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Solar Energy Exploration Kit

Explore solar energy with this innovative science kit designed to help students investigate energy transformations. Discover how the angle of photovoltaic panels relative to the sun affects power output. Experiment with basic circuits and learn about important factors in photovoltaic systems.

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Specifications

What's included, accessories, activities and concepts.

Explore solar energy with this innovative science kit designed to help students investigate energy transformations. A hinged box helps students discover how the angle of photovoltaic panels relative to the sun affects power output. Compare your experimental findings to online sun-angle calculators.

Three solar panels allow you to explore series and parallel circuits. Learn about the effect of important variables in photovoltaic systems, such as the effects of shade, temperature, and load on solar panel output. Harness energy from the solar panels to pump water or power a small motor.

This kit is the recommended kit to use with  Investigating Solar Energy and  Solar Energy Explorations .

• Box dimensions: 13 1/8 in x 7 5/8 in x 4 ½ in
• Maximum power output: 1.2 W (6 V x 200 mA in series, or 2 V x 600 mA in parallel)
• 1 Sound and Light Board
• 1 protractor, clear, 4 in
• 1 hinged plastic box
• 6 sets of hook-and-pile fastener (2 in strips)
• 1 small water pump
• 3 Solar Panels, 2V/400mA
• 1 piece of clear, plastic tubing (5 ft x 1/4 in ID)
• 10 Chipboard Blade Sheets (3 in x 12 in) for varying solar panel angles
• 1 Power Output Pack

• Track and document the path of the sun: Create a solar resource sun track by testing angles and taking sample data throughout the day. Use a graph to develop a sun angle curve for optimal solar panel angle.
• Compare the Solar Energy Exploration Kit result of your testing to a sun angle website.
• Water pumping time trials: Experiment in teams with how much water can be pumped over a period of time using parallel and series circuitry.
• Clean energy; discovering and discussing solar power as an energy source
• Exploring energy transformations; designing, building, and evaluating devices that convert one form of energy into another
• Understanding circuits and electricity
• Developing and using physical models
• Designing controlled experiments
• Optimizing designs
• Analyzing data
• Learning about weather and climate
• User Manual
• Search FAQs for Solar Energy Exploration Kit

5-year limited warranty (1 year on pump, consumables excluded) See our warranty policy

Replacement Parts

• KidWind Power Output Pack
• KidWind 2V/400mA Solar Panel
• Chipboard Sheets
• KidWind Small Water Pump with Tubing
• KidWind Sound and Light Board
• Recommended: Online Support
• Email: [email protected]
• Toll-free: 1-888-837-6437

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Solar Science Experiment Kit

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Description

And teach a kid (8 and up) the basics of solar power. This excellent educational kit from Elenco comes with (9) 0.5VDC solar cells pre-wired in sets of (3) and mounted in a 5" x 4" x 7/16" black-plastic frame with screw terminals on the bottom. The kit includes a 1.5VDC motor with leads and a mount, a fan blade and (4) plastic discs from 5/8" dia to 2" dia for mounting on the motor shaft, a 1.5V incandescent bulb with leads, a sound module with leads, and graphic cards to mount on the discs. Comes with a 14-page instruction/experiment booklet, including info on increasing voltage and amperage, powering battery charges, radios, games, etc. Lots of science project potential. "Heuristic as all get-out," Jarvis said when he saw it. Ages 8+.

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Solar Science Kit

Introduction.

Solar Science Kit is a tool set or a collection of materials for visual demonstration and many possible experiments with solar energy. The solar panel in this kit receives the energy of the sunlight and converts it to direct electrical current. The produced direct current (DC) electricity is accessible via a pair of red and black wires in the back of the solar panel. You can then use this electricity to do the following experiments:

• sound a buzzer
• Light up a light bulb
• Light up an LED (Light Emitting Diode)
• Run an electric motor and connect a propeller to use it as a cooling fan.

