solar energy experiments for students

• Using acrylic paint, cover the surface of your fabric. I prefer to use watered down paint (or even dye). Thick layers of paint will not work for this technique. TIP- Use fabric paint or dye if you are creating washable fabric
• Next, press flowers, leaves or just about anything onto the surface of the wet fabric.
• Let everything sit in the sun for 1-2 hours or until dry. While it is drying the leaves will be absorbing the wet pigment.
• Pull leaves from the fabric and you are left with a beautiful print.

Looking for more ways to explore solar energy?

Thank you for sharing this piece, it's a great topic. By the way, I just want to share this piece about sustainable living: https://www.superdraft.com.au/trends/solar-power-battery-system I think it's something worth sharing!

Great experiment

thank you for the information

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Solar Science Experiments for Kids

Solar Science Experiments for Kids are a fun way to teach children about renewable energy sources. These experiments are geared for children ages 5-10, but may be adapted for all ages.

My daughter is getting VERY excited about her upcoming week at science camp!  In preparation for this amazing week-long summer camp, we are trying to get into the habit of “thinking like a scientist!”  

This week, we focused on solar science experiments and creative problem-solving.

Converting Sunlight into Heat.

Absorbing and reflecting heat: solar oven, solar heater: sun tea, solar prints, solar energy books for kids.

A collection of solar science experiments to try with your child in the backyard to encourage them to “think like a scientist!”

We bought this great little kid pool for our backyard and filled it up with cold water right from the faucet. Our baby put his finger in and announced, “COLD pool” and refused to get in. Without filling the pool with water from our home heater, I posed the question:

How can we heat up water the fastest?

This is the solar experiment we decided would best help us answer this question.

Materials Needed:

• 3 identical cups,
• 2 sheets of white paper
• 1 sheet of black.
• 1 plastic lining or plastic bag to cover one cup
• thermometer

Directions.

• Fill each cup with the same amount of liquid of the same cool temperature.
• Measure the water temperature and set one cup on each paper. Cover one of the glasses on white paper with plastic.
• Have a discussion and make predictions about what you think will happen to the water in each glass.
• Let the water sit in a sunny place for one hour.
• Remeasure and discuss the results.

What do you think my kids should do to heat up the water in their pool faster?

* Parent tips:

A black background absorbs more heat than a light background.

Covering the cup slows or stops evaporation. The plastic covering may also absorb some of the suns’ rays.

The kids were fascinated with warming the liquid with the sun and asked, “If the sun can heat up water, what else can it heat up?”  They got to work building their own SOLAR oven using recycled materials.

Materials Needed: (use recycled materials when possible!)

• cardboard box
• black paper
• tortilla chips
• shredded cheese

• Let your child build their own oven. My second grader found some black paper (the back was colored on) and started gluing it inside the box. She then added in some tinfoil, predicting that the foil would reflect the suns rays and heat up her cheese better. She covered the top with saran wrap in hopes it would heat the nachos faster.
• Set the solar oven in a sunny spot.
• Add the chips and top with shredded cheese.
• Set a timer for 5 minutes. Record your results.
• Once the cheese has melted, eat!
• Then, if you choose, try to build another model of a solar oven. Make some changes and compare your results. * THINK like a scientist!!!!* A scientist will perform experiments over and over again to collect data and to figure out better and more efficient ways of doing things.

Some people have tried cooking hot-dogs, nachos are WAY easier!

Keeping a science journal is a great way to connect literacy to science!

Now my kids were on a solar experiment role. “Hey, MOM, do you think we could make your tea with energy from the sun instead of wasting electricity to heat your water inside?” Sure kiddos, what will we need to do?

I love that they were thinking creatively, asking questions, and applying what they have learned.

• Large glass jar
• 2 Bags of Tea

• Fill the jar with water.
• Add 2 tea bags
• Place in a sunny place
• Gently shake every once in a while (per the kids instructions)
• Wait HOURS (they learned the sun is powerful, but does take time to harness the energy)
• Serve warm OR pour over ice cubes for iced tea!

