KidWind Solar Thermal Exploration Kit
The Solar Thermal Exploration Kit is modeled after a domestic solar water-heating system. Explore variables such as box color, light intensity, tube design, rate of water pumping, and amount of time it takes to heat the water. Learn about what makes a solar water heating system more or less efficient!
Solar water heaters are becoming a popular alternative to conventional water heaters because they save the homeowner money and they reduce carbon emissions. The instructions that come with these kits include some basic information on solar water heating systems and how they work.
| Housing dimensions |
Approximately 8 in. x 12 in. x 1 in. |
| Expected temperature change |
0-20° F |
You Can:
- Design a solar thermal collector to harness the energy of the Sun for water heating.
- Compare the rates for temperature increase based on variables in collector design.
- Compare temperature change at various times of the day and/or year
Concepts
- Understanding clean energy; discovering and discussing solar power as an energy source
- Exploring energy transformations; designing, building, and evaluating devices that convert one form of energy into another
- Understanding circuits, electricity, and magnetism
- Developing and using physical models
- Designing controlled experiments
- Optimizing designs
- Analyzing data
- Understanding differences between energy and power
- Understanding weather and climate
