Investigating Energy from the Sun

Middle School Module

Investigating Energy from the Sun is a SEPUP module designed for use in grades 6–12. The module contains a series of 7 activities that provide approximately 3–5 weeks of instruction.

This module focuses on the physical properties of electromagnetic energy given off by the sun. Most of the energy the earth receives from the sun is in the form of electromagnetic energy. In this module, students explore the physical properties of electromagnetic waves given off by the sun.The physical properties of infrared, visible, and ultraviolet radiation are explored using the concepts of selective transmission, reflection and absorption. Through an established story line, students use evidence to establish a relationship between the physical properties of ultraviolet waves and their associated health risks of cataracts and skin cancer. Students then determine ways of reducing the overall risks associated with ultraviolet exposure. Students are assessed on their ability to analyze data.

Each module includes a Teacher’s Guide containing reproducible student pages and a kit containing the equipment required to conduct the activities with five classes of 32 students. The Teacher’s Guide provides specific strategies to facilitate and assess student learning.

What else would you like to know about this module?

• Table of contents

• Equipment kit contents

• Sample activity from the SEPUP Module Waste Disposal: Computers and the Environment (165K pdf)
  (To read pdf files, get Acrobat Reader from www.adobe.com)

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Module Overview

Table of Contents

Kit Contents

Ordering Information