| Many
science teachers - elementary/intermediate in particular
-- maintain an arm's length approach to energy issues,
if, in fact, they teach much science at all. Many have
received little or no education about solar energy in
their own education, and thus do not have the background
to discuss the material. Other teachers who know about
solar energy do not have the materials or cannot afford
to buy the materials that can be used in their classes.
To remedy this
situation, the Florida Solar Energy Center (FSEC) teamed
with the University of Central Florida to compile
information for a science curriculum aimed at the upper
elementary and intermediate grade levels. The curriculum
is easily replicable in any state or country around the
world.
The curriculum has 25
exercises that rely on free or low-cost materials to
provide students hands-on experience with the principles
of solar water heating, photovoltaics, solar cooking and
other subjects.
The curriculum is
available to teachers at no cost. It includes a detailed
bibliography and list of related web sites, as well as
more than 30 photos of solar applications around the
world. The web site curriculum is being updated and
revised regularly.
The material has been
pre-tested in several schools. During the pre-testing in
the fall of 1998, the response from teachers was
excellent, and feedback indicates that they will be
using the materials for periods ranging from one or two
classes to entire semesters.
Click
here to access the free curriculum.
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