Wind and Solar
Energy
School/program name Date
Background Information
(for facilitator)
•
Wind Energy: As the sun heats Earth’s surface, it does so in an uneven way. Sunlight strikes the
equatorial latitudes more directly than it does the polar latitudes, resulting in a higher
concentration of energy per unit area. It also is absorbed and reflected at different rates, depending
on the nature of the surface it strikes. This uneven heating results in areas of different pressure in
the atmosphere, which causes wind. Humans have relied on wind energy for thousands of years—
to help sail ships and grind grain, among other purposes. Modern wind turbines are used to convert
the kinetic energy of the atmosphere and convert it into electrical energy, which can be transmitted
via power lines or stored in batteries.
•
Solar Energy: Solar energy consists of electromagnetic radiation emitted by the sun. Much of this
energy is in the infrared, ultraviolet, and visible wavelengths. Although Earth’s magnetic field and
atmosphere block a large part of the sun’s radiation, enough solar energy strikes the US each day to
supply all of our energy needs for approximately one and a half years!
•
Solar energy is responsible for the existence of almost all life on Earth. As such, it is also the source
of the energy stored in fossil fuels. Solar energy also gives rise to wind energy, and together with
gravity, produces hydroelectric energy. Solar energy can be harnessed by humans in two main
ways—passive solar energy collection, and active solar energy collection. Passive solar energy
collection involves using structures, positions, and material properties to take advantage of the
sun’s energy. Active solar energy collection generally involves using photovoltaic cells to convert
solar radiation directly into an electric current.
Agenda
Opening (30 minutes)
Setting the Stage: The Power Of Wind (20 minutes)
Cyber Investigation: 3M Wind Energy Virtual Lab? (25 minutes)
Activity: Siemens Science Day: Blowin’ In The Wind (60 minutes)
Break (15 minutes)
Setting the Stage: The Power of the Sun (30 minutes)
Lunch (30 minutes)
Recess: Rainbow Tag (30 minutes)
Activity: The Abundance of Solar Energy (20 minutes)
STEM-tastic Careers (15 minutes)
Engineering Challenge: Siemens Science Day Lab: You’re Getting Warmer…
(60 minutes)
Mind Snacks (15 minutes)
STEM Camp Notebook Reflection (10 minutes)
Wrap Up (5 minutes)
Dive Into Digital Project (60 minutes)
Learning Objectives
To demonstrate how wind turbines are used to
generate electricity
To relate the advantages and disadvantages of
wind energy
To differentiate between active and passive solar
energy
To relate the advantages and disadvantages of
solar energy
Today’s Vocabulary
Wind Energy
Solar Energy
Renewable Energy
Setting the Stage:
The Power of Wind
What Are Fossil Fuels?
Video: Wind Power
Cyber Investigation
Activity:
Siemens Science Day:
BLOWIN’ IN THE WIND
Setting the Stage:
The Power of the Sun
How is Food related to Solar Energy?
Video: Lights Has Energy
Video: Solar Power
Activity:
The Abundance
of Solar Energy
What factors
affect the
abundance of
solar energy?
Video: Measuring Solar Energy
Video: Solar Power without the Sun
STEMtastic
Careers
Heather Dohan, Wind Scientist
What are some of the similarities and differences
between the work that wind energy engineers do
and the work that other types of engineers do?
What types of skills must a wind engineer have?
How does the work that wind engineers do impact
society and the environment?
Engineering Challenge:
Siemens Science Day Lab:
YOU’RE GETTING WARMER…
Mind Snacks
Notebook Reflection
Would the area in which you live be a good place
for a wind farm?
What are the advantages and disadvantages of
using wind energy?
What are some ways you can take advantage of
passive solar energy in your home or school?
What are some ways you can take advantage of
active solar energy in your home or school?
Wrap Up
Think about this…
What conditions are necessary for
generating hydroelectric energy?
What conditions are necessary for
generating geothermal energy?