Sunlight Angles

Use a simple paper and pencil model to study how the amount of light energy that strikes an object depends on the angle.

Subject: Algebra
Topics:
- Patterns, Equations and Functions
- Trigonometric Functions
Grades: 9 - 12
Concepts:
- Function
Knowledge and Skills:
- Can plot a point in a two-dimensional coordinate system, given the coordinates, or determine the coordinates of a given point
- Can relate aspects of a graphical model to the real world situation which is being modeled
- Can sketch and recognize graphs of the sine and cosine functions

Download Teacher Guide: Sunlight Angles (PDF)
Download Student Activity: Sunlight Angles (PDF)

Algebra in the Real World Movie:

Solar Powered CarsSolar Powered Cars

Using the energy it takes to run a hair dryer, this solar-powered car travels 200 miles at speeds of 50 to 65 mph without a drop of gas. Go behind the scenes and meet the team of students who built it.
Running time 3:35 minutes.

Watch the Movie