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Solar Power Activity cover with an image of the Pathfinder in flight.

Audience

Educators

Grade Levels

Grades 5-8, Grades 9-12

Subject

Physical Science, Chemistry, Energy, Flight and Aeronautics, Forces and Motion

Type

Lesson Plans / Activities

FUTURE FLIGHT

Solar Power

This Solar Power activity will build a solar powered car that runs on sunlight. This activity is based on a science kit called the by Thames & Kosmos Fuel Cell Car and Experiment Kit (Fuel cells are covered in another Museum in a Box module.) A series of experiments introduce visitors and students to solar energy and solar cell technology.

Solar Power 5-12

Grade Level: 5-12

Time Required: 30 minutes

National Science Standards Addressed:

Science 5-8:

  • Abilities necessary to do scientific inquiry
  • Understanding about scientific inquiry
  • Properties and changes of properties in matter
  • Motions and forces
  • Transfer for energy
  • Abilities of technological design
  • Understanding about science and technology

Science 9-12:

  • Abilities necessary to do scientific inquiry
  • Understanding about scientific inquiry
  • Structure of atoms
  • Structure and properties of matter
  • Chemical reactions
  • Motion and forces
  • Interaction of energy and matter
  • Abilities of technological design
  • Understanding about science and technology

Topic: Energy, Solar Cells, Alternative Energy, Radiation

This activity is part of the Museum in a Box Lessons