This lesson will explore the phenomenon of seasonal changes in sunlight in the Great Lakes and why that presents challenges to the adoption of solar sources as a renewable energy solution. While the Great Lakes region may not have as many sunny days as San Diego, the capacity for solar energy to be a viable source of power in the Great Lakes remains strong. However, it will take some adaptations to cloudy days and snow cover that other regions of the country do not have to contend with.
- Know how solar panels work
- Understand the challenges associated with using solar power in the Great Lakes region
- Be able to graph and analyze the seasonal changes in sunlight in a Great Lakes city
View the entire lesson plan including teacher background information, worksheets and more below or download for free here.
Activity 1:
This activity is a video discussion of a Great Lakes Now segment discussing the use of solar panels during the winter months in the Great Lakes.
Watch a Great Lakes Now Segment
Activity 2:
What happens when solar panels are no longer usable? Despite increased interest in recycling, the disposal of solar panels predominantly occurs in landfills, with a mere 10% currently being recycled. That’s because recycling the panels is a complicated process. Despite challenges, the solar recycling industry is anticipated to expand due to advancements in technology. As they read, students will learn about the disposal process of solar panels that have reached the end of life.
In this activity, students will use a Think Pair Square Protocol for discussing what they will read about this very topic.
Read About the Life Span of Solar Panels
Activity 3:
The purpose of this activity is to help students understand how the amount of daily sunlight changes throughout the year in the Great Lakes region.
Tracking Seasonal Changes in Sunlight
Activity 4:
The purpose of this activity is for students to observe and measure how the temperature of the air near an incandescent bulb changes with different levels of brightness.
How Light Affects Air Temperature
Activity 5:
The purpose of this activity is for students to design a device that can utilize the energy from sunlight to warm or cook food.
Build a Solar Oven to Make S’mores
Learn all about Big Fish and Gray Skies on the episode landing page.
If you use this lesson or any of its activities with your learners, we’d love to hear about it! Contact us with any feedback or questions at: GreatLakesNow@DPTV.org
