Solar Toy Projects For Kids
Solar toy kits are a great way to help kids learn construction skills, learn basics of electricity, electronics and how solar panels work. Solar powered toys come in all imaginable configurations and also are available in different degrees of complexity, so there are kits suitable for younger children who need snap together- plug an play types, or kits of older youth who can use cutters and a soldering iron.
Solar powered toy cars are fun and many kits are priced competitively enough to compare to pinewood derby kits, so several youth can build their own versions and race them. Robots come in many different styles and do everything from crawl along the ground to "jitterbugging" around erratically. Some can move in a straight line or be adjusted to steer, and others have circuitry that allows them to move towards the most intense sunlight. Boat kits come in complete form or just the components that are used with other floatation, such as pop bottles. Maybe you would like something that flies, like a helicopter or airplane, or just a good household item like a solar powered boombox.
One great project to involve the kids in is solar powered emergency lighting. Not only will it keep spirits up when the power goes out, but it can also help prevent slips and falls in otherwise dark areas around your home by automatically illuminating your path after dark.
Thanks to modern technology and shipping methods there are many kits that can be purchased for less than $20 and will provide much more usable experience for children than a video game. Older youth may be ready for something a little more challenging, like building a solar battery charger or use the components they learn about building small kits to create larger and more complex projects.
Building these kinds of projects is relatively safe, since the electrical power emitted from a solar cell is very low wattage, however adult supervision is always a good precaution. Kits that are designed to provide power for larger appliances may use devices that change the low watt electricity that the solar cells emit to electrical power that is more dangerous.
Solar powered toy cars are fun and many kits are priced competitively enough to compare to pinewood derby kits, so several youth can build their own versions and race them. Robots come in many different styles and do everything from crawl along the ground to "jitterbugging" around erratically. Some can move in a straight line or be adjusted to steer, and others have circuitry that allows them to move towards the most intense sunlight. Boat kits come in complete form or just the components that are used with other floatation, such as pop bottles. Maybe you would like something that flies, like a helicopter or airplane, or just a good household item like a solar powered boombox.
One great project to involve the kids in is solar powered emergency lighting. Not only will it keep spirits up when the power goes out, but it can also help prevent slips and falls in otherwise dark areas around your home by automatically illuminating your path after dark.
Thanks to modern technology and shipping methods there are many kits that can be purchased for less than $20 and will provide much more usable experience for children than a video game. Older youth may be ready for something a little more challenging, like building a solar battery charger or use the components they learn about building small kits to create larger and more complex projects.
Building these kinds of projects is relatively safe, since the electrical power emitted from a solar cell is very low wattage, however adult supervision is always a good precaution. Kits that are designed to provide power for larger appliances may use devices that change the low watt electricity that the solar cells emit to electrical power that is more dangerous.
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