This solar science kit includes an experimental size solar panel that can demonstrate many applications of solar energy. It can run motors, light bulbs, LEDs, and buzzers. This kit also includes light bulbs, LED lights, buzzer and 3 motors that can be used to demonstrate how a solar panel can work as well as many other experiments related to light and radiation. Students in 7th grade and above can use this kit for varieties of research projects or science projects. Teachers may use this set to demonstrate the importance and the use of solar energy. Printed instructions are included and provide a link to more detail online instructions. This kit includes: 6-Volt Solar panel with attached wires (Part# SOLARP3.3W) DC Motor (model RE140RA) with propeller (Part# PROP4B56MM) Toy Motor with alligator clips (model RE140RACLIP) and propeller (Part# PROP4B56MM) Solar motor (Part# RE300CA) with propeller (Part# PROP4B56MM) Buzzer (Part# BZRW3R) Two lamp bases (Part# B10E21) Two Light bulbs (part# E0359) two LED lights (Part# 8CR2V20MA) 20 feet project wire or insulated copper wire (Part# PCAWG24)

Identify the materials in your kit

Use this section to identify and learn about the components of your kit. The instructions in this page refer to each component by name and will not describe each component again. 

The Solar Panel in your kit is a photoelectric device. We call it photoelectric because it converts light to electricity. The word ‘ photo ‘ comes from the Greek word for light. This solar panel can produce up to 6 volts DC ( D irect C urrent) in direct sunlight. 

Solar panels only produce energy while they are exposed to the sunlight or any other strong light. They do not store energy. You can however use solar panels to charge rechargeable batteries and then use the electricity stored in batteries at night.

The solar panel is the most valuable, delicate and sensitive item in your kit. Great attention is needed in protecting it. Do not drop it and do not pull the wires. Doing so can damage the solar panel and make it unusable.

This solar panel has two wires. The red wire is the positive wire. The black wire is the negative waire. The ends of both wires are stripped (insulating plastic shield is removed) so that they can make electrical contact.

The white round buzzer in your kit is an electromechanical buzzer that operates with about 3 volts DC ( D irect C urrent).  We call it electromechanical because it uses electricity to vibrate a plate inside the buzzer. Vibration is a mechanical action that creates the buzzing sound.

This buzzer has two wires about 6 inches long (each). The red wire is the positive wire. You should connect that to the positive pole (red wire) of the solar panel. The black wire is the negative wire, You should connect that to the negative pole (black wire) of the solar panel. The ends of both wires are stripped so that they can make electrical contact. Stripping a wire is removing the plastic insulation of the wire.

Low current motor in your kit is a DC motor so that it requires D irect C urrent to operate. This motor is also known as solar motor because it requires very low current to operate and it works in a wide range of voltages from 2 to 9. While many other motors fail to operate with solar panels, this one is almost guaranteed to work every time, resulting a successful demonstration in classrooms and science fairs. This motor comes with a pair of connection wires about 5 inches long each. The ends of the wires are stripped (plastic insulation is removed) so that they are ready to be connected to the solar panel wires. 

High Current Motor in your kit is a DC motor that usually requires batteries to operate. Many small solar panels do not create enough current to operate this motor. The large solar panel included in your kit however, does create enough current and voltage to run this motor as well when you have enough sunlight. This motor does not come with any connection wires. You may use other connection wires in your kit while trying this motor. You may also connect the solar panel directly to this motor. In the back of the motor there are two contact plate with a hole in them. You can insert each wire of the solar panel into the holes of the contact plates. You may also use a tape to keep them in place. (Part# RE140RA)

High Current Motor with Alligator Clips in your kit is another DC motor model RE140RA; however, this motor comes with connection wires with alligator clips on their ends. Alligator clips simplify the process of making temporary electrical connections. They create a firm connection and you will not need to use a tape to keep them in place.  The large solar panel included in your kit may create enough current and voltage to run both motor when you have enough sunlight.   (Part# RE140RACLIP)

Plastic Propellers in your kit are designed to fit the shaft of any motor in your kit. The diameter of the motor shafts are 2 millimeters. The hole in the propellers are slightly less than 2 millimeters so that they can make a snug connection with the shafts.  We use propellers so that we can see the operation of a motor. Motors with propellers demonstrate some real applications of motors and electricity. They are often used to blow air as a cooling fan. They are also used propel boats and hover crafts. Since your kit includes 3 motors, you are also receiving 3 propellers. One propeller for each motor.

Light Bulbs in your kit are low current light bulbs. Solar panels do not produce enough electrical current to light up a regular (high current) light bulb. These light bulbs have a very thin filament so that they can produce light with low currents. 