You could talk to your kids about the sun and have them make sun-prints. We used the  solar sun print kit,  but should have just bought the  re-fill package  ($5.99 vs $10.49) as we just used the paper.

Here’s the directions for How to Make Solar Prints with Kids .

More Ideas for Solar FUN :

• Solar Power STEM Camp Activities
• Studying the effects of the sun and the importance of sun screen at the beach
• Solar Eclipse Videos and Activities for Kids
• Running on Sunshine: How Does Solar Energy Work?  by Carolyn Cinami DeCristofano
• Solar Power: Capturing the Sun’s Energy  by Laurie Brearley
• Solar Story: How One Community Lives Alongside the World’s Biggest Solar Plant  by Allan Drummond
• Time to Shine!  by Catherine Daly

You can explore more sun and solar energy books here in our Summer Books for Kids Book List .

Now we are going to work on keeping our “science caps” for the rest of the month (we are stopping at a thrift store tomorrow to pick up our take-apart to be used during the camp week.

We are going to be on the lookout for electronics powered by the sun – maybe a calculator with a solar panel?

Whatever it is, I’m sure it will be fun to disassemble and tinker with. I’m thinking we won’t be able to wait until camp and may have to find a couple of items for home too! I’m not sure who is more excited about a whole week of science and inventing – her or me!

Looking for more science activities for your child? Try these…

Like this idea? Pin for later or share now with a friend!

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January 24, 2020 at 9:15 am

Thanks for sharing these great solar science experiments. My kids both did camp invention a few years ago and they both had a really good time learning and getting interested in science. They are currently both interested in STEM careers as a matter of fact!

September 8, 2019 at 10:50 pm

Thank you for this great ideas. this is exactly the activity I would like for our school children to learn, and discover how useful the Solar Energy is in our daily lives most of all to our Tribal School Children.

June 4, 2015 at 7:53 am

Love the nachos idea! So much fun!

December 21, 2014 at 11:12 am

Thanks Anna – We LOVE Science and getting kids to think and explore the world around them.

It is so important to foster the curiosity at an early age – you will have to let me know how these experiments turn out!

December 21, 2014 at 11:11 am

The science camp sounds like a ton of fun! Enjoy!

Thanks Maggie – we LOVE making sun tea!

July 12, 2014 at 10:58 pm

This is awesome, Amanda! What a great bunch of science activities!

June 3, 2014 at 8:41 pm

These are such fun ideas. My little guy is so curious about the way things work. He would love to try these.

June 2, 2014 at 11:03 pm

Great summer activities. I am not looking forward to full on summer heat, but it is perfect for these kids of experiments. We are also looking forward to our science camp – camp Galileo.

June 2, 2014 at 5:41 am

Oh I love these!! Especially the Sun Tea one!!!

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Solar Energy Experiments for Kids

• 1 Introduction
• 2 Historical Background
• 3 Key Concepts and Definitions
• 4.1 Solar Energy Basics for Kids
• 4.2 Hands-on Solar Energy Experiments for Kids
• 4.3 Understanding Solar Energy Efficiency
• 5 Case Studies or Examples
• 6 Current Trends or Developments
• 7 Challenges or Controversies
• 8 Future Outlook
• 9 Conclusion
• 10.1 Share this:
• 10.2 Like this:
• 10.3 Related

Introduction

Teaching kids about solar energy is not only a timely subject but also an important one. As we face the challenges of climate change and the need for sustainable energy sources, it is crucial to educate our youth about the power of the sun and its potential to create a cleaner and brighter future. By engaging children in solar energy experiments, we can ignite their curiosity, foster their creativity, and instill a sense of responsibility towards the environment. In this article, we will explore the historical background, key concepts, hands-on experiments, case studies, current trends, challenges, and future outlook of solar energy education for kids.

