The sun is an amazing source of free energy if you know how to capture it. Plants do it with chloroplast cells, people do it with technology. These exciting solar energy projects for kids can get you started on your very own energy revolution! You can buy a solar energy kit or why not try doing it yourself from scratch? The hands-on experience is a great way for your kids (and you!) to learn about the principles behind solar energy.

The Solar Oven

The simplest solar energy project is the solar oven. This is what is called ‘passive solar’ because it doesn’t require any mechanical systems to make it work. Instead, this project captures the heat from the sun and contains and concentrates it in a small space. It works on the same principle as a solar hot water system. Using the sun’s heat in summer, you can cook a simple meal like rice, or melt cheese onto bread, without the need for any technical equipment. You will need: a cardboard box painted black (the kind of paint used for BBQ works well); a roll of aluminum foil, a sheet of clear glass; a small pot and some white rice. How to: line your box with aluminum foil. Fill your small pot with water and rice at a ratio of 2:1 in the center of the box. Cover with a glass sheet and place in the sun. This process may take several hours depending on the amount of sun and temperature on the day. For faster results, you can try placing a slice of bread with grated cheese (vegan, of course!) on a foil plate on it in the center of your solar oven.

Sun Jar

One of the most amazing things about the sun is that it produces light!. You can capture that light with a “sun jar”. To make a sun jar you need: a solar light (you can get one at most hardware stores for a few dollars); a jar; frosting paint. To make: spray the inside of your jar and let it dry. Insert you solar light and place in the sun for a few hours. The resulting diffused light is candle-like and makes a good night light with a soft glow.

There are plenty of other solar energy projects for kids you can try. Do-it-yourself and educational sites offer a wealth of information. Instructables has a great solar section that includes how-to guides to making your own solar power phone or gameboy recharger, a home made hot water system, even a solar powered robot! If you get inspired you can even add your own solar project to their site.

Green-Planet-Solar-Energy also have age-appropriate educational kids solar energy projects that teach about the properties of light and heat and how plants respond to the sun’s energy. Many retailers now offer science kits for kids that use solar energy. Sundance Solar have a range of solar powered boat and car kits using photovoltaic cells. Or you might like to build a solar powered grasshopper or hopping frog from Fat Brain Toys.

The possibilities are almost endless, so get out there and start harvesting the incredible power of the sun!

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