By Gayathri Narayanan
The world is shifting increasingly toward renewable energy sources to tackle climate change, so future generations must learn about sustainability. Engaging elementary kids in practical tasks related to solar energy not only enhances their comprehension but also fosters critical thinking abilities. This blog will explore three fun solar activities for grades 3-5 students!
1. Solar-Powered Fan
To build a sun-powered fan, students will need a tiny DC motor, a solar panel (about 3-6 volts), fan blades (which can be made of lightweight materials like cardboard or plastic), cables, and a support structure. This exercise aims to show how solar energy may be converted into mechanical energy. When students expose the solar panel to sunlight, it produces electricity. Then, this electricity drives the motor, which turns on the fan blades, creating airflow. Students can learn about energy conversion concepts, circuit basics, and sustainable energy sources through practical experimenting. They can also investigate ideas like how the angle and strength of the sun affect the fan’s speed, offering a valuable comprehension of the uses of solar power. Solar power is a sustainable and clean energy option for conventional battery-powered gadgets and promotes environmental awareness.
2. Solar-Powered Toy Cars
Students construct little toy cars using supplies like cardboard, straws, wheels, and solar panels. When the vehicle is in direct sunlight, a solar panel mounted on it collects sunlight and powers a little engine that moves the car forward. This exercise demonstrates how solar energy can be transformed into mechanical motion and how transportation can use it. Through practical construction, students gain knowledge of renewable energy technologies and the significance of sustainable solutions. Building solar-powered toy automobiles strengthens students’ problem-solving abilities and provides real-world insight into renewable energy applications. This exercise stimulates interest in solar energy and its potential to spur innovation across various industries.
3. Sun Print Photography
Students use cyanotype paper, which is sun-sensitive, to make photographic prints by adhering miniature toys, flowers, or leaves to the paper and then exposing it to sunlight. The UV light-blocking characteristics of the items create silhouette images. The images are revealed when students rinse the paper with water after exposing it to sunlight. Students learn about the science of light and chemical reactions through sun print photography. They learn about the use of solar energy in science and art by comprehending how sunlight interacts with materials to generate images. Through sun print photography’s creative and scientific fusion, this activity inspires students to learn more about solar energy and investigate the natural world. This exercise fosters interdisciplinary learning and understanding of the connections between science and art.
Incorporating these solar activities into the elementary school curriculum produces a generation of environmentally conscious thinkers and innovators while enhancing kids’ understanding of solar energy and sustainability! Teachers can motivate students to advocate for renewable energy sources and environmental stewards by offering experiential learning and critical thinking opportunities.
Do you want more resources on the topic of solar activities? NSTEM’s vast resources database provides thousands of searchable STEM resources by category, school level, and state. This comprehensive library includes info on enrichment activities, curricula, internships, scholarships, and more. Check out a free sampling here. Or get an NSTEM membership today to unlock the complete list.
Grades 3-5 continue the STEM education journey, where students are interested in the natural world and in how things work, responding to stories told by teachers that give purpose and meaning to STEM disciplines, which molds them into thinkers, problem solvers, and creators. The National STEM Honor Society sees grades 3-5 as a critical point in the NSTEM journey. To start your grade 3-5 chapter of the National STEM Honor Society, click here.
