This activity demonstrates how solar energy is transformed into electricity that we can use. Students will use solar panels to power a small water pump and build a functioning fountain. In doing so, they will learn how a solar panel works, collect data and test variables, and apply their observations to their engineering process as they improve their designs.
The Details
Next Generation Science Standards
Disciplinary Core Ideas
Cross-Cutting Concepts
Learning Objectives
- Know the fundamental aspects of a solar panel and understand how placement and orientation affect its power output
- Be able to use the scientific method to isolate and adjust variables in a solar powered fountain
- Understand power measurement and energy concepts, using a small water pump
- Be able to use basic engineering, art and design skills to create a one-of-a-kind solar fountain
Materials
- Trays
- Plasticine
- Water pump
- Solar panel 3V 500mA (recommended size and power)
- Small tube 1/8″
- Medium tube 1/4″
- Large tube 3/8″
- Scissors
- Water
- Towel
- Lamp (or good sunlight)
- High wattage incandescent bulb (100 watts or higher)
- Compact fluorescent bulb (optional)
- LED bulb (optional)
- Ruler
- Protractor
- Color acetate sheets (optional)
- Alternative fountain building material such as plastic bottles, large basins for water, more plasticine, straws, etc.
More KidWind Activities
See All Activities
Energy Economics: Connecting Cost to Kilowatts
In this activity, students will explore the concept of energy output and consumption using energy readers like a Kill A Watt Energy Monitor. They will learn about the costs associated with energy through readings and a simple energy audit. This is a two part lesson. In the first part, students will be using a Kill A Watt Energy Monitor to
Learn More →
Visual Impacts of Offshore Wind
This is a two-part lesson. The first part of the lesson will take place in a large space like a gym or a cafeteria. Students will use a topographical sea floor map to determine how far offshore their wind turbine should be placed. They will also look at call maps for New Jersey offshore wind turbines to visualize where building
Learn More →
Harnessing the Wind: Sail Car Activity
This activity demonstrates how wind can be used to propel an object. Students will build sails to catch the wind in order to move the Sail Car as far as possible. Experiment with the number, design, shape, and angle of sails to control the direction, speed, and distance of the Sail Car.
Learn More →