All lessons › Power from the Sun › Lesson 1
Australian primary science · Year 6 · Lesson 1 of 3
Sun to switch
Inquiry question: How does energy from the Sun travel and change on an outback cattle station?
Marked no materials needed
Using a model
What students learn
In a solar-powered circuit, energy is transferred from place to place and transformed from one form to another: light to electrical energy in the solar panel, electrical to stored (chemical) energy in the battery, and electrical to light, sound, movement and heat in devices. Each circuit component has a job.
Success criteria
- I can draw an energy flow diagram from the Sun to a device.
- I can name the energy transformation in each component.
- I can explain the role of conductors, insulators and switches in the system.
Preparation and materials
Before this lesson: Students know that a circuit needs a complete loop and an energy source, and can name conductors and insulators.
- One screen or projector to show this lesson’s student view (the cattle station source) (or print one student view per pair) — 1
- Workbooks or scrap paper, and pencils — 26
Teacher setup
- Open this lesson’s student view (the cattle station source) on your screen, or print the student view if the internet is unreliable.
- No other preparation is needed.
Safety and adaptations
Follow school science and equipment risk assessment procedures for the materials used.
Review your school policies and curriculum requirements before teaching.
How to investigate
The lesson sequence should leave pupils with evidence to interpret, not only an activity to finish.
- Pairs read the cattle station source in the student view.
- Draw an energy flow diagram from the Sun to one device, labelling each transfer and transformation.
- Complete the table for five components: what energy goes in, what useful energy comes out, what is wasted.
- Explain the jobs of the wires’ copper and plastic, and of the switch.
- Discuss: why did the station choose solar panels and batteries rather than a diesel generator alone?
Teacher modelling prompt
Draw: Sun → solar panel → wires → battery → wires → switch → LED light. Think aloud: “Light energy reaches the panel. The panel transforms it into electrical energy. The wires transfer it, the copper conducts and the plastic keeps it in. The battery stores it. When I close the switch, the LED transforms electrical energy into light, and a little heat.” Label each arrow.
Record and explain evidence
Recording question: How does energy from the Sun travel and change on an outback cattle station?
| Component | Energy in | Useful energy out | Wasted energy | Its job in the circuit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ________________ | ________________ | ________________ | ________________ | ________________ |
Example recording headings; record actual observations, including inconclusive results.
Discussion prompt
Which claim fits the energy flow diagram?
Check understanding
What should pupils know? Name the energy transformation in a solar panel and in an LED.
Explain with evidence: Explain why the station needs batteries as well as solar panels.
Apply the idea: The water pump’s cable has a cut in its plastic coating. Why is this dangerous, and what should happen? Stretch (older students): draw an energy flow diagram for the pump, including wasted energy.
Teacher answer guidance and saved classroom work are available through the main lesson experience where supported.