Lesson summary
Students will apply their knowledge of trigonometry to solve practical problems related to optimising the direction and tilt angles of solar panels. They will explore how angles of elevation affect solar panel efficiency and design a small-scale solar farm, utilising mathematical reasoning to determine the optimal orientation and tilt for maximum energy production.
Learning intentions:
Students will...
- understand how to apply trigonometry to real-world contexts by investigating the optimal direction and tilt angle for solar panels and exploring how these factors impact energy efficiency in a solar farm design.
Success criteria:
Students can...
- calculate unknown side lengths and unknown angles in right-angled triangles using trigonometry
- apply trigonometric principles to determine the height of objects using their shadow lengths and the sun’s angle of elevation in order to design a small-scale solar farm layout that maximises energy efficiency by selecting the appropriate direction and tilt angle for the panels.
- apply mathematical reasoning to a real-world context and communicate findings
Lesson guides and printables
Lesson details
Skills
This lesson is designed to build students’ competencies in the following skills:
- creative thinking
- critical thinking
- communication
- problem-solving
Curriculum Mapping
Australian Curriculum (v9.0) content description: Year 10 Mathematics
Students learn to:
- solve practical problems applying Pythagoras’ theorem and trigonometry of right-angled triangles, including problems involving direction and angles of elevation and depression (AC9M10M03)
Relevant parts of Year 10 achievement standards: Students apply Pythagoras’ theorem and trigonometry to solve practical problems involving right-angled triangles.
NSW Syllabus outcomes:
- applies trigonometric ratios to solve right-angled triangle problems (MA5-TRG-C-01)
- applies trigonometry to solve problems, including bearings and angles of elevation and depression (MA5-TRG-C-02)
General capabilities: Critical and Creative Thinking, Literacy, Numeracy
Cross-curriculum priority: Sustainability
Level of teacher scaffolding: Medium: facilitate class discussion
UN Sustainable Development Goals
UN SDG 7: Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all.
- Target 7.2: By 2030, increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix.
Resources Required
- Device capable of displaying audiovisual material
- Student devices for personal research
- Tape measures (one per pair)
Additional Info
This lesson has been developed in partnership with the Queensland Government through Queensland's Clean Energy Workforce Roadmap. Cool.org would like to acknowledge and express our gratitude to the Clean Energy Council for the expertise and advice provided in creating these resources.
Related Professional Learning
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