Summary Light a bulb or turn a fan with a solar panel, with light from a flashlight or lightbulb. Science content Physics: Energy forms, Conservation of Energy (1, 3, 4, 5) Physics: Electricity, Electromagnetism (7) Lessons activity is in Electricity generation and Renewables Materials solar panels (mine are 0.3W 5V from AliExpress) flashlight/light bulb LED bulbs including a low voltage 'super red' optional: small fan (test first) - mine is a toy windmill attached to this generator Procedure Test before use to make sure the solar panel makes enough power to light the bulb/turn the fan. Attach the solar panel to the LED light bulb, or the fan. Shine the flashlight or light bulb on the solar panel to make electricity which can turn on the LED light/turn the fan. Discuss the energy transformations, from light energy to electrical energy to light (or motion) energy. Discuss renewable energy sources of electricity. Grades taught Gr 7
