Solar Science Projects
Solar Science Project - Solar Cells
This solar science project examines the effects of different wavelengths of light on solar cells.Background:
Research information on solar cells, also known as photovoltaic (PV) cells. Also research information on light wavelengths. Answer the following questions: What are solar cells? How do they work? What is solar energy? How and why are PV cells used? What are the different wavelengths of light?
Hypothesis:
From your research you will predict which wavelength of light will cause the least or most disturbance in the production of electricity by your solar cell.
Materials: (Adult supervision of kids is always recommended.)
- Solar car model - Suggested solar car kits:
 |  |
| Scientifics Online: Fuel Cell Car Kit | Scientifics Online: Solar Car Kit |
| Science Kit: Fuel Cell Car and Experiment Kit | Carl's Electronics: Solar F1 Racer |
- Colored transparency sheets (office supply store)
- Cardboard
- Scissors
- Black marker
- Wooden blocks (or something to set your car on so the wheels will not touch the ground)
- Tape
- Stopwatch
1. Gather materials needed for your solar science projects experiment.
2. Follow the instructions from your kit to assemble your solar car.
3. Cut a piece of cardboard to the size and shape of one of the wheels of your car. Tape the circle to the face of the wheel.
4. Use the black marker to place a dot on the edge of the cardboard circle. You will use this to measure the speed at which the wheel spins.
5. Place your car in bright sunlight on blocks. Make sure the solar cell gets plenty of light.
6. Depending on car model, switch the power source to solar power.
7. Watch the spinning wheel and the dot on the cardboard circle.
8. Use the stopwatch to count the number of times the dot rotates in 15 seconds. Multiply this number by 4 to get the number of rotations in a minute.
9. Record your results.
10. Repeat step 5, only this time you will cover the solar cell with one of the colored transparency films.
11. Repeat steps 6-9.
12. Repeat steps 10-11 for the rest of the colored transparency films.
13. Repeat this experiment two more times and compare results.
| Trial 1 | Trial 2 | Trial 3 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| White (sunlight) | |||
| Red | |||
| Orange | |||
| Yellow | |||
| Green | |||
| Blue | |||
| Black | |||
Results:
Compare your results for your solar science projects experiment. Graph and chart your data. Describe how covering the solar cell affected the spinning of the wheel.
Conclusion:
Summarize what happened in your solar science projects experiment based on your results. Explain patterns in your data. Did your data support your hypothesis? If not, explain why. Evaluate your project and make suggestions for improvements.
More Science Projects for Kids Samples:
Behavioral Science Fair Projects
Science Projects for Kids