When trying your solar panel with these light bulbs, you must use extension wires (included in your kit) so that the solar panel can be outside and the light bulb can be inside. The amount of light is not high enough to make it visible under the sunlight. It is however high enough in a dark room in order to find your way around the room. Part# LB359G or LB359MS or E0359.

Lamp Holders in your kit are used to connect the light bulbs to the solar panel. You can screw each light bulb in a lamp holder. Each lamp holder has two large legs (with mounting holes) and  one small contact plate with a small hole in it. To connect the electrical wires to the lamp holder, connect one wire to one of the legs and another wire to the contact plate. 

Connection wires in your kit are used to extend the reach of electricity from solar panel (in a sunny spot) to a low light room where you perform your experiments.

The ends of connection wires are not stripped. You must remove about 1/2 inch of the insulation so that you can connect them to the solar panel and any of the other devices in your kit. To do this you may use a stripping tool; however, experienced adults can also do that using a utility knife or a pair of scissors. 

LED Lights in your kit are used to produce light using the electricity produced by your solar panel. L.E.D stands for Light Emitting Diode. LED is an electronic light source that requires low current to light up. Because of that LEDs are suitable for Solar Panels. 

Each L.E.D. has a long leg and a short leg. The short leg is the negative leg and the Long leg is the positive leg. You must connect the short leg to the negative wire (black wire) of the solar panel. You must also connect the long leg of the LED to the positive wire (red wire) of the solar panel. 

L.E.D. is a one directional device and will not lit if you connect it in reverse direction.

Diode is any electronic component that allows the flow of electricity only in one direction.

Educational Solar Panels and Solar Power Kits For Kids

As founder of Electrik Living, I’m dedicated to solar energy literacy as part of our mission to empower cleaner transport and lifestyles. While much focus goes towards policy and adoption, fostering interest with students ensures lasting momentum.

That’s why I’m excited to showcase the range of educational solar kits, projects, and resources that awaken kids to sustainable power possibilities!

From illuminating science experiments to enriching summer camps, let’s explore the creative ways teachers and parents alike can stir solar passion…empowering young innovators to beam brighter futures our way through green technologies!

Key Takeaways

• Solar kits  allow kids to explore renewable power hands-on
• Building models like  solar robots  or  spaceships  make learning engaging
• Summer camps  offer immersive solar energy activities

Why Early Education Matters

Equipping young generations to master renewable capabilities elevates global progress curbing emissions. Solar specifically supplies endlessly abundant potential above.

But beyond environmental implications, consider workforce impacts. The International Renewable Energy Agency predicts over 42 million solar-related jobs will emerge globally by 2050.

Exposing students early on through hands-on projects and immersive experiences generates essential enthusiasm and foundations for seizing these careers.

Even basic science and engineering exposure builds invaluable creative confidence and problem-solving skills transferable into adulthood.

So whether pursuing energy fields or not, sparking solar curiosity early keeps options meaningfully open!

What We’ll Cover

From science fair project inspirations to summer camp thrills, let’s explore the range of engaging educational solar touchpoints benefiting kids and our collective future:

• Captivating solar kits for home experiments
• Enriching solar-focused summer camp options
• Tactics to incorporate solar concepts into classrooms
• Teaching resources supporting student solar literacy

Benefits of Solar Science Kits

While multiple high-tech solar learning labs exist for university students, accessible kits creatively educate kids on renewable power too!

Core Science Learning

Building simple  solar circuits  or testing module orientations teaches core energy transformation and electricity flow principles.

Seeing battery level impacts from adjusting solar cell angles directly showcases conversion dependencies – forming intuitive comprehension.

Testing motor speeds powering playful builds like spinning  bots  or propelled  boats  manifests scientific concepts memorably.

Renewable Technology Exposure

Tinkering with mini solar gadgets and gizmos paves later advancement into legitimate efficiency gains. Inquisitive minds captivated early pioneers with bolder innovations improving collection and storage ahead.

Perhaps your budding tinkerer holds keys to unlocking smaller substrates or flexible applications via childhood educational solar pane play!

Building Confidence and Skills

Assembling functioning  solar models  through tactile steps grows creative confidence and persistence. Successfully navigating instructions develops methodical thinking and troubleshooting abilities.

