Classroom Solar Energy Projects - Group vs. Individual Projects - By: Eisla Sebastian

Solar energy is at the center of the discussions for the next primary source of energy for the world. This is because solar energy is cheap, it is widely available and it is relatively easy to capture. In response to the growing interest in solar energy many science classes are integrating solar energy projects into their curriculum. While these activities are very beneficial for students there is a growing debate over whether these projects are more beneficial as group projects or as individual projects.

Group Projects

Group projects are very common in lower grade levels. Group projects allow students to divide up the work and to rely on each other’s strengths and weaknesses. Group projects also allow the school district to reduce the amount of materials that are needed for the projects and this helps to keep costs down.

While group projects have a lot of obvious advantages they also have a few drawbacks. First of all group projects require the total participation of each group member. When group members slack off it is easy to shift all of the work load to one or two individuals. This reduces the learning experience for the non-participating members. Another drawback is that individual creativity is stunted, as group consensus is needed when making decisions.

Individual Projects

Individual projects overcome the problems associated with group projects. For example, individual creativity and innovation is encouraged and they require individual accountability for an entire project. This means that students have to participate to get a good grade.

Like group projects, individual projects have a few drawbacks. First of all there is the drawback of costs. Providing materials for each student to create a solar energy project can be costly or it can put pressure on students to come up with materials that they need for their project. Another drawback is that students may feel overwhelmed if they are required to complete a project on their own.

Conclusion

Student solar energy projects, whether individual or group, are valuable learning opportunities. When possible individual projects are generally preferable as they require students to be accountable for producing something and they encourage personal innovation and creativity. To get over the financial issues low cost solar energy projects can be completed as opposed to the more expensive experiments. In many cases solar energy projects can be completed using items that are normally thrown away.

About the Author

I have been a freelance writer for over 15 years. I have a background in business management, psychology, emergency/disaster management and education. My goal is to show parents and teachers how to enhance their children's/students' education using simple http://www.super-science-fair-projects.com/classroom-solar-wind-science-experiments.html ">classroom solar wind science experiments.

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