Historical Background

Solar energy has been harnessed by humans for thousands of years. From ancient civilizations using the sun’s warmth to dry crops to the development of solar-powered technology in the 21st century, solar energy has played a significant role in our progress. Notable milestones include the invention of the solar panel in the mid-20th century and the advancements in photovoltaic technology that have made solar energy more accessible and efficient.

Key Concepts and Definitions

To understand solar energy, it is essential to define its sources and comprehend the basic principles of solar energy conversion. Solar energy is derived from the radiant light and heat emitted by the sun. This energy can be converted into electricity using photovoltaic cells, commonly found in solar panels. Other terms associated with solar energy include solar power, which refers to the electricity generated by solar panels, and solar thermal, which involves utilizing the sun’s heat for various applications.

Main Discussion Points

Solar energy basics for kids.

One of the first things kids should learn about solar energy is how the sun produces energy. Through the process of nuclear fusion, the sun’s core releases huge amounts of energy in the form of light and heat. This energy travels through space and reaches the Earth, where it can be harnessed for various purposes. Solar energy can be used to generate electricity, heat water, power vehicles, and provide lighting for homes and public spaces. Introducing kids to these different uses of solar energy will broaden their understanding of its potential.

Hands-on Solar Energy Experiments for Kids

Engaging children in hands-on experiments is an excellent way to teach them about solar energy. Simple experiments, such as using a magnifying glass to focus sunlight and create heat, can be a starting point. Building a solar oven is another exciting activity that demonstrates how the sun’s energy can be used for cooking. By following step-by-step instructions, kids can construct their own solar oven using basic materials like a cardboard box and aluminum foil. Additionally, constructing a solar-powered toy or device can provide a fun and interactive way for kids to learn about solar energy and its applications.

Understanding Solar Energy Efficiency

Solar energy efficiency is an important concept to grasp. It refers to the amount of sunlight that is converted into usable energy by solar panels. Factors such as the quality of materials used, the angle and orientation of the panels, and environmental conditions can affect efficiency. By conducting experiments to measure and compare the efficiency of different solar panels, kids can gain a deeper understanding of how these factors impact the overall performance of solar energy systems.

Case Studies or Examples

Real-world examples of solar energy projects for kids can inspire and motivate young learners. Highlighting successful experiments conducted by children or schools can demonstrate the practical applications of solar energy. Stories of how solar energy experiments have impacted communities can also showcase the positive effects of embracing renewable energy sources.

Current Trends or Developments

Advancements in solar energy technology for kids are constantly evolving. Innovative approaches to teaching solar energy, such as incorporating coding and robotics, can enhance children’s understanding of the subject. Recent research findings related to solar energy experiments for kids can also provide insights into effective teaching methods and learning outcomes.

Challenges or Controversies

Implementing solar energy experiments for kids may come with challenges. Limited access to resources and funding, as well as the need for specialized knowledge, can hinder widespread adoption of solar energy education programs. Controversies and differing viewpoints surrounding solar energy education may also arise, particularly concerning the economic viability and reliability of solar power. Overcoming these challenges requires collaboration between educators, policymakers, and the renewable energy industry to ensure that solar energy education for children is accessible and impactful.

Future Outlook

Teaching kids about solar energy has far-reaching implications. By instilling a sense of environmental responsibility and fostering a passion for renewable energy, we are shaping future innovators and leaders in the fight against climate change. Solar energy, with its potential to reduce carbon emissions and provide sustainable power, will play a significant role in addressing the urgent need for clean energy sources. As technology continues to advance and the demand for renewable energy grows, opportunities for solar energy education for kids will expand, creating a brighter future for all.

Solar energy experiments for kids are a powerful tool for educating and inspiring the next generation. By introducing children to the wonders of solar energy, we can empower them to make a positive impact on the environment and become advocates for renewable energy. Through historical context, engaging hands-on experiments, real-world examples, and an exploration of current trends and challenges, this article has provided a comprehensive overview of solar energy education for kids. It is our hope that readers have gained valuable insights and are motivated to engage children in solar energy experiments and education.

