Revolutionary roads which stay snow-free, claim developers. A click of a switch they can transform the road into a car park or even sports pitches. In this activity students consider whether solar roadways are worth funding. They critique claims using reasoning and evidence, and apply what they know about generating electricity in solar cells, to make a decision.
Learning objective
- Critique claims, using reasoning, evidence and scientific knowledge of how light waves generate electricity in solar cells.
Try the activity
Curriculum link
England National Curriculum KS3:
- Working Scientifically: Pay attention to objectivity…
- Physics: Light transferring energy from source to absorber leading to … electrical effects
GCSE Combined Science subject content:
- Working Scientifically: Development of scientific thinking: make decisions based on the evaluation of evidence and arguments
- Physics: Energy: Renewable energy sources used on Earth; Wave motion: waves transferring energy
Running the activity
Dilemma View video on solar roadways. Are they worth funding?
Science and Decision Students identify video claims and study evidence to decide whether each claim is supported by evidence
Plenary Communicating the decision: are solar roadways worth funding?
For detailed running notes, download the teachers guide.
Weblinks
Another website where you can view the fundraising video for the crowd funding web site.
A longer video suitable for teachers only. It outlines the arguments against the claims.
News report about a solar cycle path that has recently opened in the Netherlands.