Overview
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.
NB Curricular Connections
Science 6-8
- Strand: Scientific Literacy – Big Idea: Investigations
- Strand: Scientific Literacy – Big Idea: Communication – Skill Descriptor: Communicate procedure, result, and conclusion using a variety of media and working collaboratively.
- Strand: Scientific Literacy – Big Idea: Sensemaking – Skill Descriptor: Analyze and interpret qualitative and quantitative data to construct explanations and conclusions.
What You’ll Need
- General building supplies (tape, scissors, glue, etc)
- Solar panel
- Small pump
- Tubing
- Plasticine
- Tray
- Water – do not use water near electrical outlets
- Lamp with incandescent blub – optional
*Contact the Centre of Excellence for Energy if you’re an NB teacher and require support with materials.
Instructions
- Distribute materials
- Connect solar panel to pump
- Test the pump and solar panel
- Design fountain using plasticine
- Conduct a solar scavenger hunt to determine the best location and solar panel angle
Reflection Activity
Global Competencies
Acknowledgments
Activity downloaded from KidWind — Teaching the World about Renewables
