Classroom Idea Sheet

Auto Sunshade Solar Collector

Explore heating with sunlight using a solar collector that is easy to make and store.

Standards alignment

Common Standards — cross-referenced to the Common Core State Standards, the Next Generation Science Standards and the California Content Standards.
Standard	Framework	Grade	Subject	Domain
Obtain and combine information to describe that energy and fuels are derived from natural resources and their uses affect the environment.	Next Generation Science Standards	Grade 4	Earth and Space Science	Earth and Human Activity
Make observations to provide evidence that energy can be transferred from place to place by sound, light, heat, and electric currents.	Next Generation Science Standards	Grade 4	Physical Science	Energy
Apply scientific ideas to design, test, and refine a device that converts energy from one form to another. [Examples : electric circuits that convert electrical energy into motion energy of a vehicle, light, or sound; and, a passive solar heater that converts light into heat. Examples of constraints: materials, cost, or design time.]	Next Generation Science Standards	Grade 4	Physical Science	Energy
Apply scientific principles to design a method for monitoring and minimizing a human impact on the environment	Next Generation Science Standards	Middle School	Earth and Space Science	Earth and Human Activity
Apply scientific principles to design, construct, & test a device that either minimizes or maximizes thermal energy transfer. [Examples: an insulated box, a solar cooker, & a Styrofoam cup.]	Next Generation Science Standards	Middle School	Physical Science	Energy
Evaluate competing design solutions for developing, managing, & utilizing energy & mineral resources based on cost-benefit ratios. [Emphasis: on the conservation, recycling, & reuse of resources (such as minerals & metals) where possible, & on minimizing impacts where it is not.]	Next Generation Science Standards	High School	Earth and Space Science	Earth and Human Activity
Evaluate or refine a technological solution that reduces impacts of human activities on natural systems.	Next Generation Science Standards	High School	Earth and Space Science	Earth and Human Activity
Design, evaluate, & refine a solution for reducing the impacts of human activities on the environment & biodiversity.	Next Generation Science Standards	High School	Life Science	Ecosystems: Interactions, Energy, and Dynamics
Design, build, & refine a device that works within given constraints to convert one form of energy into another form of energy.	Next Generation Science Standards	High School	Physical Science	Energy

California Standards — cross-referenced to the Common Core State Standards, the Next Generation Science Standards and the California Content Standards.
Standard	Framework	Grade	Subject	Domain
1.a. Energy comes from the sun to the Earth in the form of light.	CA Science	Grade 3	01. Physical Sciences	1. Energy and matter have multiple forms and can be changed from one form to another.
2.b. Light is reflected from mirrors and other surfaces.	CA Science	Grade 3	01. Physical Sciences	2. Light has a source and travels in a direction.
4.a. The sun is the major source of energy for phenomena on the Earth’s surface, powering winds, ocean currents, and the water cycle.	CA Science	Grade 6	04. Energy in the Earth System	4. Many phenomena on the Earth’s surface are affected by the transfer of energy through radiation and convection currents.
4.b. Solar energy reaches Earth through radiation, mostly in the form of visible light.	CA Science	Grade 6	04. Energy in the Earth System	4. Many phenomena on the Earth’s surface are affected by the transfer of energy through radiation and convection currents.

About this sheet

Grades covered

Grade 3 – Grade 12

Curriculum topics

Solar Heating, Radiant Energy, Sunlight Absorption

Sheet number

572

Categories: Earth and Space Science, Grades 3-5, Grades 6-8, Physical Science, Science
Tags: Energy, Human Impacts

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