Investigating Photovoltaic Cells

Developed by SEPUP

Kit No. 220S

SCIENTIFIC CONCEPTS AND PROCESSES

• Energy is transferred in many ways
• Electrical circuits provide a means of transferring electrical energy
• The Sun is a major source of energy
• Students design and conduct a scientific investigation
• Students develop descriptions, explanations, predictions, and models using evidence

Students use photovoltaic cells to transform energy from sunlight into electrical energy as they investigate solar energy as an example of a renewable energy source. They explore how to power a motor using the photovoltaic cells and investigate some factors that affect the cells’ ability to transform light energy into electricity. They then discuss the advantages and disadvantages of using solar energy.