Solar Project
Copyright 1978 Sci-Ed Services
Target Grade: A (or A+)         Bonus Points: 40
Notice!!  This project requires a lab report.  See # 8 below.
NOTICE!!Read the "General Guidelines" first! Then, read this...
» - » You must have a project design form signed by your science teacher before  you begin your project.   The project design form and this form must be returned with your project.  Failure to return both forms will result in a penalty of 5%. If you begin your project before obtaining  your science teacher's signature on the project design form, your project may be disqualified. 
» - » Check the TARGET GRADE (most likely your  maximum grade) at the top of the page.
» - » You may not  use AC electricity to power your project.  Only DC electricity of less than 5 amperes & 15 volts is permitted.
» - » You may not copy another student's design for your project (except for bridges & towers).  Yours must be significantly different.
» - » You may not do the same project twice without permission from your science teacher.
» - » In order to earn  “bonus points” and extra credit, your project must be handed in by the due date, and must earn at least 96 %.
» - » Projects handed in more than 4 days late will not be presented or tested in class.
» - » You must complete a project design form and get it signed by your teacher before you begin your project.
Notice!! If you intend to print this page you must print both pages
          to get all of the guidelines.

OBJECTIVE - The objective of this exercise will be to build a device that is powered by solar energy.  This device may be any device that obtains its power from solar energy (e.g., solar water heater, solar air heater, devices that use thermal expansion for power). Commercial photovoltaic cells may not be used without permission from your science teacher.
PROJECT GUIDELINES
 1.  Read the INDEPENDENT PROJECT GENERAL GUIDELINES first.
 2. Complete a project design form and get it signed by your science teacher.
 3.  Do some research in magazines or books to get a few ideas about solar power. If you decide to copy a device that you saw in a book or magazine be sure to put the name, date, page number, etc. in your report.
 4. Make a diagram of your device.
 5. Write a description of how you think your device will work.
 6. Write a procedure for testing the device.
 7. Experiment with the device to find out if it works as predicted.
 8. Write a report on how well your device worked and what you learned from the project.
BE SURE TO RECORD LOTS OF DATA EVERY TIME YOU EXPERIMENT!
   For example, if you decide to build a solar water heater you might want to record things like:
   --  amount of water being heated
   --  starting temperature of water (before heating)
   --  air temperature
   --  light conditions
   --  temperature of whatever the water container is resting on
   --  length of heating time
   --  final temperature of water (immediately after heating is stopped)
    -- TAKE SOME PICTURES OR MAKE DRAWINGS OF THE EXPERIMENT SETUP.
 9.  You must successfully demonstrate the device to your class to receive full credit.
IMPORTANT NOTES:
 Solar hot water heaters must move water from the heater to another container through  pipes or tubing.
 Solar hot air heaters must move heated air from the heater to another container through DUCTS OR PIPES.
You may not  use or generate AC electricity with your project.  Only DC electricity of less than 5 amperes & 15 volts is permitted.

 
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