The Sun as an energy source (non-statutory)
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can describe how solar cells use the Sun as a renewable energy source to generate electricity.
Key learning points
- A solar panel is a collection of many solar cells, with each solar cell converting light from the Sun into electricity.
- Electricity generated using solar panels is renewable, as the Sun will always be there as an energy source.
- Solar panels can be fitted onto houses and schools and are a renewable energy source for generating electricity.
- A solar farm is an area of land that is covered with up to thousands of solar panels to generate lots of electricity.
Keywords
Solar cell - A solar cell is a device that converts light from the Sun into electricity.
Electricity - Electricity is needed for lighting, heating and making machines and appliances work.
Solar panel - A solar panel is a collection of many solar cells, with each solar cell converting light from the Sun into electricity.
Generate - To generate electricity is to produce or make it.
Energy source - Energy sources can be used to provide heat, light, or electricity.
Common misconception
We cannot use electricity from solar cells when it is cloudy or at night.
Explanation of how energy can be stored in batteries to be used when it is needed.
Teacher tip
In the final practice task, give pupils time to discuss and share their own ideas about what the pros and cons of using electricity generated from the Sun could be. Using the strategy: positive, negative and interesting, is a great way to encourage deeper thinking.
Equipment
A selection of solar–powered devices (e.g. garden lights, calculators, power chargers) would be interesting to explore first–hand.
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Which of these gives out its own heat and light?
Q2.The place something comes from or starts at is its __________.
Q3.Which of these words means to make or produce electricity?
Q4.Which of these are examples of fossil fuels?
Q5.A __________ resource or material is one that cannot be replaced once it has been used up.
Q6.The total amount of greenhouse gases that are generated by our actions is called our...
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.The ‘window’ on this calculator is called a solar ...
Q2.A solar panel is made up of many solar ...
Q3.Each solar cell is used to convert __________ into electricity.
Q4.Where are solar panels mostly fitted onto houses, schools and other buildings to generate electricity?
Q5.Electricity generated using the Sun is renewable because...
Q6.Which of these images shows a solar farm?
To help you plan your 6 science lesson on: The Sun as an energy source (non-statutory), download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 6 science lesson on: The Sun as an energy source (non-statutory), download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
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