References:

“Solar Energy Experiments for Kids” by Emily Hawbaker “Solar Energy for Kids: Teaching Children about Solar Power” by Marnie Montgomery “Renewable Energy Projects for Kids: Solar Power” by Peggy Kundar “Solar Energy: Science Tracer Bullet” by Michael F. Gorman

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Sun and Solar STEM Experiments for Kids

You may not think a whole lot about the sun most of the time, but you can do a lot more with sunlight than just get sunburn. There are all sorts of fun experiments you can do using the light and heat from the sun, and you can even use it to make electricity! Try out some solar-powered activities on the next sunny day and you could learn a lot about what the sun can do.

Solar Science Experiments for Kids

A board-certified teacher provides directions for three different experiments about sun tea, absorbing and reflecting heat, and converting light into heat.

Capturing the Sun’s Warmth

This website provides information and instructions on an experiment to test different materials to see which material will absorb more of the sun’s heat.

Solar Energy Word Search

Want to get introduced to some new science terms before you jump in and start learning? Check out this easy word search puzzle!

Energy Kids: Riddles

Nothing is better than a good giggle. Share these riddles with your friends so you can all learn something new together.

Make S’Mores With a Solar Oven

Who doesn’t love s’mores? Try making your very own s’mores with the sun as your energy source.

Inside a Solar Cell

Learn about what is inside a solar cell and why it creates electricity.

Solar Power 101: How Does Sunlight Turn Into Electricity?

Watch this video and learn all there is to know about how solar power works.

Solar Power Clicker

Upgrade your solar power grid to generate the most power.

Solar Energy Activity Workbook

Ask your parents to print out these activities for you. You can complete a crossword puzzle or even do a scavenger hunt!

Output of a Solar Cell

Here, you’ll find directions and a video demonstration for an experiment that tests how well solar cells create electricity.

Solar Energy Defenders

Fight off the vampires in this game by using what you know about solar energy to collect energy and keep the vampires out of your school dance!

The “Hot Enough to Fry an Egg on the Sidewalk” Trick

This is a classic experiment that everyone should try at least once! Try your hand at cooking an egg on the sidewalk on a hot day. Do you think it’ll work? Try it and find out!

Experiment on Solar Energy and Colors

Do you think different colors absorb more sun than others? Try this experiment and see which color melts the ice cubes fastest!

Facts About the Sun

Take a break, sit down, and do a quick worksheet to test your knowledge about the sun. You can complete this online or ask your parents to print it.

Solar Car Derby

You’ll find the procedure and a demonstration video to build a solar-powered derby car on this site. Work with your parents to build your own car and discover how solar cells work.

Solar Plane

Time to take flight! Work with your parents to follow the instructions on this website to create a solar-powered plane.

Solar Activities for Students

A few more activities to demonstrate how solar energy works can be found here.

Here, you will find instructions for how to create a sundial. A sundial lets you tell the time using the motion of the sun across the sky.

Make Sun Paper

Like crafts? Try this craft activity and see how similar you can make your paper sun look to the real thing!

Solar Energy Game

Play this game to see how well you understand solar energy.

Solar Cooker

Some experiments have different ways to complete them. Try this variation of the s’mores experiment as an excuse to make more solar s’mores!

Activities Involving Solar Energy

Here are a few more activities, one of which is testing to see if the sun can blow up a white or black balloon!

Solar Energy Activities

Need a new night light? Try making your own! Follow the instructions on this site to create your very own solar-powered night light.

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• Activities for Kids
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7 Sun-Science Experiments to Make Your Day

These long summer days call for kiddie pools and ice cream, but they also call out for kids science! Solar science, to be exact. The following easy science experiments for kids will help them look at the sun in a whole new light. Scroll down to get going.

1. S'more Solar Oven

Harness the power of the sun to make your favorite campfire treat! With just a few common household items you can create an  eco-friendly oven  just for melting marshmallows and chocolate, plus you can teach kids about the power of the sun. Click  here  to learn how.