Grasping parts interactions forms analytical foundations to incrementally tackle more complex builds over time.

Environmental Values

Participating firsthand in fossil fuel-free fun forges conscientiousness around sustainability.

Running races with vibrantly painted  solar cars  created through their own young hands deeply imprints cleaner possibilities ahead.

Emotional bonds develop supporting guarded conservation as environmental challenges become personally relatable.

Inspiring solar kits ignite endless watts of responsibility!

Types of Solar Experiment Kits

With such diversity across solar offerings, bewildering choices certainly exist selecting the just-right introductory educational kit tailored to your student’s interests!

Here’s a breakdown of common categories:

Solar Circuits

These offer affordable starting points illuminating electrical flows harnessing sun beams through:

• Crystal radio receivers
• Mini desalination stations
• Light-up holiday cards
• Whirring propellors

Under $30 bundles effectively demonstrate conversion basics.

Solar Robotics

For intermediate-level builders,  robotics kits  enable ambitious mobility concepts via modules combining:

• Geared motors
• Sensor modules
• Programmable control boards

Build bugs that creep about once powered externally!

Solar Vehicles

Pedal-less  solar car  chassis kits inspire drag racing daydreams outperforming energy efficiency through ingenuity.

Tweak tire traction, weigh formations, test ride-height adjustments and finetune panel angles chasing maximum solar distance feats!

Solar Spaceships

Launch curious imaginations exploring uncharted worlds through galactic-themed builds like:

• Orbiting space stations
• Rover transports
• Rocket boosters

Add snazzy astronaut LEGO minifigures for memorable Mars missions!

For aquatic adventurers, solar offers endless weekend afternoon amusement through wind-powered water wheels or saltwater-buoyant crafts like:

Chase friends around the pond without environmental impact or bothersome fuel costs!

Exciting Solar Projects

Once core concepts click through engaging kits, individual experiments beckon eager young minds towards Applied Learning Glory!

Solar Speedsters

Put improved streamlining hypotheses to the test crafting meticulously smoothed  solar racer cars  from household materials seeking to shatter previous family records racing siblings downhill.

Will pencil-shaped fuselages or triangular prism designs provide an extra speed edge given weight tradeoffs?

Charging Stations

Practice soldering fundamentals combining recycled consumer e-waste like discharged tablets with duct-taped solar panels pulled from broken garden lamps donated by Grandpa.

Can this jerry-rigged charger indeed resuscitate various small dusty devices abandoned in the attic from dated dies?

Powering Space Stations

Design intricate  LEGO space stations  with motorized panel arrays feeding downward-facing lights simulating zero G hydroponic plant growth lamps for deep space cruiseliner farm pods!

How will differing light wavelengths affect energy efficiency balances?

Innovative young minds undoubtedly overshadow the suggested projects above with even more visionary solar applications across art, agriculture, and architecture realms!

Immersive Solar Camp Experiences

While home tinkering nourishes beneficial curiosity, multi-day summer camps wholly immerse students in intensive skill-building workshops plus forge friendships over shared solar passions further fueling motivation.

University Hosted Camps

Staying in undergraduate dorms utilizes world-class sustainable research facilities guiding teens through professional-grade learning modules centered around:

• Crystalline fabrication
• Photovoltaic optimization
• Battery innovations

Tours of rooftop microgrids showcase real-world integration already enabling campus emissions reductions.

Community Camps

Neighborhood community center camps offer affordability and accessibility for local students through multi-day sessions:

• Designing scale models
• Solar site selection strategies
• Policy incentive overviews

Field trips to area schools with operational panels make adoption concepts tangible.

Themed Getaways

Overnight campouts at solar nature preserves blend renewable lessons between adventures like:

• Stargazing celestial cycles
• Tracking wildlife patterns
• Monitoring ambient climate shifts

Witnessing planetary interconnectedness brings concepts full circle!

Classroom Solar Integration

While extracurricular solar offerings positively supplement young learning journeys, integrating concepts across existing subjects multiplies exposure further.

Tying Science Relevance

Applying formulas calculating material conductivity, angles of incidence, or wattage outputs grounds abstract physics in demonstrable real-world relevance.

Motivating Mathematics Engagement

Crunching meaningful area and cost variables when budgeting hypothetical residential solar installations makes sense of classroom geometry and arithmetic.

