Solar Cars

Description: Solar cars use energy from the sun and photovoltaic cells to transport humans. Large solar cars are generally built by universities to compete in solar car races but mini-solar cars can be built in any science classroom. The photovoltaic cells convert solar energy into electricity which runs an electric motor. Energy conversion can be studies within the unit and a solar car design challenge can be used as a culminating design challenge. The criteria and constraints can be modified to the age of the students in the class.

Web Resource: Solar Car - Wikipedia

Photoelectric Effect

Description:  The photoelectric effect is the emission of electrons when a material is hit with light exceeding a threshold frequency. This provides evidence that light can act as a particle, as well as a wave. Practical applications of this phenomenon include solar cells and image sensors in digital cameras. This demonstration of the photoelectric effect only requires an electroscope, a metal plate and an ultraviolet light.

Web Resource: Photoelectric Effect - Wikipedia