Starter Question: How do we get energy from the sun?

Year 10 Controlled Assessment Lesson 1 Objectives: All students will be familiar with the structure of the controlled assessment and can describe two different ways we get energy from the sun. Most students will be able to explain the difference between a photovoltaic panel and a solar furnace. Some students will be able to explain how a photovoltaic cell and solar furnace works.

Controlled Assessment Overview We will not be using our folders or books for the next few weeks, all work will be completed on lined paper and kept in an individual plastic wallet. Everyone will be doing the same two controlled assessments; one on solar furnaces and another on electricity through a wire. Triple Science Students will do an third, extra one.

Controlled Assessment Overview There is no separate Higher and Foundation. Any student, if they work hard enough, can get an A or A*. Each piece of coursework is worth 25% of a GCSE. If you follow the instructions, work hard and complete all the work over the next few weeks; the coursework can significantly pull up your overall grade.

Controlled Assessment Overview Each piece coursework is made up of three separate parts. We will guide you through each part, explain exactly what you need to do and how to achieve full marks. You will need to write up several bits on your own, in exam conditions. You can work together before these lessons, but it is vital you understand what you are doing so you can do these sections by yourself.

Part One - Researching Part one is worth 6 marks – but is vital as you need to understand what is going one for the other parts. During part one you will: Learn the theory behind the experiment. Spend 2 lessons in the computer room researching detailed answers to 5 questions. Use the Easter holidays to collect more information to help you answer the questions in full. Spend two lessons writing up your research in your own words as a mini-essay, with a bibliography and references.

Part Two – Practical Day Part two is worth 18 marks. 6 marks for your method and variable analysis. 6 for your results tables. 6 for a risk analysis. Part two will be done all one day as a special Science Controlled assessment day. The first one will be on Friday 24th April and you will be getting a letter in the next week explaining it’s importance.

Part Two – Practical Day On the controlled assessment day you will: Spend two hours, in groups or two or three, planning your experiment in detail. You will need write down lots of notes and explain how you will make the experiment accurate, reliable and safe. Spend one hour writing up your notes in exam conditions by yourself. Spend the last two hours collecting results and producing the results table.

Part 3 – The Exam The exam is worth 24 marks. You will plot a graph of your results, make conclusions and perform a detailed evaluation. It is done over two lessons, in silence, by yourself. You can use all the notes you have made before the exam. The exam is much easier if you have done really in-depth research, make detailed notes throughout and have worked really hard every lesson beforehand.

Setting up for the CA You will now be given a plastic wallets and a stickily label. Write your name, form and class on the label, and stick it on the top right-hand corner. This is where you will keep all of your work. They do not go home, and you need to make sure it is put back in the box-lid at the end of EVERY lesson.

Solar Energy - Introduction Energy can be directly collect from the sun in several different ways: Solar panels: Heat water for a house so less energy is used by your boiler.

Photovoltaic Cells: Use light energy to produce electricity Photovoltaic Cells: Use light energy to produce electricity. Photovoltaic Basics How they work Why are they moving?

Solar Furnaces Use mirrors to reflect light towards a single point. Can be used to heat water or salt to produce electricity, or used to provide very hot temperatures for chemical reactions. A Heliostat is a mirror with moves to keep the light reflected at a single point.

Solar Furnaces Videos: A really detailed video with lots of information Different configurations of mirrors. Good Overview and animation (1:36) This one uses lots of mirrors to heat water. This one uses one large parabolic mirror First Half is good

Questions – useful for research What is a heliostat? Draw a diagram to show how a heliostat works. How is a heliostat different from a photovoltaic cell? What do they each do to the light? Why do photovoltaic cells and heliostats move throughout the day? Draw a diagram of a parabolic mirror reflecting light. Where should a Photovoltaic cell be pointed? Would a heliostat and a photovoltaic cell be pointed in the same direction at a certain time of day?