Solar-Powered_Car

Purpose:
To assemble a Lego car powered by a solar panel, and see how its speed is affected by environmental and structural factors

Key Concepts:

 * Energy** - Energy is needed to move an object forward. In this example, the energy comes from sunlight.
 * Energy Transfer** - Energy changes form from one type to another. In this example, solar energy becomes electrical energy, and then electrical energy becomes mechanical energy (the energy of motion).
 * Speed** - Speed is a measure of how long it takes something to move a certain distance. In this case, we will determine how long it takes the solar car to move 10 meters.
 * Transmission of Light** – How well light passes through a material depends on the properties of the material.
 * Gears/Pulleys/Wheel and Axle** - Examples of simple machines which transfer mechanical energy from one place to another. More specifically, on a wheel and axle, the size of the wheel can affect performance

Instructions:

 * 1) Construct your solar powered car.
 * 2) Discuss the four tests with your Science Buddies and make a prediction:
 * 3) Flat surface test – time the car over 3 meters with large wheels vs small wheels.
 * 4) Uphill test – time the car over 3 meters with large wheels vs small wheels.
 * 5) Shadow test – fill in the effect of various shadows on the speed of the car.
 * 6) Sun test – time the car over 3 meters facing the sun vs facing away.
 * 7) Perform the tests at the four stations and record your data.
 * 8) Gather together with other groups to discuss the results.

How To Build the Car: Online: SolarCarTutorial To Download the File:

Follow Up Interview Questions:

 * 1) How do the size of the wheels affect how fast it moves on the flat course? Why?
 * 2) How do the size of the wheels affect how fast it moves on the uphill course? Why?
 * 3) Why is it important to know where the sun is when designing solar panels?
 * 4) Do shadows always block all of the light? Are all shadows the same?

PA State Standards in Science and Technology - Grade 4
3.2.4 C. Recognize and use the elements of scientific inquiry to solve problems.

3.2.4 D. Recognize and use the technological design process to solve problems.

3.4.4 C. Observe and describe different types of force and motion.
 * Describe various types of motions.
 * Compare the relative movement of objects and describe types of motion that are evident.
 * Describe the position of an object by locating it relative to another object or the background.

3.4.4 B. Know basic energy types, sources and conversions.
 * Identify energy forms and examples (e.g., sunlight, heat, stored, motion).
 * Know the concept of the flow of energy by measuring flow through an object or system.
 * Know that the sun is a major source of energy
 * Explain the conversion of one form of energy to another by applying knowledge of each form of energy.