Solar Power Learning Activities

Why teach children about solar energy?

Teaching children about solar energy has many benefits, including:

  1. Promoting environmental awareness: By teaching children about solar energy and solar power learning activities, you can help them understand the importance of using renewable energy sources and the impact that our energy choices have on the environment.
  2. Encouraging sustainability: By teaching children about solar energy, you can help them understand the importance of conserving resources and reducing their carbon footprint.
  3. Fostering curiosity and creativity: Learning about solar energy can inspire children to be curious about the world around them and to think creatively about solutions to environmental problems.
  4. Preparing them for the future: Renewable energy sources such as solar energy are becoming increasingly important as we work to address climate change. By teaching children about solar energy, you can help prepare them for a future in which renewable energy is likely to play a much larger role.
  5. Developing important skills: Building and experimenting with solar circuits can help children develop important skills such as problem-solving, critical thinking, and engineering.

Overall, teaching children about solar energy is an important way to help them understand the world around them, promote environmental awareness, and prepare them for a future in which renewable energy will play an increasingly important role.

How to teach children about solar energy

Teaching children about solar energy can be a fun and engaging way to help them learn about renewable energy sources and the importance of sustainability. Here are some ways you can teach children about solar energy:

  1. Conduct experiments: You can conduct simple experiments with your children to help them understand how solar energy works. For example, you can use a magnifying glass to focus sunlight onto a piece of paper and show them how the paper can catch fire.
  2. Read books: There are many children's books that explain solar energy in a fun and engaging way. You can read books such as "The Magic School Bus and the Electric Field Trip" or "The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind" to help your children learn about renewable energy sources.
  3. Visit solar installations: You can take your children to visit solar installations in your community to show them how solar panels work and how they are used to generate electricity.
  4. Play educational games: There are many educational games that teach children about renewable energy sources. For example, the game "Solar Lab" allows children to design and build their own solar-powered devices.
  5. Use solar-powered toys: Solar dancing toys are a great way of introducing children to solar energy in a fun way. They can be easily used in the classroom and children can explore how they work and how to create their own one. In addition, you can give your children toys that are powered by solar energy, such as solar-powered cars or robots. This can help them understand how solar energy can be used to power everyday objects.
  6. Conduct a solar energy project: You can work with your children on a solar energy project, such as building a solar-powered oven or creating a solar-powered toy. This can be a fun and engaging way to help them learn about solar energy while also developing their problem-solving and engineering skills.

By teaching children about solar energy, you can help them understand the importance of renewable energy sources and the role they can play in protecting the environment.


How to create a solar car

This video shows how to make a solar car using a 6 volt battery.


How to make a kitset solar car

solar car kit

This solar powered race car from The Little Crafty Bugs Company connects a solar panel to a motor (no batteries needed). Everything required to build the car is included in the pack (including screwdriver and glue).


Rapid Education also have solar car kits and other solar models for a range of solar power learning activities.


Have a solar car race

Solar Car race


Solar toys and kitsets from Smart Green Shop

solar toy in boat
Solar plane
Solar helicopter Smart Green Shop
Solar boat
solar robot kitset


Solar power learning activities: Making a solar circuit

Solar Circuits



How to use a solar cooker

This video outlines the GoSun Go,  a light weight solar oven. It covers tips for cooking and boiling and learning how to use the GoSun Dial.