At a Glance: Using materials in Pitsco's Solar Designer Kit and some tools, students assemble a working model car that uses energy from the Sun as its power source.
Concepts: Students learn how solar energy can be converted into mechanical energy, and they become familiar with the basic parts of a vehicle: chassis, drivetrain, wheels, and axles.
Details: First, students measure, mark, and drill axle holes through the vehicle's plastic chassis. A 5/16" diameter gear is positioned on the motor, and a 1-1/4" diameter gear is slipped onto the vehicle's rear axle. The axles are inserted through the drilled holes and four wheels are attached.
Photovoltaic solar panel leads are soldered to the motor terminals and the panel is anchored to the center of the chassis with a double-stick adhesive patch. When the motor is placed in the motor slot on the chassis, its gear engages the gear on the axle and produces drive when the panel is exposed to sunlight or incandescent light.
At a Glance: Using materials in Pitsco's Solar Designer Kit and some tools, students assemble a working model car that uses energy from the Sun as its power source.