Applying Creative Skills

From drafting efficient panel configurations in CAD software to crafting playful skits dramatizing electrons set loose through circuits, solar themes inspire across artistic courses too.

Sparking School Adoption Conversations

Debating the pros and cons of on-site generation financing orchestrates informed advocacy hopefully swaying administration through sound evidence!

Inspiring Young Innovators

Presenting solar limitations as societal challenges primes entrepreneurial imaginations towards visionary-breaking solutions.

Equip classrooms integrating solar across subjects with donated kits, take students on field trips to local installations, tap local experts as guest speakers, and form solar clubs – abundance exists if priorities shift.

The collective rays of inspired young minds undoubtedly coalesce solving monumental problems ahead!

Solar Teacher Resources

Enthusiastic educators may position students first to receive supplemental solar materials or experiences. However, access limitations persist, especially in underfunded districts.

Help expand digital resource libraries through donateable teaching materials or campaigns securing solar grants benefiting teachers nationally!

Free Curriculums

Open-source solar lesson plans  detailing interactive group modules with cheap demonstration materials help cash-strapped programs spark renewable curiosity focusing beyond textbook facts.

Enrichment Databases

Centralized databases of  classroom solar activities  searchable by region, age or cost facilitates teachers discovering the perfect projects augmenting current sustainability units.

Sponsorships and Funding

Corporate scholarships  or nonprofit crowdfunding campaigns bridging school budget gaps ensures students across income levels receive equal solar inspiration beyond what local communities provide alone.

Our collective future relies on widespread information distribution – help elevate solar teacher heroes through your support unlocking child potential everywhere!

What age groups benefit most from solar kits?

Kids as young as 8 can safely start basic electricity experiments under supervision, with ages 10-14 optimal for progressive motorized builds requiring sharper troubleshooting.

Where can parents or teachers buy affordable kits?

Reputable makers like Thames & Kosmos or top retailers like Amazon supply quality classroom kits under $50. Browse parental discussions pinpointing best entry purchases too!

How do solar summer camps differ across age groups?

Elementary students enjoy local day camps focused on arts projects and facility tours for exposure while secondary schoolers seek intensive technology training at overnight university workshops to hone skills.

What language options exist for non-English solar materials?

While quality English curriculums abound, translated derivatives for major languages lag – but crowdsourced educator materials in Spanish or French help fill gaps.

How can kids benefit from using solar DIY kits?

Solar DIY kits offer a hands-on way for kids to explore renewable energy, enhance their problem-solving skills, and foster an interest in science and technology. By building and experimenting with solar panels, children can gain practical knowledge about solar power and electricity.

What is the significance of solar-powered toys in educational settings?

Solar-powered toys play a dual role in education by combining the fun of play with the principles of solar energy. They engage children in learning about solar power in a playful manner, sparking curiosity and creativity while teaching important scientific concepts.

Equipping young minds with solar inspiration today enables a sustainable future globally tomorrow. Subscribe to the Electrik Living newsletter for the latest educational tools and clean energy insights. Or contact our team here regarding partnerships or questions on sparking the renewable revolution in classrooms!

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Brainstorm STEM Kits

Brainstorm stem solar oven science experiment kit for kids – classroom set (10 kits) + teacher guide.

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【CLASSROOM PACK】– T his special teacher's edition of our original STEM kit includes 10 kits, each with a student instruction manual, plus a handy Educator Guide with easy-to-use NGSS-aligned lesson plans.

Introducing the BrainStorm Solar Oven STEM Kit – where science meets sustainability in a deliciously innovative way! Delight in the magic of solar power as you cook up tasty treats and explore renewable energy concepts with this hands-on educational kit.

With easy-to-follow instructions, kids can build their very own solar oven from scratch, learning about solar energy, heat transfer, and sustainable living along the way. Watch as they harness the power of the sun to bake clay sculptures of their own creation or even roast marshmallows for S'mores, all while gaining a deeper understanding of environmental science and engineering principles.

Ideal for outdoor experiments, the BrainStorm Solar Oven STEM Kit encourages curiosity and creativity as kids experiment with different recipes and solar cooking techniques. Whether they're exploring the science of solar radiation or simply enjoying the thrill of outdoor cooking, the possibilities for learning and fun are endless!

