Ready, Set, Solar! Design a Solar Powered Car
A constructed solar rover. What will the rover do when the solar panel hits the sun?Copyright Catherine Jones & Brenda Weathers, 2022
Students learn that solar energy is a renewable energy source from the sun that can be collected and used to power different items, and that solar panels allow us to gather this energy in one place and use it as electricity. As a renewable resource, the sun provides a clean and abundant source of energy that can help reduce pollution and harm to the environment. To model this process, students use a solar powered rover kit to make a car out of recycled materials.
In groups of two, students use the Engineering Design Process (EDP) and follow each of the steps to complete, test, redesign, and retest their cars. Students test their car in the sun with the panel at two different angles and then once in the shade. What worked best? Then the race is on!
The process of designing and building solar-powered rovers from recycled materials not only introduces students to the concept of renewable energy but also provides a practical application of engineering principles. Through this hands-on activity, students engage in the Engineering Design Process (EDP), a structured approach used by engineers to solve real-world problems.
After this activity, students are expected to:
- Work through the Engineering Design Process.
- Investigate energy in everyday life.
- Explore solutions to real-world problems.