2. Solar Viewing Camera

Peer at the sun safely with a  DIY pinhole camera  as the perfect viewing tool. You can also use it to teach the kiddos about the basics of how a camera lens works. For an easy step-by-step that takes less than 30 minutes to create, click  here .

3. Melting Rates

Different colors have different heat absorbing capacities. Black has the greatest heat absorbing capacity, which results in ice melting quicker than on white, which reflects the most light. Learn how to observe and report on which colors affect ice’s melting rates  here , on Green Planet Solar Energy. Get more sidewalk science ideas  here .

4. DIY Sundial

Unravel the mysteries of time. Or at least figure out the basics by  setting up a sundial  outside. Take time each hour to check the sun’s positioning and make note of it so your sidekick can see the bigger picture. Try variations like  this one with paper and clay or use rocks and shadow to make a human sundial!

5. Make Your Own Raisins

Grapes are made up of lots of water. The heat from the sun causes the water to evaporate from the grapes, and it also caramelizes the sugar in a grape, making it sweeter. Get your recipe  here  on Planet Science.

6. Make Sun Tea

Believe it or not, making a batch of sun tea is an excellent lesson in the power of sunshine. It’s a lesson in heat—seeing how long it takes the water to heat enough to really diffuse the tea bags or fresh herbs—and it teaches kids about currents as the water heats up, something you can view as the tea begins to diffuse into the clear water. Don’t shake or stir, just let nature take its course.

7. Shadow Drawing

Set up toys on paper and let the kids draw once the shadows hit. Try drawing at different times of day and experiment with the angle of the sun and the shadows it creates as you track its journey across the sky. You can draw right on the sidewalk with chalk, too. Pick toys with distinctive outlines.

—Amber Guetebier

RELATED STORIES 

Classic Science Experiments for Kids 

Edible Science Experiments Worth a Taste-Test 

Gross-but-Cool Science Experiments for Kids 

Easy Science Experiments for Kids That Use Water

Science Experiments About Floating & Density

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Science Projects > Earth & Space Projects > Learn About Solar Energy Science Projects  

Learn About Solar Energy Science Projects

Solar Science Projects

Absorb or reflect, what you need:.

• 2 clear glass pie plates or bowls
• 1 sheet of black construction paper
• 1 sheet of white construction paper
• 2 ice cubes
• A sunny spot outside

What You Do:

1. Place the sheets of black and white paper on a driveway or sidewalk in the sun. (The papers should not be touching each other. Your hand should fit in the space between them.)

2. Set a pie plate on top of each sheet of paper and put an ice cube in the middle of each pie plate.

3. After 5 minutes, check on the ice cubes to see which one has melted the most.

4. If they haven’t melted much, check again in 5 more minutes. Keep checking until the ice in one of the pie plates has completely melted. It could take more than 30 minutes for the ice to melt all the way, depending on how hot it is where you live.

5. Which ice cube melted faster – the one on the white paper or the black paper? Feel the sheets of paper. Which one feels warmest? Touch the dishes too, just be careful because the glass can get pretty hot!

What Happened:

The ice in the dish with black paper under it should have melted first. Both pieces probably started to melt at about the same time, but the one on black probably melted completely into a puddle of water first. Why did it melt before the one on the white paper?

Glass also absorbs heat, so even if you had not put any paper under the dishes, the ice still would have melted from being in the hot sun in glass dishes. Both ice cubes probably would have finished melting at about the same time without the black or white paper, though. The black paper absorbed even more of the sun’s energy (light and heat) than the glass dish, making the ice melt faster. The white paper reflected most of the sun’s energy that hit it, keeping the dish and the ice in it cooler for longer so it took longer to melt. After the ice had melted, the paper and the dishes probably felt very warm (except for in the spot where the ice was keeping it cool). In fact, the dish on top of the black paper probably even felt hot when you touched it! Can you explain why? (Hint: it’s the same reason that the ice melted!)

You can make fun pictures by using the sun’s power to make the color fade from construction paper! This project uses repositionable glue, which you can find in most stores that sell office or school supplies. (Elmer’s and Scotch brands both make this type of glue.) You could also do the project by setting objects on your paper and laying it flat in the sun instead of using the special glue.

