Various sections in the Curriculum for Excellence programme require pupils to be conversant with the concepts of renewable energy, the different types of energy around us as well as the conversion of one form of energy to another.
Practical Investigations
The Length of a Ski Jump
With this equipment pupils can investigate how the distance jumped by a skier varies with the angle of the slope, the take-off height up the slope or the height of the ramp above the landing area.
The Speed of a Diver
Very simple but very effective. The equipment consists of a 40 x 50 mm rectangular piece of plastic with a central hole to represent the diver. It slides down a guiding thread, passing through a light gate.
The Range of a Golf ball
This equipment allows pupils to investigate how the range of a golf ball varies with respect to the angle of launch or the force of strike. The effect of changing the mass of the ball can also be investigated although this would not be within the rules of golf!
Output of a Solar Cell
Using the mounted solar cell and the mounted lamp holder with a 24 or 36W lamp gives a neat setup for investigating the output of a solar cell. The area exposed. the angle and the distance from the source can all be investigated. It is of course best carried out in a darkened room.