each occupation, as well as your opinion of these occupations. CIte your references, include: source, author and date of publication. Occupations in Solar Power Scientific research Solar power engineering Manufacturing for solar power Solar power plant construction Solar power plant operations Solar photovoltaic installers Solar panel installation and maintenance Careers in Solar Power Engineering 5

6 Common Core Standards Writing Standards for Literacy in History/Social Studies, Science, and Technical Subjects Write arguments focused on discipline-specific content. WHST Introduce claim(s) about a topic or issue, acknowledge and distinguish the claim(s) from alternate or opposing claims, and organize the reasons and evidence logically. WHST.6-8.1a Write informative/explanatory texts, including the narration of historical events, scientific procedures/ experiments, or technical processes. WHST Use precise language and domain-specific vocabulary to inform about or explain the topic. WHST d Reading Standards for Literacy in Science and Technical Subjects 6 12 Craft and Structure - RST Determine the meaning of symbols, key terms, and other domain-specific words and phrases as they are used in a specific scientific or technical context relevant to grades 6 8 texts and topics. Integration of knowledge and ideas - RST Compare and contrast the information gained from experiments, simulations, video, or multimedia sources with that gained from reading a text on the same topic. Key Ideas and Details - RST Follow precisely a multistep procedure when carrying out experiments, taking measurements, or performing technical tasks. Resources: Bureau of Labor Statistics The Bureau of Labor Statistics, provides detailed information regarding occupations within the Solar Power field. Job descriptions, income information and other resources are available at this site. Chevron Corporation hosts this website which contains an interactive game designed by the Economist Group. Players need to make decisions that impact the environment, economy and security of a virtual city. Information about energy sources and energy demands is also included. Chevron Energy Game: SOLAR POWER: Stanford Solar Center This website focuses on the Sun. The topics are clearly identified. There are links for students and educators. Activities, Quizzes and a Glossary are among the features. Solar Energy International Renewable energy Education Solar Energy International (SEI) was founded in 1991 as a nonprofit educational organization to help others to use renewable energy resources and sustainable building technologies through education and technical assistance. 6 Careers in Solar Power Engineering

7 This website contains resources for students and educators. on renewable energy. A Video Library, newsletter, links to other resources, and a free online course covering energy efficiency and the many types of renewable energy. U.S. Dept. of Energy - Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Kids Saving Energy : This website aimed at kids, contains facts, games and energy saving tips. The bonus for educators is the link labeled: Parents and Teachers here you will find a searchable list of K-12 lesson plans that can be tailored to grade levels and topics. Energy Star Kids - Comprehensive information on how kids can make an impact on their energy use. The Word Bank tab includes vocabulary words and definitions. Activities are attractively presented and include valuable information. The information for parents and teacher includes resources and activities using the Lorax and Horton Hears a Who. California Energy Commission Energy Quest Energy and environmental resources Excellent material and resources, videos also included. Alliance to Save Energy: Energy Hog Many interactive activities are included within this website. Getting students to be aware of energy efficiency in an interactive way. This website has a downloadable (PDF) teacher and student guide to have students take part in the Energy Hog Challenge. Hands-on Science and Literacy Activities about Solar Energy: Funded by NSF National Science Foundation Resources for older kids Links to other resources about renewable energy Mrs. Mitchell s Virtual School list of links re: energy Solar energy Lessons for Kids Lesson Plans Energy Education and Workplace Development: Lesson Plans K-12, search by topic and grade level. Winston Solar Car Challenge The Solar Car Challenge was established in 1993 to help motivate students in science and engineering, and to increase alternative energy awareness. The Challenge teaches high school students around the world how to build roadworthy solar cars. Careers in Solar Power Engineering 7