**Lesson Plan: Basic Tech for Junior Secondary 3**
**Topic: Energy Resources - Solar Powered Devices**
**Grade Level:** Junior Secondary 3
**Subject:** Basic Technology
**Duration:** 60 minutes
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### **Lesson Objectives:**
By the end of the lesson, students will be able to:
1. Understand the concept of solar energy.
2. Identify different types of solar powered devices.
3. Explain the working principle of solar powered devices.
4. Discuss the benefits and limitations of using solar energy.
5. Conduct a simple activity to demonstrate how a solar powered device works.
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### **Materials Needed:**
- Whiteboard and markers
- Solar-powered calculator
- Small solar panel kit
- LED light bulb
- Handouts with diagrams of solar powered devices
- Internet access for short video clips
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### **Lesson Structure:**
#### **Introduction (10 minutes):**
1. **Greeting and Roll Call:** Briefly take the attendance and greet students.
2. **Hook:** Show a short video (2-3 minutes) on solar energy and its applications (e.g., solar panels, solar lights, solar calculators).
3. **Objective Sharing:** Clearly outline the lesson objectives and what students should expect to learn by the end of the class.
#### **Direct Instruction (15 minutes):**
1. **Concept Introduction:**
- Define solar energy: Energy obtained from the sun’s radiation.
- Discuss the importance and potential of solar energy in today's world.
- Explain how solar power is converted into electrical energy via photovoltaic (PV) cells.
2. **Types of Solar Powered Devices:**
- Highlight common solar powered devices such as solar lights, solar calculators, solar water heaters, and solar chargers.
- Use the handouts to show different diagrams and explain briefly how each device works.
#### **Demonstration (10 minutes):**
1. **Solar Calculator:**
- Show a solar powered calculator and explain its basic operation.
- Allow students to pass the calculator around and observe how light affects its functionality.
2. **Small Solar Panel Setup:**
- Display the small solar panel kit connected to an LED light bulb.
- Move the panel into and out of the sunlight (or use a strong lamp) to show how the bulb lights up, demonstrating the conversion of light to electrical energy.
#### **Guided Practice (10 minutes):**
1. **Group Activity:**
- Divide students into small groups and provide each group with a simple solar powered experiment kit (e.g., a small solar fan or solar toy).
- Instruct them to follow the steps on the handouts to assemble and test their devices.
- Rotate around the classroom, providing assistance and ensuring that every group is engaged and on task.
#### **Discussion and Q&A (10 minutes):**
1. **Interactive Discussion:**
- Engage students in a discussion about the benefits of using solar energy (e.g., renewable resource, no pollution, cost-effective in long-term) and its limitations (e.g., reliance on weather, initial setup cost).
- Use leading questions to prompt students to think critically about the topic. For example, "What happens on cloudy days?" or "How do you think solar power can help in rural areas?"
2. **Questions and Answers:**
- Open the floor for any questions from students about the lesson or the hands-on activity.
- Provide clear and concise answers, encouraging further curiosity.
#### **Conclusion and Assessment (5 minutes):**
1. **Review:** Recap the key points covered in the lesson, emphasizing the conversion of solar energy to electrical energy and the importance of solar powered devices.
2. **Exit Ticket:** Ask each student to write down one new thing they learned about solar powered devices and one question they still have.
3. **Homework Assignment:** Assign a short project where students research and create a poster on a solar powered device of their choice, explaining its components and how it contributes to sustainable living.
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### **Reflection:**
- Reflect on the effectiveness of the activities and student engagement.
- Consider what went well and what could be improved for future lessons.
- Adjust the lesson plan as needed based on student feedback and outcomes.
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### **Additional Resources:**
- Websites with educational content on solar energy (e.g., National Geographic)
- Library books on renewable energy sources
- Local science and technology museums for field trips
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This lesson plan aims to provide a hands-on, interactive approach to learning about solar energy and its applications, fostering both understanding and enthusiasm among Junior Secondary 3 students.