{"id":1663,"date":"2018-01-25T22:29:15","date_gmt":"2018-01-26T04:29:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.learningtostem.com\/?p=1663"},"modified":"2018-03-11T18:47:59","modified_gmt":"2018-03-11T23:47:59","slug":"solar-power-kids-resource-guide","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.learningtostem.com\/solar-power-kids-resource-guide\/","title":{"rendered":"Solar Power for Kids Resource Guide"},"content":{"rendered":"

We see the sun every day, but we don\u2019t often think about the energy it has that\u2019s used all over the world. Sure, we know how plants can\u2019t grow without the sun, and we know that the sun is very hot.<\/br>
\nBut what about the electricity that can be harvested from the sun to run lights and other everyday utilities?<\/br>
\nSolar power converts energy from the sun into electricity. Heat and light are two types of energy we can get from the sun. Solar panels, which are photovoltaic cells, are installed onto things such as roofs. The cells\u2019 electrons become loose when sun touches these cells, which generates electricity.<\/br>
\nYou\u2019ve seen small versions of this in action when using a calculator!<\/br>
\nSome power plants also use solar power via thermal energy from the sun. Using the sun\u2019s energy, the plant can generate steam and turn a turbine to create electricity. This is similar to how fossil fuel power plants work.<\/br>
\nSolar power has become popular because it\u2019s good for the environment: it doesn\u2019t create any pollution. One disadvantage is that solar panels are expensive, and cloudy weather can sometimes cause an issue with powering devices.<\/br><\/p>\n

Fun Facts About Solar Power<\/h2>\n
    \n
  1. Solar power might not be something that you think it used very often, but it is \u2014 you\u2019ve seen it while using a calculator!<\/li>\n
  2. Solar energy has been used for thousands of years, first for drying clothes in the sun and drying food.<\/li>\n
  3. It has zero pollution, unlike fossil fuels, and is a renewable form of energy.<\/li>\n
  4. While solar panels can be expensive, they\u2019ve become cheaper in recent years.<\/li>\n
  5. The first solar cells could be purchased in 1956, but they were very expensive.<\/li>\n
  6. Solar power is the most abundant source of power that exists.<\/li>\n
  7. Even though the sun sets in the evening, it\u2019s possible to store solar energy to use it 24\/7.<\/li>\n
  8. What about when it rains? Solar cells aren\u2019t usually harmed by rain and other precipitation.<\/li>\n
  9. Greeks and Romans used solar energy by building houses with windows that faced the sun to heat and light their homes.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    Solar Power Activities for Kids<\/h2>\n

    Below are some fun solar power activities for your child to perform to see exactly how solar power works.<\/p>\n

      \n
    1. Use the sun to blow up a balloon<\/a>: By using two empty 2-liter bottles, two balloons, and some paint, you can see the sun\u2019s energy in action. Painting one bottle white and the other black will show how the white bottle doesn\u2019t heat up as fast.<\/li>\n
    2. Create solar lights<\/a>: You can buy cheap solar path lights, pop them on top of a mason jar, and have a small solar-powered light at your disposal. This is a great way to show solar power in action on a smaller scale.<\/li>\n
    3. Create upcycled crayons<\/a>: Have a bunch of broken and small crayons? On a hot day in the summer, put them in small plastic cups in tin foil and watch them melt and re-harden. You will then have some new crayons in many interesting hues.<\/li>\n
    4. Build a solar oven<\/a>: This is a fun and tasty way to showcase solar power. Using aluminum foil and some other supplies, show your kids how food can be cooked using solar power. You might end up with some sun baked s\u2019mores at the end of your experiment.<\/li>\n
    5. On the other hand, who needs an oven? Fry an egg on the sidewalk: This is a classic summertime activity that\u2019s been around for decades. Is it hot enough the fry an egg on the sidewalk? Crack one open and see. Even in extreme heat, it\u2019s usually not hot enough to fully cook and egg, but it\u2019s still fun to try.<\/li>\n
    6. Make a solar updraft tower<\/a>: Using a few household items, you can make a pinwheel spin using nothing but solar power. No batteries required! This is a very simple experiment that doesn\u2019t even require solar panels.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

      Solar Power Kit for Kids<\/h2>\n

      Solar Lab 1.0 Electricity Learning Kit<\/a><\/h3>\n
      \n

      This kit is a comprehensive educational kit that’s mainly used in schools but is also perfect for kids wanting to take their solar power education to the next level at home. It walks kids through how solar cells work and how they’re used in every day life to power buildings.<\/br>
      \nExploring everything from setting up equipment to wiring loads in series and building a solar-powered battery charger, the solar lab kit provides a good look at everything solar power related. The kit also teaches about general electricity terms, such as voltage, power, and resistance.<\/br>
      \nThe manual includes 10 different activities as well as all of the needed parts, including batteries. It also teaches kid about the history of solar power and solar energy.<\/br>
      \nGenerally found for under $60, this is a great kit that packs a lot of lessons into a few activities to go beyond just the basics and delve into the specifics of how we use solar energy.<\/div><\/div>\n

      <\/br><\/br><\/br><\/br>