For Students

Empowering learning: student activities

From energy basics to the latest technology innovations, learn how solar energy can power your world - and why it matters.

Featured Lessons

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Engineering design
Solar photovoltaic technology
Energy transformations

How It Works: Solar for Schools

How does solar work for schools? Is the technology reliable? How much does it cost? Why do some schools have solar while others do not? Find the answers to these questions (and more!) in this module so you can better understand if, how, and why, solar can work for your school.

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Pollinators
Elementary
Learning Resource

Virtual Solar Tour

Tour the components of a roof-mounted and ground-mounted solar array through this interactive Google Slideshow.

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Data Analysis
Solar photovoltaic technology
Energy transformations

Interpreting Solar Energy Dashboards

Solar energy dashboards can reveal an amazing story about how solar panels are performing at any given moment. In this self-guided module, you will first analyze graphs of solar production to form conclusions about seasonal and weather patterns. Then, you will apply your understanding to make predictions about future production.

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Career awareness
Workforce readiness
Solar photovoltaic technology

Exploring Solar Energy Careers

What does a solar professional actually do, and what qualifications are needed to get a job in the solar industry? In this lesson, you will explore a variety of solar jobs – including pay ranges, job responsibilities, and required certifications – and discover pathways for career growth.

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"I feel like seeing solar up close makes it matter more...we use solar in our everyday lives."

Awa Ba
Student, Henrico County Public Schools

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Renewable Energy
Career Readiness
STEM
Elementary
Middle

Women in Energy Careers Picture Book

This illustrated book spotlights diverse women working in STEM.

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Elementary
Middle
Science
Project
Equipment

Hands-On Solar Projects: Solar Schoolhouse

Doing is believing. Solar Schoolhouse offers hands-on, student-centered activities that demonstrate how solar energy can be harnessed and used. Ideal for elementary and middle school, projects include solar ovens (thermal), solar whirligigs (photovoltaic), and DIY solar panels (photovoltaic). All materials are available for purchase as classroom kits at the School Store tab.

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High
CTE
Renewable Energy
More than 2 hours
Science

Intro to Renewable Energy - Free Online Course

This free self-paced online course covers the basics of electricity, conservation and efficiency, and renewable energy technologies. This course is perfect for teachers seeking professional development or motivated high school students.

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Middle
High
Career Readiness
Renewable Energy
Less than 1 hour

Careers in Renewable Energy Video

This 4-minute video introduces the wide span of jobs in the renewable energy industry, including some less commonly featured technologies like wave energy.

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Elementary
Learning Resource
Complete Lesson
Less than 1 hour
Science

Solar Storytime for Pre-K

Children can follow along with the video recording to hear two solar-related stories and create a sun craft. Featured books: Solar Power Comes to My Home by Susie Flann and Sun Song by Jean Marzollo. Video by the Wisconsin K-12 Energy Education Program.

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Career Readiness
High
CTE
Certification
More than 2 hours

NABCEP Solar Installer Certification

A NABCEP certification makes a solar installer's resume shine, as it serves as a powerful signal of solar PV knowledge and training.

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STEM
Career Readiness
Middle
High
Less than 1 hour

Hear from Women in Solar - Video

Women from across the world talk about their roles in the solar industry in this 4-minute video.

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Harness Your Power

Learn
the Science

Explore how solar technology converts sunlight into electricity.

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Build
job Skills

Build skills to stand out in the clean energy workforce.

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Learn
From Others

Generate ideas and inspiration by seeing what other Solar Empowered Schools are doing.

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