• dark colors of construction paper
• solid objects with interesting shapes that you can trace around (leaves, buttons, coins, and plastic toys work well)
• repositionable glue (Optional. Made by Elmer’s or Scotch brands and available where office or school supplies are sold.)
• a window that gets lots of sunlight

1. Trace around your objects on construction paper and cut out each shape. Or, you can draw your own shapes and cut them out. Be creative! You could even draw letters to spell your name.

2. Arrange the paper shapes onto a new sheet of dark-colored construction paper to make a nice design.

3. Use the repositionable glue to stick each shape to your picture. Don’t use much glue though, or it will be hard to peel your shapes off later.

4. Turn the shapes towards the window and tape the corners of your picture to the window to hold it in place.

5. Leave your picture in the window for a couple days or until you notice that the color of the construction paper has started to fade (compare it to a new piece of the same color of paper to see if it has changed).

6. When it is quite a bit lighter than it was when you started (it might take up to a week to get light enough; it depends on how many sunny days you have!), untape the picture from the window and peel off the shapes; they should come off pretty easily, just do it slowly to make sure your picture doesn’t tear.

Have you ever left an art project made from construction paper in the sun for too long? If so, you probably noticed that the color started to fade and the paper ended up a lot lighter than it once was. In this project, you covered parts of the paper with paper shapes, then when you left your picture in the sunlight, it started to fade. Since the shapes blocked sunlight from hitting the parts of the paper that they covered, you could see the original color of the paper after you peeled off the shapes! The extra layer of paper from the shapes protected those parts of the paper from the sun’s rays that faded the color from the rest of the sheet of paper.

Sunlight contains ultraviolet (or UV) rays – the same rays that will give you a sunburn if you are in the sun for too long without sunscreen on. Those rays cause chemical reactions in the dye that gives construction paper its color. When the paper absorbs the rays of light, a chemical reaction breaks down the dyes so they aren’t as bright. You can learn more about chemical reactions here . UV rays can lighten a lot of things. Some people’s hair turns a lighter color when they are in a lot of sunlight. Hanging white laundry outside in the sun to dry can make it look whiter also.

Solar Science Lesson

About the sun.

The sun is the biggest, brightest, and hottest source of light available to us on the earth. It is in the center of our solar system and all the other planets, including Earth, spin around it. Read our newsletter about the solar system to learn more.

Did you know that the sun is actually a star? The outside of the sun (its surface) is covered with very hot gases. The different gases mix together and cause reactions that are called nuclear reactions . Nuclear reactions create a lot of energy, which makes the sun very hot. The heat creates a lot of light too. Did you know that the sun is so bright that it will damage your eyes if you look directly at it? The light from the sun can also hurt your skin. Have you ever had a sunburn? Although sun rays can hurt our bodies if we aren’t careful, nothing would be able to live on the earth without the energy we get from the sun in the forms of heat and light. Plants use energy from the sun to make food, then animals and humans eat plants for food. Without the sun, Earth would be too cold for anyone or anything to live.

The sun is 93 million miles away from Earth. If it were possible to drive from here to there, it would take over 150 years driving at 70 miles per hour (about the same speed you would travel on a highway)! However, light travels very fast and can get from the sun to the earth in about 8 minutes! Here is a close-up picture of the Sun from NASA.

What Is Solar Energy?

Solar energy is light and heat that comes from the sun. Solar means sun and energy is what we need in order to do things. We use energy to do things like eat breakfast and play outside. Energy is also in things around us, like light and heat. The sun shines in the day, giving us light. It also makes the earth warmer, giving us heat. You can learn more about energy here . Solar energy is known as renewable energy , which means that it can never run out.

What Can Solar Energy Be Used For?

