Unit Plan

Earth Science: Solar Energy

Objectives

Define energy and solar energy

Show understanding of solar energy absorption and reflection by
drawing an example (using arrows).
Demonstrate understanding of how energy is transferred by
providing several examples.
Identify objects that absorb and reflect energy.
Students will name other sources of energy (i.e. wind, light, etc).
Students will explain and list the steps of how to make a solar
powered oven.
Standards
Essential Standards
2.E.1 Understand patterns of
weather and factors that affect
weather.

of this light is reflected back into

space, some is absorbed
Reading

2.E.1.1 Summarize how energy

from the sun serves as a source
of light that warms the land, air
and water.

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.2.3.
Describe the connection
between a series of historical
events, scientific ideas or
concepts, or steps in technical
procedures in a text.

Unpacking the standard

Writing

2.E.1.1
Students know that light travels
from the sun to the earth. Some

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.2.8. Recall
information from experiences or
gather information from
provided sources to answer a
question

Assessments

Rubrics will be used for all project-based assignments.

Teacher and student discussion throughout the lessons.
Teacher observation.
Student response in science journals.

Lesson 1
What is energy?
In this introductory lesson, students will explore the term energy. Students will answer
questions such as: What is energy? Why do we need it? How is it transferred?
Lesson 2
What is the sun?
In this second lesson, students will explore more about the sun. What is the sun? What is
it made of? How does it benefit us?
Lesson 3
What is solar energy?
In this lesson students combine their knowledge from both lesson 1 and lesson 2 and
learn about solar energy. What is solar energy? How is it transmitted? Why do we need
it? How is solar energy absorbed or reflected? How do you know?
Lesson 4
Making Solar Powered Ovens
In this lesson students will apply their knowledge about solar energy into creating a solar
powered oven, where they will bake cookies. Students will understand that using the
suns energy can be as efficient as a regular oven but far more environmentally friendly.
Lesson 5
Other sources of energy
As a culminating lesson, students will explore other sources of energy, such as light and
wind. Students will find out which is the best source of energy and which source can be
more environmentally friendly. Students will do research and create short articles using
research that supports their beliefs.

I chose the earth science unit on solar energy because I felt like even though I only got a
chance to create one lesson for it during my internship, I could gain more knowledge
about the subject if I expanded on it. I also selected this unit because as my experience

as a substitute teacher, students absolutely love activities that involve several different
types of learning (i.e. visual, auditory, etc.). Students also get excited when they are
allowed to apply their newly acquired knowledge into a hands-on real world activity. I
specifically would like to revise my inquiry level of teaching this specific unit. I
understand that applying inquiry into your lessons is not mastered from one day to
another, which is why I selected this unit to revise how much inquiry is involved. Lastly, I
selected this unit because energy is a concept that many students have misconceptions
about; also, energy is a word that we use frequently, but many students may not really
know exactly what it is or what it involves. I believe this unit can be beneficial for
students, especially if introduced in the lower grade levels.