A basic understanding of the potential of solar energy is increasingly relevant given the pollution caused by the burning of fossil fuel, health problems associated with that pollution, the possibility of global warming, and the complex issues raised by the dependence of industrialized nations on oil and natural gas. This teacher's guide presents activities where students conduct straightforward experiments to find out how sunlight can best be used to heat houses and water, build small model houses out of paper and find out how windows affect passive solar heating of the house, and investigate the effect of clear covers on water heating efficiency. A diagram with overlays for use with an overhead projector is provided to help students visualize the greenhouse effect. Summary outlines and student data sheets are also provided. (JRH)