The CSSI Curriculum :Constructing Science for Social Impact

Curriculum OverviewInteractReflect

The Portable Light Project is a non-profit research, design and engineering initiative established by KVA MATx that creates new ways to deliver de-centralized renewable power and light to the developing world. Each Portable Light unit is a simple, versatile textile with flexible photovoltaics and solid state lighting that can be adapted to local cultures and customized by people using traditional weaving and sewing technologies in an open source model. This creates the opportunity for greater levels of cultural acceptance and stewardship of this technology, particularly for women who are often among the most vulnerable in developing countries.Engage

The Reading Mat PrototypeHigh brightness solid state lightingFlexible photovoltaic technology12V of DC electrical power160 lumens of lightFive hours charge timeEngage

The ChallengeUsing the Gogoboard & any sensors, design an experiment to detect how much solar power can be harvested from such garmentsDesign your own Portable Light Project prototypeUsing Netlogo, create a model to show the social impact of the Portable Light ProjectEngage

GogoBoard & SensorsIgnite

3D PrinterIgnite

Laser CutterIgnite

ConstructStudents construct models and prototypes

ConstructStudents convert sensor information into concepts of electricity, current, power

Essential questions and Links to California Science StandardsQuestions to AskLink to StandardsWhat is DC?What is voltage & current?How to construct a simple circuit? – what are resistors and capacitors?What is solar power? What is power?How much solar energy does the earth obtain?What happens to the solar radiation that comes to earth?Electric PhenomenaOhm’s LawVoltage/current predictions in simple circuitsResistors & transistorsPower calculationsEnergy in the Earth SystemSolar radiation as the earth’s primary energy sourceConstruct

UnitePossible Prototypes & Products

Shirt with multiple light sensors, attached to Gogo BoardUniteStudent wears the shirt and walks around all dayGogoBoard collects data on light intensity through the dayCan ascertain position of the solar panel for maximum light absorption

Student wears the shirt and walks around all day

GogoBoard collects data on light intensity through the day

Can ascertain position of the solar panel for maximum light absorption

Shirt with solar cell attached to battery chargerUniteStudent wears the shirt and walks around all dayCan ascertain how long it takes to charge up some batteries

Student wears the shirt and walks around all day

Can ascertain how long it takes to charge up some batteries

House with variable roof angle; solar panel and light sensor attached to roofUniteCan ascertain the amount of light obtained at various roof angles; compare with data from the shirtSolar panel vs light sensor : information can be used for calibration of sensor.

Can ascertain the amount of light obtained at various roof angles; compare with data from the shirt

Solar panel vs light sensor : information can be used for calibration of sensor.

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