Crafted with safety and durability in mind, our kit features high-quality materials and clear, step-by-step instructions that make learning accessible and enjoyable for all ages. Perfect for aspiring chefs, environmentalists, and STEM enthusiasts alike, it's a fantastic way to inspire young minds and foster a lifelong appreciation for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

Join the solar revolution and cook up some sunshine with the BrainStorm Solar Oven STEM Kit – the perfect blend of education and delicious adventure!

☀ ️ 【 Model and Bake Clay 】 –  Includes modeling clay for firing in the oven! Create sculptures or mini pottery and bake using solar energy. 

☀ ️ 【 Includes Temperature & Humidity Sensor 】 –  Your solar oven kit comes with gauges for internal temperature and humidity, so you can see what temperature you're able to get in your oven!  

☀ ️ 【 Lens Science 】 –  Includes a powerful fresnel lens - a refractive sheet specially designed to focus sunlight and heat the internal chamber, plus a mirror to reflect the sun rays into the oven.

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We are calling young engineers to design and race hydrogen-powered RC cars. The semester-long H2GP PRO empowers students to be the problem-solvers of tomorrow, connect with the automotive industry, and gear it up with renewable energy technology.

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The system includes: 1x LED 40W lamp with E27 socket Lamp holder with cable and switch  

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Solar Experimenters Kit for micro:bit

With this project kit you will learn all about how tiny amounts of energy can be harvested from the sun and stored for later use, using a practical and experiment-led approach.

Where to Buy

You can buy the Solar Experimenters Kit for micro:bit directly from the following retailers.

Australia - Perfect Gold Pty Ltd T/as Small Devices

Australia - CD Soft

Australia - Core Electronics

Belgium - RATO Education BV

Canada - Fair Chance Learning

Canada - pishop.ca

Canada - Robotshop

Canada - Robotix

Denmark - PodConsult

Hong Kong - ETC Educational Technology Connection (HK) Ltd

Norway - Fybikon AS

Norway - Elastisk AS c/o ViaOss AS

South Africa - Barend

Sweden - Kopplat.se

UK - Pimoroni Ltd

UK - The Pi Hut

UK - Cool Components Ltd

UK - Kitronik Ltd

USA - Eduporium

USA - pishop.us

The MonkMakes Solar Experimenters Kit for micro:bit is a project kit that allows you to experiment with harvesting energy from the sun and other light sources. It consists of a solar panel to harvest the energy, a solar store that stores the harvested energy, and a low energy light bulb and a motor that can be driven with the energy that you harvest.

There are three projects that introduce energy harvesting without the micro:bit, followed by 3 bigger projects that use the micro:bit (not provided) as an intelligent controller. The micro:bit monitors and manages the charging and discharging of the solar store.

Datasheet (PDF)

Instructions (PDF)

Lesson Plans (Google File Share)

Hi Res Images (Google File Share)

For further help please email [email protected]

The Educators' Spin On It

Learning Games and Activities

By The Educators Spin On It

Solar Science Experiments for Kids

Solar Science Experiments for Kids are a fun way to teach children about renewable energy sources. These experiments are geared for children ages 5-10, but may be adapted for all ages.

My daughter is getting VERY excited about her upcoming week at science camp!  In preparation for this amazing week-long summer camp, we are trying to get into the habit of “thinking like a scientist!”  

This week, we focused on solar science experiments and creative problem-solving.

Converting Sunlight into Heat.

Absorbing and reflecting heat: solar oven, solar heater: sun tea, solar prints, solar energy books for kids.

A collection of solar science experiments to try with your child in the backyard to encourage them to “think like a scientist!”

We bought this great little kid pool for our backyard and filled it up with cold water right from the faucet. Our baby put his finger in and announced, “COLD pool” and refused to get in. Without filling the pool with water from our home heater, I posed the question:

How can we heat up water the fastest?

This is the solar experiment we decided would best help us answer this question.

Materials Needed:

• 3 identical cups,
• 2 sheets of white paper
• 1 sheet of black.
• 1 plastic lining or plastic bag to cover one cup
• thermometer

Directions.

• Fill each cup with the same amount of liquid of the same cool temperature.
• Measure the water temperature and set one cup on each paper. Cover one of the glasses on white paper with plastic.
• Have a discussion and make predictions about what you think will happen to the water in each glass.
• Let the water sit in a sunny place for one hour.
• Remeasure and discuss the results.

