Solar Fountain Activity

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

1. Distribute materials
2. Connect solar panel to pump
3. Test the pump and solar panel
4. Design fountain using plasticine
5. Conduct a solar scavenger hunt to determine the best location and solar panel angle

Reflection Activity

COE_6-8_ReflectionTools

Global Competencies

• Critical Thinking and Problem Solving
• Innovation, Creativity and Entrepreneurship

Acknowledgments

Activity downloaded from KidWind — Teaching the World about Renewables