Mechanical Engineering Commons^™

Module 2: Solar Powered Cricket Lab & Engineering Guest Speaker, Lindsay Snowden

ENERGY Research and Lesson Plans

Students will participate in a Solar Panel Cricket lab to determine which environmental condition would allow for the solar panel to produce the most power. The three conditions are inside, inside with a flashlight, or outside in the sun. The students will complete a correlating lab worksheet. Students will also ask questions and hold discussions with the guest speaker. Students will actively participate while the guest speaker is presenting.

Solar Energy R & D Project: Teachers Incorporating Stem- Modules To Yield An Energy Literate Generation, Tricia Kirkland, Lindsay Snowden

ENERGY Research and Lesson Plans

Background- Photovoltaic (PV) cells produce the largest amount of electricity when they are directly facing the sun. Solar panels that use tracking systems to position the panel to constantly face the sun have the greatest efficiency. But, these systems are expensive.

Aim- Design a dual axis tracking solar panel with microcontroller and sensors (light, humidity, temperature, and compass) that are both cost effective and efficient. Sensors will be used to determine performance depending on environmental factors.

Ethics Statement: Researchers will keep honest, clear, and accurate records when collecting all data in lab and communication of information learned.