Materials List: Photovoltaics & Temperature:
Ice, Ice, PV!

Each group needs:

  • mini PV panel ($10-30; available online; do a product search for "small solar panel" or see the Solar Panel Source Information attachment in the Photovoltaic Efficiency unit)
  • multimeter ($10; available online; see the Solar Multimeter Source Information attachment in the Photovoltaic Efficiency unit)
  • 2 wires with alligator clips
  • clamp or desk lamp with 100-watt incandescent bulb (~$8; best for each group to have their own, but teams can share if necessary)
  • stop watch
  • calculator
  • Student Investigation Guide, one per group
  • Investigation Worksheet, one per person

Note: The non-expendable items (mini PV panels, multimeters, wires with alligator clamps, lamp and light bulb) are reusable for the entire four-lesson unit, as well as other projects.

For the entire class to share:

  • a bucket of ice water, large enough to submerge three-quarters of the PV panel
  • a bucket of ice water, large enough to submerge three-quarters of the PV panel
  • towel or paper towels
  • (optional) thermometer, to measure the room temperature
https://www.teachengineering.org/activities/view/cub_pveff_lesson02_activity1