Step 1- As a group, go to this link http://www.crystal-clear-science-fair-projects.com/solar-science-projects.html Solar Science Project - Solar CellsThis 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 - solar car kits:
- Colored transparency sheets (office supply store)
- Cardboard ( cut into a circle)
- Scissors
- Black marker
- Wooden blocks (or something to set your car on so the wheels will not touch the ground)
- Tape
- Stopwatch
Procedure:
1. Gather materials needed for your solar science projects experiment.
2. Follow instructions on your kit to assemble your solar car.
3. Cut and tape a cardboard circle to the face of one of the wheels on your car.
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. Who does what: Each group o four will have one investigator, one writer, one printer and one presenter. This in order to provide with the findings of our exercise.
Record Observations
| Light Color
| Number of Rotations Per Minute
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| Trial 1
| Trial 2
| Trial 3
| White (sunlight)
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| Red
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| Orange
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| Yellow
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| Green
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| Blue
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| Black
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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.
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