The Mighty Solar Panel: Because nothing's more powerful than a sunny day!
on Goodreads (11)
What’s inside...
The Mighty Solar Panel is an engaging educational story that follows Jack on a car journey where he first encounters solar panels. With the help of Sunny, a talking sunbeam, Jack transforms into a ray of light, learning about the processes and benefits of solar energy. This story emphasizes the importance of renewable energy and encourages children to explore the potential of solar panels in powering our world.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
4-11
Length
30 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
Why do you think solar panels are important?
How do you think the world would change if everyone used solar energy?
What are some ways we can use solar power in our daily lives?
If you could invent another way to use solar energy, what would it be?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start the conversation by asking your child what they know about solar energy and build on their existing knowledge.
Encourage children to think critically by asking them how solar energy can be beneficial or challenging.
Relate the discussion to their daily lives by identifying objects around the house that could potentially use solar power.
Praise creative responses to encourage innovative thinking about solar energy use in new ways.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of renewable energy
Explanation: In the story, the community comes together to build a solar panel to power their school, teaching children about the benefits of solar energy.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to be conscious of their energy consumption and explore clean energy solutions like solar power in their own communities.
Example Lesson: Teamwork
Explanation: The characters in the book must work together to gather materials and construct the solar panel, highlighting the value of collaboration.
Real-World Application: Kids can apply this lesson by collaborating with peers on school projects or community service activities, understanding that teamwork can lead to greater achievements.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving
Explanation: Throughout the story, the characters encounter and overcome various challenges during the solar panel project, showcasing their problem-solving skills.
Real-World Application: Children can use problem-solving skills in their daily lives when faced with challenges, learning to brainstorm solutions and think critically.
Example Lesson: Innovation and creativity
Explanation: The book emphasizes thinking outside the box as the characters come up with creative ways to build the solar panel and harness solar energy efficiently.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to think innovatively in their own projects and tasks, inspiring inventive thinking in various aspects of life.