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Sixth Grade Science Fair Projects That Use Solar Panels

Solar panels collect solar thermal energy, or heat, from the sun. It is possible to make a simple, unsophisticated solar panel, which is good news for sixth graders who want to experiment with solar panels for their science projects. One example of a simple solar panel consists of a box with a transparent top made of glass or plastic, through which sunlight can get through. Sixth graders can also find a solar cell at science stores or hobby shops.
  1. Use of Lenses in Solar Power

    • Determine whether the application of different kinds of lenses, such as bi-convex lenses, will enhance the efficiency of a solar panel. The controlled features of this experiment will include the duration of the tests, the angle of the solar panels and the measurement instruments used. Connect three bi-convex lenses clockwise around three sides of your solar panel. Connect an 220-ohm resister to your solar panel. Set up both the experimental and control groups outside -- one solar panel with the bi-convex lenses attached, the other without. Measure the amount of ohms from both the experimental and control groups based on the findings from the 220-ohm resister. Measure volts and miliamps using digital multimeters (which can be found in electronics stores), also attached to the solar panel during testing.

    Angle of the Sun on the Panel

    • When the earth rotates around the sun, the position of the sun changes in the sky. Determine whether the sun's angle onto a solar panel influences how much solar thermal energy the panel absorbs. Use a solar panel outside on a sunny day and measure the amperage of the solar panel using an ammeter (set it to read miliamps before your start) as the day changes. Ensure the solar panel stays in the same location for the entire test. For a year-long project, you can try this out in the summer and in the winter and record those results.

    Cooking Hot Dogs with Solar Power

    • Build a model of a parabolic solar collector, which is essentially a trough with a tube through the center. The inside of this trough will be coated with aluminum foil, and will thus serve as a sort of layman's solar panel to store and reflect light. The hot dog will be cooked within this trough via heat from solar energy. Once you build the solar panel cooker, face the mirrored parts toward the sun, adjusting the trough accordingly. Record how long it takes for you to cook the hot dog.

    Contact on a Solar Cell

    • Acquire a solar cell, a small motor and wheels from a science supply shop or hobby shop. Demonstrate how the amount of light affects the efficiency of the solar cell, as well as wavelength. Attach the wheel to the motor, and attach the motor to the solar cell. Expose the solar cell to bright sunlight and observe the wheel on the motor spinning. Record how many turns it takes, then place the solar panel in a more shaded area. Compare the result.


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