First-graders can learn about solar energy absorption through a simple project that requires black and white paint, three small plastic bottles and a thermometer. Enlist the help of the students to paint one bottle white and another bottle black, leaving the third bottle unpainted. Allow the painted bottles to dry before filling all three bottles with tap water and placing them in direct sunlight. This project is beneficial for young children such as first-graders since you only need to leave the bottles in the sun for a period of 10 to 20 minutes. Then, compare the temperature of each bottle of water by touch or with a thermometer. The water in the black bottle will be noticeably warmer than the water in the white or clear bottle.
This solar energy project is for children ages 4 and up, and it aims to teach children about absorption of the sun's heat. This experiment requires six squares of colored paper that measure 3 by 3 inches. Black and white are necessary, but you can use any other colors for the remaining four squares. You also need six ice cubes of the same size and shape. Have the children help you lay the cards out in the sun and place an ice cube on top of each. As the ice cubes melt, explain to the children why the ice cubes on the black and white cards melt the fastest and slowest.
This solar energy experiment investigates white light and is also for children ages 4 and up. You need a cardboard circle that is 12 inches in diameter, a thumbtack, a length of wood dowel and a thick sheet of each of the colors red, orange, violet, green, indigo, blue and yellow. Cut out seven wedges, one of each color, that are of identical size and shape. Glue them to the cardboard circle. Starting at the top in a clockwise direction, the colors should go in the order of red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo and violet. Insert the thumbtack through the center of the cardboard circle and attach it to one flat end of the dowel. Have the first-graders assist you with spinning the colorful pinwheel as fast as possible in bright sunlight. They will be fascinated when the rainbow colors blend together to create white light.
This fun water purification solar energy project will show students that it is possible to purify water using the power of the sun. Start by mixing drinking water, food coloring and salt in a large glass bowl so that it is both foul-tasting and looking. If desired, add extra ingredients such as powdered spices. Place a clean drinking glass in the center of the bowl of water and cover the bowl loosely with plastic or cling wrap. Next, place a pebble in the center of the cling wrap so that a dip in the plastic forms directly above the drinking glass. Place the bowl in the sunlight. Explain to children that the trapped heat from the sun increases the temperature in the bowl and evaporates the water from the salt, water and dye mixture. The water vapor condenses on the plastic wrap and drips into the drinking glass. First-graders will be amazed that the water collected in the glass is good to drink.