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Solar Story:

How One Community Lives Alongside the World's Biggest Solar Plant

Elementary

Description

At the edge of the Sahara Desert a tiny Moroccan village is transformed by the massive solar power station being constructed nearby.  On an exciting field trip to the facility, Jasmine and her classmates discover how sunlight is converted into electricity while also considering how this project has provided their families with new jobs, better medical care and technology at school.  As they complete their homework assignment on sustainability, the students realize that harnessing the power of the constant, hot sun is not only important to the future of their community, but is essential to a cleaner, healthier planet.  This non-fiction story teaches young readers how innovation and science are contributing to technologies that can utilize renewable natural resources and reduce our dependence on the fossil fuels that are destroying Earth.

General Assessment

Recommendation of how and where to use it

This story supports Grade K-4 Science units that are investigating energy sources and forms and how solar energy can be transformed into electricity.  Students also learn how renewable energy can reduce air pollution and support a healthier environment.  The book contains information about the the types of materials and design process for constructing a solar power plant which could be used to explore the science behind human-made structures.

This story creates an awareness of the link between environmental sustainability and community sustainability that might be used to develop a classroom action project centred on reduced electricity consumption.  Students could conduct a school energy audit and use the information to identify school-wide power saving strategies.  Activities such as a "lights off" campaign might also be promoted on the school website and local radio to inform the public how they can save money and help the environment by using less electricity.

Relevant Curriculum Units

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        • Vocabulary: Communication and comprehension are improved by understanding word meaning and structures
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        • Matter and Energy: Understandings of the physical world are deepened through investigating matter and energy.
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        • Matter and Energy: Understandings of the physical world are deepened through investigating matter and energy
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      • Science
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        • Matter and Energy Understandings of the physical world are deepened through investigating matter and energy.
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        • Curiosity and wonder lead us to new discoveries about ourselves and the world around us
        • Stories and other texts can be shared through pictures and words
      • Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Science 1:Light and sound can be produced and their properties can be changed
    • Grade 2
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        • Curiosity and wonder lead us to new discoveries about ourselves and the world around us
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        • Curiosity and wonder lead us to new discoveries about ourselves and the world around us.
    • Grade 4
      • Step 3Select a subject
      • English/Language Arts
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Exploring stories and other texts helps us understand ourselves and make connections to others and to the world
      • Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Science 4:Energy can be transformed

Themes Addressed

Citizenship (1)

  • Community-Building and Participation

Energy (2)

  • Alternative Energy
  • Energy Generation

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