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Sunny Side Up Rating: 4

Level: Beginner Duration: 2 - 4 class periods
Grade Level: NA Author: Pitsco
Topics: Force and motion, photovoltaics, simple circuits, energy, design, problem solving
Materials:  Pro Survivor Stopwatch, SunEzoon Cars – Getting Started Package (for 30 students), string, chalk, scissors, class data table, and the Sun .

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Objective

Determine the relationship between the direction of the Sun’s rays and the power of the car.

Description

Pitsco’s SunEzoon Cars activity provides a first experience in solar energy. Equipped only with scissors and excitement, students assemble the car chassis, wheels, motor, solar panel, and a colorful car body. Students marvel as they run their cars on a smooth, level surface – powered only by the Sun – and determine which direction provides the fastest results.

Procedures

Students construct SunEzoon Cars and on a sunny day take them outside to a flat, smooth surface. Students use a three-meter circle on the surface. The circle is marked at the north, south, east, and west points, as well as the other 12 compass points: NNE, NE, ENE, ESE, SE, SSE, SSW, SW, WSW, WNW, NW, and NNW.

Students work in pairs, with one timing and the other releasing the solar car so it runs across the circle toward the corresponding mark on the opposite side of the circle. The timing is stopped when the car reaches the opposite side of the circle.

Times are collected for all 16 starting points. Students record times and observations and discuss the results.

Discussion

Which direction provided the fastest time? Why is that?

Continuation

What would happen if the activity was done at a different time of day?

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