Curriculum Resources for the Alaskan Environment

Subject Areas: physics, life sciences, carpentry

Timeline: open

Grade Levels: open

Purpose: to show how energy from the sun can be utilized; to encourage development of solar power for various uses

Achim Brauser
Solar Energy Uses

Activities

SIDE VIEW

Construct a simple solar still:
solar still:

A. insulated case
B. water outlet
C. waterproof lining (black absorbs heat best)
D. collecting tray
E. glass or plastic cover plate (two layers with air space between is best)
F. water outlet

experiment with water from different sources (e.g., lakes, rivers, ponds, wells, and ocean); an effective still will yield distilled water from any type of water

Construct a drying rack for green wood:
an effective rack for drying green or wet wood can be built using just pole wood or 2x4s and clear plastic; leave top and bottom open for air circulation and place rack so that it receives most of the day's sun.

Drying Frame (open type):
build an enclosed dryer, similar to the solar still; just replace the bottom with insulation and wire mesh and put ventilation holes in the bottom and sides; paint the interior black with waterproof paint; this frame can be used to dry fruits and vegetables.

Resources

state library for many good resource books
Merrill. Richard, & Gage, Thomas. Energy Primer: Solar. Water, Wind, and Biofuels [catalog]. Dell Publishing Co., Inc., 1 Dag Hammerskjold Plaza. New York, NY 10017. Also available through the Porrola Institute, the Whole Earth Catalog folks
Norton, T. W., Hunter, D. C., & Cheng, R. J. (1975). Solar Energy Experiments for Secondary School Students [ASRC, SUNY PubI. #353]. State University of New York at Albany, Atmospheric Sciences Research Center
Hallacy, D. S., Jr. (1974). Solar Science Projects for a Cleaner Environment. Scholastic Book Services, 900 Sylvan Avenue, Engle. wood Cliffs, NJ 07632. $1

Village Map and Directory	Land Selection	Local Weather Station	Star Mapping
6" Newtonian Reflecting Telescope Construction	Planetarium Construction	Investigation of Snow Melting	Insulation Experiments: Cardboard Boxes/Snow-Fenced Houses
Durable, Energy-Efficient Homes	Practical Application of Alternative Energy System	Solar Energy Uses	Construction of School/Community Facilities
Bush Shop or How to Learn Carpentry Without Wood	Basic Home Maintenance	Snowmachine Maintenance	Glider Construction (Aviation Shop)
Subsistence Tool Construction	Operating a Trapline, Subsistence Trapline, or Subsistence Net	Survival Skills	Heritage Campout
Netting Fish Efficiently	Natural History	Study of a Food Resource	Effects of Diet on Mice or Rats
Medicinal Plants	Farming the Sea	Summer Marine Science Program	Vegetable Gardening
Greenhouse Construction and Gardening	Chicken Farming	Water Usage Study	Garbage Disposal
Village Dogs	Fire Safety

The University of Alaska Fairbanks is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer, educational institution, and provider is a part of the University of Alaska system. Learn more about UA's notice of nondiscrimination.

Alaska Native Knowledge Network
University of Alaska Fairbanks
PO Box 756730
Fairbanks AK 99775-6730
Phone (907) 474.1902
Fax (907) 474.1957

Questions or comments?
Contact ANKN

Last modified August 17, 2006

— HOME —