Harnessing the Sun: Building and Learning from a Solar Powered Race Car / Activity Analysis

Core Skills Analysis

Science

• Understood the basic principles of solar energy by using solar panels as the power source for the race car.
• Learned about the conversion of solar energy into mechanical energy to propel a vehicle.
• Explored concepts of renewable energy and its practical applications in sustainable transportation.
• Gained hands-on experience with assembling mechanical and electrical components to create a functioning model.

Technology and Engineering

• Developed skills in designing and building a functional solar-powered model vehicle.
• Practiced problem-solving and critical thinking while troubleshooting mechanical or electrical issues during construction.
• Applied knowledge of circuits and motors in a real-world context by integrating them into the race car's design.
• Learned about the importance of lightweight materials and aerodynamics in the efficiency and speed of the vehicle.

Mathematics

• Utilized measurement skills to accurately size components of the solar race car.
• Applied basic principles of speed, distance, and time during testing or racing the vehicle.
• Engaged in estimation and comparison, possibly assessing the effects of angles or placement of solar panels on performance.
• Interpreted data or results from attempts to optimize the car’s speed or efficiency.

Tips

To deepen understanding of solar energy and engineering principles, encourage the student to experiment with different designs of solar panels and materials for the car body to see their effects on speed and efficiency. Incorporate simple physics lessons around energy conversion, force, and motion to enhance theoretical comprehension. Additionally, engage in discussions about the environmental benefits of renewable energy technologies, comparing solar power to other energy sources. Consider integrating math exercises related to calculating speed, energy output, or efficiency percentages to connect practical work with numerical analysis.

Book Recommendations

• Solar Energy Projects for Kids by Jenny Kellett: A creative guide that introduces young readers to solar energy through fun, hands-on projects including making solar-powered machines.
• How Machines Work: Zoo Break! by David Macaulay: Engages readers with detailed illustrations and explanations of mechanical concepts relevant to building and understanding machines like race cars.
• Energy Island: How One Community Harnessed the Wind and Changed Their World by Allan Drummond: Tells the true story of an island community’s journey to sustainable energy, inspiring understanding of renewable energy’s impact.

Learning Standards

• Science Understanding - Physical Sciences (ACSSU155): Energy from a range of sources can be used to generate electricity.
• Science as a Human Endeavour (ACSHE223): Science knowledge helps people understand the effect of their actions.
• Design and Technologies (ACTDEK023): Investigate characteristics and properties of materials and components that are used to produce designed solutions.
• Measurement and Geometry (ACMMG158): Calculate speed given distance and time.

Try This Next

• Worksheet comparing efficiency of different solar panel angles and materials used for the car body.
• Writing prompt: Describe the journey of a photon from the sun to powering the solar race car's motor.