Science of Solar – Solar Panel Energy Lab – Teacher

Summary

Teacher guide for a hands-on lab investigation where student groups test how solar panel angle affects electricity output using a small solar panel or repurposed solar garden light, a multimeter, and a light source. The teacher guide includes setup instructions, variable identification, a discussion prompt connecting lamp vs. sunlight angles to real-world solar tracking, a four-criteria rubric, an answer key, and five optional extension activities. Works well for grades 7-12 in physical science, earth science, or physics as an inquiry lab within a solar energy unit.