Exploring the power of the sun

The sun governs our everyday life. The sun can be a powerful way to generate energy for power and heating. You can also learn how solar radiation affects our Summer clothing choice, as well as learning how sunscreen protects us from UV. Summer is as good a time as ever to head outdoors to explore the power of the sun.

But before you go, remember:

NEVER look at the sun directly with the naked eye, through binoculars, telescope or a camera. Use projection methods, certified special filters for viewing the sun, or consider using video or TV footage to introduce the topic.

Now, to four fun ways to learn about the power of the sun

Learning about alternative methods of heating from the sun

We can all feel the heat produced by the sun. You can learn how this solar energy can be harnessed to provide an alternative method of heating using a solar furnace.  The furnace consists of a parabolic mirror and a matt black copper receiving vessel.  The receiving vessel can be filled with water, or a melting material such as wax. When placed in clear sunlight the furnace will cause the water to boil, or the wax to melt.

You could also choose our solar water heating kit, to investigate using the energy from the sun to meet our need for power. The kit, developed by the National Energy Foundation, consists of a copper pipe, sealed with rubber bungs, surrounded by a sheet of snug fitting coloured aluminium.  A digital temperature probe is inserted to monitor the temperature of the water inside.  Comprehensive lesson plans are included for support.

Exploring how solar panels and photovoltaic cells work

Have you ever wondered how solar panels work? Solar panels and farms are an increasingly familiar sight on homes and businesses around the world. A solar energy kit is a great introduction to the use of solar cells and enables pupils to see how the sun can be used to power a motor and turbine.  Build a solar motor, then arrange the photo-voltaic cells in different layouts to give differing power outputs. 

Demonstrating how solar radiation affects our summer clothing choices

As we start to dress for Summer, you may notice that clothes tend to be lighter colours than those you would wear in the Winter. Why is this? The answer lies in how different colours absorb and radiate solar radiation.

Solar radiation can be demonstrated using radiation cans, which are made of the same material, but different colours; white, silver and black. Stand the cans in sunlight to irradiate them. Pupils can observe which colour absorbs heat energy the best. Then take the cans out of sunlight to measure which can radiates heat more rapidly than the others. You could use an infra-red thermometer to show how quickly each of the cans heat up and cool down.

You could use the cans to prompt further discussion into why everyday items are the colour they are, depending on their need to absorb or radiate heat.

Investigating how sunscreen protects us from UV rays

Whenever we venture out into sunlight, we must consider wearing sunscreen. The higher the Sun Protection Factor (SPF), the stronger the protection against Ultraviolet A (UVA) and Ultraviolet B (UVA), collectively UV rays from the sun.

A fantastic way to demonstrate how sunscreen protects against UV rays is by using UV detecting beads. Apply different levels of SPF sunscreen to petri dishes containing several UV beads.  The petri dishes can be left in the sun for some time and the intensity of the colour of the beads can be used to show the effectiveness of the sunscreen applied.  This could be carried out at different times of the day to show further effects.

You could also discuss other ways of protecting ourselves from UV rays, such as staying in the shade during the sunniest part of the day, or covering up with clothing and sunglasses.

Get advice exploring the sun activities

If you have any questions about exploring the power of the sun activities, please contact our Technical Support Team via techsupport@philipharris.co.uk

If you enjoyed being outside whilst investigating the sun, try our fun outdoor science lesson ideas too.