Designing Solar Farms Using Trigonometry

Designing Solar Farms Using Trigonometry

Lesson 6 of 6 in this unit

  • Secondary
  • Year 10
  • Mathematics
  • Measurement
  • Environmental
  • Energy
  • Sustainability
  • Economic
  • Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
  • Job Ready
  • ...

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 Plan
Student Worksheet
Teacher Content Info
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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 RoadmapCool.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

STEM Professional Learning Pathway

Quick summary: Enhance your practice with Cool.org's STEM Professional Learning Pathway. This year-long plan is designed to build your skills and capabilities in teaching STEM, ultimately transforming you into a STEM Innovator. The pathway will prepare you to integrate STEM education effectively, adapt to technological advancements and inspire students to succeed in a rapidly evolving world.

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