Solar

STEM Meets Solar Energy

A standards-based, cloud-based virtual modeling STEM application that guides students through an engaging, realistic solar cell development process capped by a very cool siting challenge and simulation -- all before building their actual solar cells.

A 3-D model is literally developed in minutes! The simplicity of the modeling process puts focus where it belongs - learning the critically important science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) that lives just below the surface. And it's completely web-based... how cool is that? Then, to reinforce the virtual process, students will build a dye-sensitized solar cell (DSC).

Please Note: Solar is currently a high school only application.

For pricing information please contact customercare@whiteboxlearning.com.

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Solar

How it Works

Research
What's the secret to capturing more solar energy? It's not magic or luck ... it's science. In this section, your students will find all the theory they need, as well as plenty of activities and tools to put it to action. Plenty of tutorials will ensure that they are well prepared for the remaining sections.
Design
Engineers know their science -- that's for sure. But they also have great tools to help them visualize their design in 3D. In this section, your students will design a Silicon solar cell and array.
Analysis
In this section, your students work with a number of built-in tools to see how well their design stands up to the scientific principles presented in the Research section. This stuff is really neat, but it won't make much sense if they haven't completed their Research!
Siting Challenge
Ready for some fun? In the Siting Challenge, your students compete in a year-long (condensed to about 10 seconds) solar energy production challenge -- virtually.
Outputs
The design specifications reports lets students know if they have met the requirements for the design challenge.
Research Design Analysis Simulation Outputs

Benefits

Teacher-Directed Curriculum
The learning system puts teachers in control. Teachers can adjust the content level to meet the varied learning needs of Middle and High School students. Achievement and performance reports help teachers guide student learning.
Standards-based, STEM Knowledge
The application encompasses a high quality standards-based curriculum that enhances the development of fundamental science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) knowledge.
Comprehensive Suite of Tools
The system contains a fully integrated suite of CAD, analysis, and content delivery tools - all within a common, easy-to-use interface.
Time, Focus, and Confidence
Students have time to focus on making theory actionable. This enables learning, and ultimately yields confidence.
Exciting Web 2.0 Interface
Because the system is web-based, it's accessible from anywhere. It's also built with the most advanced web-based tools available. This provides teachers with the flexibility they deserve, and students with the "wow factor" they expect.

System Requirements

Solar is a web-based product. All modern browsers are supported, including:

  • Microsoft Edge: version 18 and higher
  • Google Chrome: version 61 and higher
  • Firefox: version 60 and higher
  • Safari: version 12.1 and higher

The application may still work in older browser versions but support for those is not guaranteed.

We recommend using a computer with a minimum screen resolution of 1280 x 720. We do not recommend iPads as screen size can be issue when sketching and displaying 3d models.