Renewable Energy Codes
In this unit, students will explore renewable energy concepts, such as wind, solar, hydroelectric, and energy storage, by building and testing models using Kid Spark engineering materials. Each lesson will focus on a specific energy concept, and students will gain hands-on experience in how these energy systems work. After learning about each concept, students will apply their understanding to a creative design challenge.
Wind Energy
In this lesson, students will learn how the power of wind can be used to generate electrical energy by building a small wind turbine. Then, they’ll create their own device powered by the turbine.
Solar Energy
In this lesson, students will explore how to harness solar energy to generate electrical energy using the Spark:bit as a solar panel. They’ll then take part in a hands-on activity, building a small house or building with solar-powered lighting.
Hydroelectric Energy
In this lesson, students will learn how moving water can generate electrical energy. They will build a small hydroelectric turbine, observe how it transforms energy, and then design their own device powered by the turbine.
Storing Renewable Energy
In this lesson, students will learn how energy storage makes renewable energy systems more reliable. They will build a wind turbine and energy storage device to simulate generating, storing, and using energy. Finally, they will design a device powered by the stored energy.