Week 2 - Curriculum

Whew, week one is done.  I did one more revision on the first two days of instruction post (you will need to scroll down to view that post).  A few new resources (including the electricity PowerPoint) were added.

The students have now received instruction regarding energy, energy sources (renewable and non-renewable), global warming/climate change, electricity generation, and the outcomes of the energy choices we make, it is time to move on to week two.

In week two, we begin our field trip experiences with a visit to the Southern California Edison (SCE) Irwindale location.  At this location, SCE has its energy learning center and they offer free tours.  This site visit fits in perfectly with the energy literacy theme.

We will also be building two models this week: a solar cooker and a solar car (Day 4).  To top off that day, a guest speaker from a local solar installation company is coming to campus to speak with the students..  

Day 3: Southern California Edison field trip July 2, 2012
Experts from Southern California Edison will provide the Smart Energy Experience tour where they will learn about advanced home electrical meters, energy efficient home technology, and smart grid technology. http://www.sce.com/b-sb/energy-centers/ctac/tour-ctac/smart-energy-experience.htm	Students will learn about advanced home electrical meters, energy efficient home technology, and smart grid technology. They will ask questions about the technology they have experienced.
Day 4: Solar Power July 3, 2012
Provide overview of solar energy.  This presentation was developed by National Energy Education Department.  I augmented it with additional pictures and videos.  Please see the note section of each slide (particularly the video slides) as they show the source for each media element. Assist the students in completing the solar energy worksheets: Older students' worksheet Older students' discussion questions Younger students' worksheet Assist the students with assembling solar cookers purchased from Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Ignition-Series-Solar-Cooking-Science/dp/B0033UWMKA/ref=sr_1_1?s=toys-and-games&ie=UTF8&qid=1341101673&sr=1-1&keywords=solar+cooker Assist the students with assembling solar car kits purchased from Pitsco http://shop.pitsco.com/store/detail.aspx?ID=5917&retest=1&bhcp=1.     Guest speakers from SolarCity (local solar panel installer). Review the progress of the solar cookers.and make ice cream sundaes.	Students will participate in a class discussion regarding solar energy. They will complete their individual worksheets and participate in a class discussion. They will work as a team to construct solar cookers (which will be used to heat chocolate). Each student will assemble a solar car. Students will ask questions regarding the presentation from SolarCity.
Day 5: Computer Lab Day July 5, 2012 Complete quick-write regarding past activities. Walk students through completing a carbon footprint calculator: http://www.cooltheworld.com/kidscarboncalculator.php (skip questions about traveling in/out of the UK). Discuss the outcomes (high numbers vs. low numbers).  If time permits, have the student go back through the questions, this time, making all energy saving choices. Using ArcGIS Explorer Online the students will create an individual map that shows the energy field trip sites that have and will be take place.	Students will compelte the quick write and reflect on their experience so far. Students will use the computer to calculate their own carbon footprints.  Outcomes will be discussed as a group.  Students will also use an online computer mapping application to create an individual map that shows the field trip locations.