Lesson Plans

We have partnered with the National Energy Education Development organization (NEED.org) for the lesson plans used in Light2Give service learning program.  

NEED provides the essential scientific foundation and pedagogical framework needed to turn a simple lantern-building activity into a comprehensive, standards-aligned educational experience.

While Light2Give focuses on the hands-on assembly and donation of solar lanterns, NEED's curriculum provides the "why" behind the technology.

• Scientific Principles: NEED curriculum covers the science of energy, specifically how radiant energy from the sun is transformed into electricity via photovoltaic cells.

• Interdisciplinary Lesson Plans: Light2Give activities often involve the entire grade level; NEED provides lesson plans tailored for different subjects—like calculating energy efficiency in Math or discussing the social impact of light in Social Studies—allowing every teacher in a school to participate in the "build day".

• Curriculum Correlations: All materials are aligned with Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) and state standards, making it easy for schools to justify the time and resources spent on the Light2Give project.

• Leadership: NEED’s philosophy focuses on student leadership. This aligns perfectly with Light2Give's mission, where students don't just build a product—they become the "experts" who provide a vital resource (light) to unhoused members of their community.

• Inquiry-Based Learning: The resources from NEED utilize hands-on, inquiry-based lessons that encourage students to explore and experiment, reinforcing the experiential nature of the Light2Give lantern build.

Pam Ulicny is an award winning Life Science/Biology/Environmental Science teacher based in Pennsylvania. Pam is trained and certified as an instructor of the NEED curriculum and is working with the Light2Give team to develop the perfect blend of lesson plans that are both easy for teachers to use while providing the valuable science behind the solar lanterns.