Powering Our Future: Energy

Lesson 9
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ELA

Alternate Unit 2

4th Grade

Lesson 9 of 14

Objective


Explain the pros and cons of using solar energy.

Readings and Materials


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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
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Lesson 8

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Lesson 10

Lesson Map

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