What do you think my kids should do to heat up the water in their pool faster?

* Parent tips:

A black background absorbs more heat than a light background.

Covering the cup slows or stops evaporation. The plastic covering may also absorb some of the suns’ rays.

The kids were fascinated with warming the liquid with the sun and asked, “If the sun can heat up water, what else can it heat up?”  They got to work building their own SOLAR oven using recycled materials.

Materials Needed: (use recycled materials when possible!)

• cardboard box
• black paper
• tortilla chips
• shredded cheese

• Let your child build their own oven. My second grader found some black paper (the back was colored on) and started gluing it inside the box. She then added in some tinfoil, predicting that the foil would reflect the suns rays and heat up her cheese better. She covered the top with saran wrap in hopes it would heat the nachos faster.
• Set the solar oven in a sunny spot.
• Add the chips and top with shredded cheese.
• Set a timer for 5 minutes. Record your results.
• Once the cheese has melted, eat!
• Then, if you choose, try to build another model of a solar oven. Make some changes and compare your results. * THINK like a scientist!!!!* A scientist will perform experiments over and over again to collect data and to figure out better and more efficient ways of doing things.

Some people have tried cooking hot-dogs, nachos are WAY easier!

Keeping a science journal is a great way to connect literacy to science!

Now my kids were on a solar experiment role. “Hey, MOM, do you think we could make your tea with energy from the sun instead of wasting electricity to heat your water inside?” Sure kiddos, what will we need to do?

I love that they were thinking creatively, asking questions, and applying what they have learned.

• Large glass jar
• 2 Bags of Tea

• Fill the jar with water.
• Add 2 tea bags
• Place in a sunny place
• Gently shake every once in a while (per the kids instructions)
• Wait HOURS (they learned the sun is powerful, but does take time to harness the energy)
• Serve warm OR pour over ice cubes for iced tea!

You could talk to your kids about the sun and have them make sun-prints. We used the  solar sun print kit,  but should have just bought the  re-fill package  ($5.99 vs $10.49) as we just used the paper.

Here’s the directions for How to Make Solar Prints with Kids .

More Ideas for Solar FUN :

• Solar Power STEM Camp Activities
• Studying the effects of the sun and the importance of sun screen at the beach
• Solar Eclipse Videos and Activities for Kids
• Running on Sunshine: How Does Solar Energy Work?  by Carolyn Cinami DeCristofano
• Solar Power: Capturing the Sun’s Energy  by Laurie Brearley
• Solar Story: How One Community Lives Alongside the World’s Biggest Solar Plant  by Allan Drummond
• Time to Shine!  by Catherine Daly

You can explore more sun and solar energy books here in our Summer Books for Kids Book List .

Now we are going to work on keeping our “science caps” for the rest of the month (we are stopping at a thrift store tomorrow to pick up our take-apart to be used during the camp week.

We are going to be on the lookout for electronics powered by the sun – maybe a calculator with a solar panel?

Whatever it is, I’m sure it will be fun to disassemble and tinker with. I’m thinking we won’t be able to wait until camp and may have to find a couple of items for home too! I’m not sure who is more excited about a whole week of science and inventing – her or me!

Looking for more science activities for your child? Try these…

Like this idea? Pin for later or share now with a friend!

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January 24, 2020 at 9:15 am

Thanks for sharing these great solar science experiments. My kids both did camp invention a few years ago and they both had a really good time learning and getting interested in science. They are currently both interested in STEM careers as a matter of fact!

September 8, 2019 at 10:50 pm

Thank you for this great ideas. this is exactly the activity I would like for our school children to learn, and discover how useful the Solar Energy is in our daily lives most of all to our Tribal School Children.

June 4, 2015 at 7:53 am

Love the nachos idea! So much fun!

December 21, 2014 at 11:12 am

Thanks Anna – We LOVE Science and getting kids to think and explore the world around them.

It is so important to foster the curiosity at an early age – you will have to let me know how these experiments turn out!

December 21, 2014 at 11:11 am

The science camp sounds like a ton of fun! Enjoy!

Thanks Maggie – we LOVE making sun tea!

