This digital resource takes a deep dive into the nature and behavior of photons through use of multiple representations, 12 interactive models, and easy-to-read informative text. It could be especially useful for the early phases of a unit on the Photoelectric Effect. Learners will first explore what it means to excite an atom, what a photon is, energy levels, ground state, and excited states. THEN the activity introduces photons as packets of energy, photon emission/absorption, and the relationship of frequency and photon energy. Completely turn-key; ideal for students with little or no background in the particle nature of light. Registered users have access to enhanced features such as roster creation, record-keeping, and tracking of student progress.

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This inquiry-based lab explores how solar energy is gathered and transferred to electrical energy in solar panels. Students work in teams to disassemble a solar-powered calculator, evaluate the design and operation of its component parts, and recommend changes to improve functionality through redesign. The lesson specifically focuses on photovoltaic technology. In the HS physics classroom, it's a fairly inexpensive way to introduce semiconductor physics (the basis for most solar cell technologies currently in use).

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For AP Physics courses or for students with high interest in engineering, this is a very well-crafted Java activity for visualizing how semiconductors work. It features eight interactive simulations to show the basic properties of both intrinsic and extrinsic (doped) semiconductors. Students will explore how electric current flows in N-type and P-type semiconductors; the function of forward and reverse bias in a semiconductor; energy band diagrams for one atom and for a crystal lattice; and how band structure determines conductivity. This would be an excellent activity to let learners see what's going on at the nanoscale in a solar cell.

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This maker project gives explicit directions for making a dye-sensitized solar cell out of readily-obtainable materials. It offers two versions -- a one-hour lesson or a longer Project-Based Learning module. Solar cells rely on a technology that utilizes photosynthesizers to convert photons to current. The process is somewhat different from the photoelectric effect demonstrated in our AAPT Lesson Plan, but still reflects the basic principle: only photons of a specific energy will be able to produce a current. In this creative lab, students will crush raspberries and/or blackberries into Titanium Dioxide, coat another slide with a thin layer of graphite, and sandwich them together. Iodine electrolyte solution of potassium iodide is used as the activating chemical. Connect a multimeter and see if your "cell" produces a current!

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