If changing one variable can improve a design, why not try changing more? Using the results from the previous activity, scholars decide on the variables that caused the most improvement in the effectiveness of the solar heater. They take this information and design a new solar heater, then test its effectiveness at heating water.

Concepts

solar energy, heat transfer, variables, engineering design, energy transfer

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Instructional Ideas

• Conduct a presentation night where groups showcase their solar heaters to family and community members
  

Classroom Considerations

• Requires data from the previous lesson
• This is the last of three parts in the Experimenting with Solar Heaters unit
  

Pros

• Provides a student worksheet
• Includes a data table for learners to fill in
  

Cons

• None

Common Core

RST.6-8.9