– Inside a greenhouse to keep the temperature warm enough for plants to grow all year, even in the winter! (Think about this: on a hot summer day, when a car is parked in the sun for awhile, the inside of the car gets very hot because the car absorbs heat from the sun and everything warms up. That is the same way a greenhouse works.) – To dry clothes on a clothesline. – To warm up water to give a dog a bath outside. – To heat up the water in a swimming pool. – You can even use the sun’s heat to make salt water drinkable! This project shows you how.

Here are some good things about solar power:

• It can never be used up. This means that it is renewable energy .
• After a solar panel is paid for, solar energy is free!
• It can be used in places where electricity is not available, like far away from cities, up in mountains, or even on boats in the ocean!
• It does not release anything into the air. Some kinds of energy release things that are harmful to the environment, people, and animals.
• Solar panels last a long time, usually about 30-40 years!

These are some problems with solar power:

• Solar panels cost a lot. They are expensive to make and keep because they are made of glass and fragile minerals that can break easily, costing money to fix.
• It is only available when the sun is around – that means it won’t work when it’s cloudy or at nighttime!
• It takes lots of space to hold the large solar panels that are needed to make enough electricity to keep large things, like your house, running smoothly.

Science Words

Reflection  – when light or heat hits an object and bounces back in the opposite direction.

Absorption  – when light or heat is collected or soaked up by an object.

Nuclear reactions  – reactions that take place between hot gases on the sun. These reactions release energy.

Solar energy  – light and heat that comes from the sun and can be used to do work.

Renewable energy  – a source of energy that can never be used up or run out. Energy that comes from the sun, water, or wind are examples.

Printable Worksheet

Print out this page on a sheet of heavy paper or cardstock. Kids can color the pictures and cut out the squares to make a matching game. Half of the squares show a way to use solar energy as an alternative to the picture shown on the other squares. Place all the squares face down and take turns flipping two over per turn to find the ones that go together. Talk about ways to save energy from other sources by using the sun’s power.

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Solar Energy for Kids: Science, Activities & History

Blog Updated: July 2024

This one is for you, parents! Yes, it says solar energy for kids in the title, but we’re also hoping you get a moment of reprieve, too. We’ve compiled solar related activities for a wide range of ages, and we also provide a quick primer on the science behind solar energy for kids. Solar energy is not only a fun STEM topic, but it’s also one of the many puzzle pieces that can address the climate crisis we’re facing.

If you’d like advice on how to have a more serious conversation about climate change with your kids, NPR's Life Kit series has a great 20-minute podcast on the subject, “ How to Talk to Kids About Climate Change .” It’s a helpful resource for talking to younger and older kids about this complex issue. We also tackled this complex topic in our recent blog post.

Solar Energy for Kids

When explaining complex topics to kids, it's best to stick to the basics and use words they'll understand. 

Here's our kid-friendly explanation of solar energy:

Solar panels are a lot like plants. While plants use photosynthesis to convert sunlight into the energy they need to live and grow, solar panels convert sunlight into energy to power your home. But how do solar panels take sunlight and make it into electricity?

Each solar panel is made up of lots of connected solar cells, and these cells are made up of a few layers of materials. There are two layers of silicon (the second most abundant element in the Earth’s crust) that are sandwiched between conductive material. One side of the silicon sandwich has extra electrons (making it negatively charged), and the other has extra holes for electrons to move into (making it positively charged).

EPA , courtesy

When sunlight hits the silicon, the energy from the sun knocks electrons in the negatively charged side of silicon loose. These electrons then flow through the conductive material to the positively charged side of silicon, creating an electric current. This direct current (DC) flows from your solar cells in your solar panels to what is known as an inverter. Inverters convert DC voltage to alternating current (AC) voltage, which powers your home.

Once they’re done doing their jobs, the electrons that were knocked loose return to their original spots in the silicon, so there’s nothing that gets worn out or used up! This endless loop makes it so solar panels can make clean electricity for decades .

Check out this TED-Ed video for a more visual explanation of how solar panels work:

Solar Energy Activities

That’s enough science and history for now. Let’s inject some fun into these conversations about solar energy with some more hands on games and experiments for kids. There are many solar energy activities for kids, so we’ve split it out into age group.

