1. Which colour of solar panel is best at absorbing energy?
Lesson aim : to plan and conduct an experiment to compare solar panels of different colours
Black
Silver
White

2. Lesson outcomes: By the end of the lesson you should have
made and explained a prediction
identified key variables and planned a fair test
designed an appropriate table to record results
decided if evidence supports your prediction
Taken account of the risks involved when conducting the investigation

3. Page 103 Spotlight

4. Comparing Solar Panels
Your task: Which colour of solar panel is best at absorbing energy?
Writing your report
You need to include the following in your report:
Prediction
Which will be the best and why do they think this?
Labelled diagram
Draw a labelled diagram to show how you used the apparatus.
Fair test
What is kept the same to give a fair test?
Results table
Design a table to record all the information needed to show your results clearly.
Conclusion
What do your results show?
Was your prediction correct?

5. Consider the following:
Which will be best?
Identify key variables:
Volume of water, time of exposure to lamp, distance from lamp.
Identify what needs to be recorded in table:
Colour of panel, starting temperature, finishing temperature, temperature change.
Risk assessment. The lamps will get very hot.

6. In groups of 3/4 set up the experiment and record initial water temperatures.
While the experiment runs you should start the report
When you have recorded your final temperature , pack your practical equipment away and finish your report

7. Which colour of solar panel is best at absorbing energy?
Have you?
made and explained a prediction
identified key variables and planned a fair test
designed an appropriate table to record results
decided if evidence supports your prediction
taken account of the risks involved when conducting the investigation
Could you improve your investigation?