Solar Panel Sightings & Classroom Resources

One of my daily rituals on the way to driving to school is to check out the several houses en route that  have solar panels. They change seasonally, even daily:

• Blankets of snow on them in the winter;
• The sliding, gliding snow melt as the sun above warms them;
• Dew on early morning;
• Reflecting the sun, reflecting the clouds.

We've watched as more have appeared on our route over the years. My son points them out. We even got to witness the overnight appearance on one house as they were adding more. These silent storehouses of energy strike me as soldiers, attentive, standing firm, doing their job.

I must say, I'm proud of them. They are a stunningly gorgeous, a symbol of innovation. It is the countries that lead in alternative energy such as sun and wind that will succeed in making our planet ready to face the future!

Below are some kid-friendly facts and lessons plans/activities for parents & teachers alike:

• Ducksters: Solar Energy

• Solar Energy Lesson Plans from Brainpop

• Let's Go Solar: Cool Projects & Camps For Kids & Teens

• Energy Matters: Solar Energy For Kids & Teens

• eSchool Today: Solar Power

• Solar Energy Facts from Conserve Energy Future

• Ohio State University: Beyond Penguins & Polar Bears--Hands On Science & Literacy Activities About Solar Energy.

• Solar Energy Fun (A unit created by 2nd & 5th grade teachers Cathy Bellinghieri andLeslie Gonzalez)

• Try Engineering's Lessons: "Here Comes The Sun" (for 8-18 year olds)

• National Energy Education Development Project  "The Sun & It's Energy" K-12 Curriculum

Images from https://www.solarpowerauthority.com/, How Solar Panels Work from https://www.letsgosolar.com/consumer-education/solar-project-for-kids/; Header created at canva.com