Last updated: July 27, 2020

Math Skill: Interpreting bar graphs (2-digit numbers) (4-digit numbers)

Science Subject: Our Energy Resources

Grade level: 3rd – 4th – 5th grades

Area level: Local-scale

Environmental Area: Energy

Purpose: Understand renewable energy generation at the Vanderburgh public library in each month in 2019 and raise awareness of solar power generation

 

BACKGROUND FOR THE TEACHER

A 10 kilowatt solar photovoltaic (PV) system was installed on the roof of the Vanderburgh Central Library in 2010.  The purchase and installation of the system was funded, in part, by a matching grant of nearly $43,000 from Indiana’s Office of Energy Development.

The library was the recipient of one of 12 alternative power and energy grants totaling nearly $389,000 statewide to promote renewable energy. The awards were part of a competitive grant program offered in late 2009.

The installation of the 60 PV panels has not only reduced energy costs by about $1,300 but also has reduced the amount of greenhouse gas emissions. The amount of carbon offset is the equivalent of about 185 trees planted.

 

1) Energy in Indiana 2) Our energy sources 3) Who supplies energy to Evansville?

 

 

TEACHER GUIDE

The purpose of this activity is to enhance students’ skills in reading bar graphs. This activity uses the actual amount of solar electricity generation of the Evansville Vanderburgh Public Library in 2019. The data was obtained from the site operational data prepared by Sunny Portal.

 

worksheet & answer key

Math Skill: Interpreting bar graphs (2-digit numbers) (4-digit numbers)

Using the bar graph on solar electricity generation from the Evansville Vanderburgh Public Library in 2019, students are asked to read the graph  Questions include, “In which month was more electricity generated from the sun, April or September?“