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Year 6 - Science

The Sun as an energy source (non-statutory)

Climate change and sustainability (non-statutory)

Unit Summary

This unit examines our climate and the factors affecting it. Emphasis is on using data, taking precise measurements, recording data, and presenting findings.

Lesson Summary

You will learn to describe how solar cells use the Sun as a renewable energy source to generate electricity.

Key Notes

  • A solar panel is a collection of many solar cells, with each solar cell converting light from the Sun into electricity.
  • Electricity generated using solar panels is renewable, as the Sun will always be there as an energy source.
  • Solar panels can be fitted onto houses and schools and are a renewable energy source for generating electricity.
  • A solar farm is an area of land that is covered with up to thousands of solar panels to generate lots of electricity.

Vocabulary To Learn

  • solar cell: A solar cell is a device that converts light from the Sun into electricity.
  • electricity: Electricity is needed for lighting, heating and making machines and appliances work.
  • solar panel: A solar panel is a collection of many solar cells, with each solar cell converting light from the Sun into electricity.
  • generate: To generate electricity is to produce or make it.
  • energy source: Energy sources can be used to provide heat, light, or electricity.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

  • We cannot use electricity from solar cells when it is cloudy or at night.

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

1. Explain the scientific idea in this lesson using two key points.

A solar panel is a collection of many solar cells, with each solar cell converting light from the Sun into electricity. Electricity generated using solar panels is renewable, as the Sun will always be there as an energy source.

2. Define this scientific word and use it in context. 'solar cell'

A solar cell is a device that converts light from the Sun into electricity. Include the word in a full scientific explanation, not as a single label.

3. Correct this common scientific misunderstanding.

Mistake: We cannot use electricity from solar cells when it is cloudy or at night. Correction: Explanation of how energy can be stored in batteries to be used when it is needed.

More Lessons In This Unit

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