Solar energy has been recognized and used for centuries, through primitive means of using the energy of the sun to harden clay for building materials to the more contemporary use of solar energy for powering vehicles and providing energy for homes.
Homeschool science can be filled with extra activities when studying forms of alternative energy. Even the simple solar powered calculator can demonstrate how solar energy can replace battery energy. Kids can experiment with placing objects over the solar panel on the calculator, such as a Kleenex, a piece of transparent tape, or a piece of black paper, and record the results.
Solar Power Panel Kits and Experiments for Kids
Another effective tool in a homeschool science lesson is a kit with which the student can build a solar powered robot. Several inexpensive models are available through Kits USA, including the Attacking Inch Worm, the Frightened Grasshopper, the Happy Hopping Frog, the Peppy Orangutan, and the Valiant Viking Ship. Each of these costs less than $15.00 and takes about 1-2 hours to assemble. No tools or batteries are required.
Many hobby stores also carry small solar panels which can be affixed to model vehicles and machines to provide power. Many of these require a basic tool set and the ability to connect the wiring. There are also toy brands, such as LEGO, that sell kits and parts with which kids can create machines with alternative power sources.
There are several effect ways to demonstrate the power of solar energy using these small kits. Once the creature or machine has been created, the parents can have the kids test it on days of varying weather. Some solar panels are strong enough to collect energy through cloud cover, while others require direct sunlight in order to be effective.
Kids can also experiment by adding weights to their creations to see how effectively the power can handle the extra workload. Some of these weights can be as easy as small rocks, building blocks, or a string tied to a toy car and attached to the solar vehicle. Testing the towing capacity and carrying ability when the weight has been increased provides real world examples.
Solar Power Reading Resources for Homeschools
These simple experiments can be done in conjunction with reading varieties of books on the subject of solar energy. Some resources include:
- The Kids’ Solar Energy Book even grown-ups can understand, by Tilly Spetgang and Malcolm Wells [Imagine Publishing, Inc., August 1, 2009]
- Green Dan Says (Renewable Energy is Cool), by Dan Marsh [Instant Publishing, 2010]
- Done in the Sun: Solar Projects for Children, by Astrid Hillerman, Anne Hillerman, and Mina Yamashita [Sunstone Press, 1983]
The inclusion of books, hand-on activities, and room for experimentation are beneficial when teaching many subjects, and science lessons are no exception. Homeschool science lessons about solar energy can include various building kits with solar panels and experimentations with weather changes. Giving children these tangible experiences helps to reinforce the concepts and build foundations for further studies.
Chris Oldenburg - The homeschooling mother of four children, I am also a freelance technical writer. After more than 10 years of homeschooling I enjoy the ...
Join the Conversation