Elementary School

• Go on an electricity scavenger hunt in your home to find all the places and items that use electricity.
• Play Power Up!, a game from NASA’s Climate Kids program where the goal is to maximize your renewable energy sources to power homes.
• Learn about the power of the sunlight using old crayons and the sun! By following these directions , you can make multi-colored and fun shaped up-cycled crayons.
• What does it look like to live in a cleaner environment? What might renewable energy look like at your house or in your town? Draw us a picture, share it, and tag us @namastesolar. We’d love to see your vision for the future!

Junior High

• Wanna make a light bulb shine using household items? Follow these directions to dive into a super life hack about how to transfer energy using food, or learn more about electricity and the transfer of energy by following along this experiment using little more than magnets and saltwater. We’d love to see your experiments in action! Take a video, share it on social, and tag us @namastesolar.
• Play Offset , a game from NASA’s Climate Kids program with the aim of reducing CO2 output and replanting forests to absorb CO2.
• Create your own word search puzzles or play this crossword puzzle with your kids.
• Take a couple of minutes to test your energy knowledge using the Energy Kids solar IQ test .

High School

• Take a carbon footprint calculator test and find out what your environmental impact is and what you can do to lessen that.
• Dig into the science of electricity and create your own homemade cellphone battery using little more than copper wire and magnets. Create your very own electric motor using some simple household items including a battery, magnet, paper clips, and coil of wire. We’d love to see your experiments in action! Take a video, share it on social, and tag us @namastesolar.

Who’s Who in Solar History

The history of solar is filled with lots of interesting facts and characters. There have been lots of people who played a role to make solar power happen. These historical figures are great for pointing out milestones in solar technology development when explaining solar energy for kids.

• Edmond Becquerel: The story of solar energy began in 1839 when French physicist Becquerel found that when he was experimenting with a cell made of metal electrodes in a conducting solution, the cell produced more electricity when it was exposed to light. This is called the photovoltaic effect.
• Charles Fritts: In 1883, Fritts created the first solar cell by coating selenium with a thin layer of gold. A year later, he installed the first solar panels on a New York City rooftop.
• Albert Einstein : Einstein furthered awareness and acceptance of solar power when, in 1905, he published a paper on the photoelectric effect and how light carries energy. He even went on to win a Nobel Prize for his work on the photoelectric effect.
• Mária Telkes : Telkes was a biophysicist and engineer who immigrated from Hungary to the United States. In 1940, she joined the Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s Solar Energy Conversation Project and worked on the Dover House project, a house made to be entirely heated by solar. Telkes designed a system based on chemical reactions that would utilize the sun’s energy to heat and cool the house.
• President Jimmy Carter : President Carter had solar panels installed onto the White House roof in the 1970s in order to promote awareness of renewable energy options.
• Hazel O’Leary : From 1993-1997, O’Leary was the first black woman to serve as the U.S. Secretary of Energy. Under the Clinton administration, she was influential in directing federal policy toward prioritizing renewable energy. She also connected energy use with our health and environmental quality and increased financial support for the renewable energy industry.

A Better Future

Unfortunately, whether we like it or not, the climate crisis is here, and kids are paying attention to how we react. Discussing serious topics like global warming and pollution is tough, but the more we arm kids (and ourselves) with knowledge, the more prepared we’ll all be. We believe clean, renewable energy, especially solar, is a better way to power the future, and that by educating the next generation on solar energy we can continue to make our world a better place.

If you're interested in exploring solar power for your home, we'd love to help. You can reach out to our non-commissioned sales team by clicking the button below. 

Recommended Reading:

How Solar Energy Works: A Kid Friendly Explanation  

Climate Change and Easy Science Experiments for Kids

Solar Energy Fun Facts

Thanks for reading our blog! Are you ready to explore clean energy options for your home or business? Reach out for a no-pressure chat with one of our non-commissioned experts. We're here to help you save money while making a positive impact on the environment!

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