Powering Our Future: Energy (2020)

Lesson 9
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ELA

Unit 4

4th Grade

Lesson 9 of 14

Objective


Explain the pros and cons of using solar energy.

Readings and Materials


  • Book: Renewable Energy: Discover the Fuel of the Future with 20 Projects by Joshua Sneideman and Erin Twamley  — "The Power of the Sun," pp. 15–16 (para 1), 18–21 (para 1), 23–25

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Target Task


Writing Prompt

What are the pros and cons of using solar energy? What reasons and evidence does the author include on each side of the argument?

Sample Response

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Key Questions


Key Questions

  • What is a photon? How do photons help solar cells to produce electricity?

  • On page 20, the author says that "scientists, researchers, and engineers are working to improve the design and efficiency of solar panels." Why is that an important project?

  • Which areas are best for solar energy and why? Why is it important to consider where to put solar panels?

  • How might solar energy impact the environment?

  • Is solar energy renewable? Explain why or why not.

Exit Ticket

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Vocabulary


photon

n.

(p. 18)

a particle of light

solar cell

n.

(p. 18)

a photovoltaic cell that converts sunlight directly into electricity 

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Common Core Standards


  • RI.4.3 — Explain events, procedures, ideas, or concepts in a historical, scientific, or technical text, including what happened and why, based on specific information in the text.
  • RI.4.8 — Explain how an author uses reasons and evidence to support particular points in a text.
  • SL.4.1 — Engage effectively in a range of collaborative discussions (one-on-one, in groups, and teacher-led) with diverse partners on grade 4 topics and texts, building on others' ideas and expressing their own clearly.
  • SL.4.4 — Report on a topic or text, tell a story, or recount an experience in an organized manner, using appropriate facts and relevant, descriptive details to support main ideas or themes; speak clearly at an understandable pace.
  • W.4.1.a — Introduce a topic or text clearly, state an opinion, and create an organizational structure in which related ideas are grouped to support the writer's purpose.
  • W.4.1.b — Provide reasons that are supported by facts and details.
  • W.4.1.c — Link opinion and reasons using words and phrases (e.g., for instance, in order to, in addition).
  • W.4.9 — Draw evidence from literary or informational texts to support analysis, reflection, and research.

Supporting Standards

L.4.1
L.4.2
L.4.6
RF.4.3
RF.4.4
RI.4.1
RI.4.4
RI.4.9
RI.4.10
SL.4.3
SL.4.6
W.4.10

Next

Explain the pros and cons of using wind energy.

Lesson 10
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