Active Methodologies in Solar Geometry Education:

an Application of the Fish-Eye Lens

Abstract

The teaching and learning process of solar geometry faces some challenges, particularly in the design of solar shading devices. This paper presents an innovative teaching resource based on active methodologies, using video and exercises with fisheye lens images to introduce the concepts of shadow mask and shading angles. Integrated into a Station Rotation approach, the resource was applied in an undergraduate Architecture and Urbanism course and assessed from both the instructor's and students' perspectives through online questionnaire. The activity was perceived as didactic and accessible and provides a deeper and more comprehensive understanding of solar shading design. Furthermore, it enables a more individualized monitoring of the learning process.