Investigating Photovoltaic Cells
Students use photovoltaic cells to transform energy from sunlight into electrical energy as they investigate solar energy as an example of a renewable energy source. They explore how to power a motor using the photovoltaic cells and investigate some factors that affect the cells’ ability to transform light energy into electricity. They then discuss the advantages and disadvantages of using solar energy.
Details at a Glance
- 1-2 Days | 1-2 ~50 minute class periods
- 2 Activities
- Accommodates unlimited classes, each with 6 groups of 4 students
- Meets our criteria for supporting literacy
- All materials are non-consumable
- Includes digital resources
- Developed in partnership with SEPUP
Scientific Concepts
•Energy is transferred in many ways.
•Electrical circuits provide a means of transferring electrical energy.
•The Sun is a major source of energy.
•Students design and conduct a scientific investigation.
•Students develop descriptions, explanations, predictions, and models using evidence.
Key Vocabulary: photovoltaic (“solar”) cell, sustainable
Guides & Student Sheets
Our kits and modules provide you with everything you need so you can open, review, and teach the material confidently the next day.
- Full downloadable Teacher Guide with background information, detailed instruction, example data and answers
- Downloadable Student Sheets with age appropriate background information, full procedure(s), and analysis questions
- All materials necessary to carry out the investigation
- Safety Data Sheets
Kit Components
- 1 Teacher’s Guide with MSDS
- 28 Student Worksheets and Guides
- 6 Electric motors
- 6 Photovoltaic cells
- 6 Red wire leads with clips
- 6 Black wire leads with clips
- 6 Cardboard sunshields
- 1 Transparency: Sample Procedure and Data Table
- Not included and needed for instruction: Masking tape.
Need to order refills for this Kit?
Order RefillsRelated Products
-
Kit #209SThe Electromagnetic SpectrumIn this multi-day, three-part activity, students begin by sharing their current understanding of light and then observing how visible light can be separated into different colors. In Part B they conduct an investigation to further explore the visible spectrum by using unique Lab-Aids equipment to collect evidence that indicates that different colors of light...
$318.25 View Details -
Kit #205SWet Cell Batteries
This kit introduces students to the concept of energy conversion through the study of a simple electrochemical cell connected to an electric motor. Electrochemical cells are the basis for batteries and contain metals and other chemicals with stored chemical potential energy. Students design and conduct an experiment that uses the unique Lan-Aids© Wet...
$216.25 View Details -
Kit #211Waves, Sound and Light
In this series of three activities students produce both longitudinal and transverse mechanical waves and compare their similarities and differences. As an introduction, students use water and springs to observe wavelength and frequency and discover the relationship between them. Their exploration of waves continues through investigating vibrations and the production of sound waves. Using...
$137.90 View Details -
Kit #206RSComparing the Energy Efficiency of Different Light Bulbs
Students investigate the efficiency of light bulbs to produce light. This activity provides students with experiences related to experimental design and three important energy concepts: energy transformations, the conservation of energy, and energy “loss” to the environment. Students use calorimetry to measure how much “waste” heat energy a glowing bulb...
$182.40 View Details -
Kit #213Energy Transfer
Students explore the relationship between, and practical applications of, electricity and magnets. They use a battery, a magnet and a coiled wire to build a simple electric motor and then use a pre-assembled electric motor to generate electric current. In Activity 2, students read about how electricity is generated for home and commercial use. They...
$234.50 View Details