July 12, 2014 at 10:58 pm

This is awesome, Amanda! What a great bunch of science activities!

June 3, 2014 at 8:41 pm

These are such fun ideas. My little guy is so curious about the way things work. He would love to try these.

June 2, 2014 at 11:03 pm

Great summer activities. I am not looking forward to full on summer heat, but it is perfect for these kids of experiments. We are also looking forward to our science camp – camp Galileo.

June 2, 2014 at 5:41 am

Oh I love these!! Especially the Sun Tea one!!!

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How do we solve the modern energy crisis? The answer may be blowing in the wind! Use this science-fair friendly kit to build your very own wind turbine & discover how it works!

Convert wind to energy! This Thames and Kosmos Wind Power kit contains all the parts needed to explore wind power, build a 3-foot tall wind turbine and more. Find more product details in the description below!

The solar power kit offers a hands-on exploration on how to harness the amazing power of the sun including using a solar cell, making a solar oven, and creating a parabolic mirror.

Out of Stock, Expected to Ship: 09/30/2024

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Solar Energy Experiment - Teach kids about converting light to energy

Posted by Admin / in Energy & Electricity Experiments

Experimenting with small solar panels is helpful in learning how solar energy works. Small scale solar panels are capable of producing only a few watts of power, but they can teach us much more about how larger solar panels are used to help power homes. Small solar panels work the same way that their larger counterparts do, by taking energy from the sun through photovoltaic cells and directly powering a DC electrical device or by storing the energy for later use in a rechargeable battery. Small solar panels are available from a number of sources including Radio Shack and Amazon. The solar panel pictured in the example was purchased from Harbor Freight Tools. Amazon has the Elenco Solar Educational Kit which also includes a 5 VDC motor to match the 5 volt solar panel. The solar panel pictured has a selectable output voltage selector and a built-in blocking diode to allow rechargeable battery changing. Blocking diodes in short will allow voltage to pass only in one direction. This is useful in the case of a solar panel being used to charge batteries because it it were not present the batteries would be discharged back to the photovoltaic cells at night when there is no sunlight to provide power. There is some loss of energy by passing the voltage through a blocking diode, but it is useful for experimentation. Many full-scale solar panel arrays use low-loss Schottky diodes and a fuse between the batteries and each solar panel.

Let's try a simple experiment with the solar panel by testing the output DC voltage and output current from the panel.

Materials Needed

• small solar panel
• A voltmeter or multimeter with probes
• Sunlight or an incandescent light source

EXPERIMENT STEPS

Step 1: Set up the solar panel under a good light source. Generally, direct sunlight will provide the full amount of voltage from the panel. Incandescent light will only provide approximately 50 percent to 75 percent of the stated voltage output of the panels from a distance of about 5 feet from the light source (60 watts). For higher wattage bulbs or closer distances, the output voltage will be higher.

Step 2: Connect the output black (-), negative lead from the solar panel to the negative probe wire of the voltmeter. Connect the output red (+), positive lead from the solar panel to the positive probe wire of the voltmeter. Alligator clips make the connection very easy.

Step 3: Set the voltmeter to test for DC voltage. It may be necessary to set it to a factored dial setting on the voltmeter. Set the meter to DC test, 10 if there are different test settings. Turn on the voltmeter.

Step 4: Observe the voltmeter voltage reading.

Step 5: Set the voltmeter to test for DC current. It may be necessary to set it to a factored dial setting on the voltmeter.

Step 6: Observe the voltmeter current reading.

Step 7: The example solar panel model has a selectable output switch. Changing the switch setting varies both the output voltage and output current. The higher the voltage output the lower the current and vice versa. If your solar panel has selectable settings, try repeating Steps 3-6 with different output settings. If not, try moving the solar panel closer and further away from the light source while output readings are observed.

SCIENCE LEARNED

Solar panels are capable of producing electricity from not only sunlight, but also from artificial light sources. The amount of voltage produced from a small solar panel is surprisingly good, however, the amount of current produced from this same solar panel is minimal. To produce enough electricity to be useful, much larger solar panels are required. We also found that directing the panels towards the light source helps to maximize the energy output. In practice, the position of solar panels is optimized to receive the most amount of sunlight possible. Many times, solar fields also include servo motors to help change the position of the solar panel to track the sun's position using a photoresistor sensor.

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