Solar Challenge Resources
Basic Solar Challenge Rules
The Basic KidWind Solar Challenge has two divisions - Middle School (4th grade - 8th grade) and High School (9th grade - 12th grade). Teams will build a solar structure that will be tested based on the number of solar panels, loads, and switches, as well as a schematic of the circuit. Teams will also prepare documentation and justification of their design and present to a panel of judges the day of the event.
The Virginia KidWind Challenge point distribution above is NOT reflected in the rubric below. Regional challenges will have rubrics that reflect the distribution as shown above.
NEW!
This year teams will be required to bring a profile form and circuit diagram along with their other documentation. Please confer with your team(s) as to which profile form best suits their structure design. Although they are called "novice" and "advanced" they are for all teams from any division - teams who are new to KidWind, or did not utilize any special technology or manufacturing in building their structures, would find the novice form a better option than the advanced form.
The NEED Project - need.org
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Solar Energy, including Solar Schools Curricula
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Energy Efficiency and Conservation Curricula
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Infobooks
KidWind WindWise – https://www.kidwind.org/activities/windwise
Vernier Investigating Solar Energy ($20-25)
Key Curricula
Literature
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My Light by Molly Bang
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Energy Island by Allan Drummond
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Catch the Sun By Anne Johnson. Illustrations by Shawn McCann.
Retail Kits
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Solar Panel, $19
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LED diodes, example
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Motors, example
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The Sun and its Energy (primary), $250.00
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Wonders of Sun (elementary), $325.00
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Energy from the Sun (intermediate), $375.00
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Exploring Photovoltaics (secondary), $300.00
Retail Kits
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Solar Panel, $19
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LED diodes, example
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Motors, example
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The Sun and its Energy (primary), $250.00
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Wonders of Sun (elementary), $325.00
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Energy from the Sun (intermediate), $375.00
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Exploring Photovoltaics (secondary), $300.00
Retail Kits
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Solar Panel, $19
-
LED diodes, example
-
Motors, example
-
The Sun and its Energy (primary), $250.00
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Wonders of Sun (elementary), $325.00
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Energy from the Sun (intermediate), $375.00
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Exploring Photovoltaics (secondary), $300.00
CASE Lending Library Kits and Activity Resources
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Electronic Quiz Card
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LEGO eLab Kits
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Pizza Box Solar Oven
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REcharge Labs Solar Fountain
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Solar Fountain Kit design brief
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REcharge Labs Solar Cork Boats
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Solar Panel Experiments (adapted from NEED)
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Station instructions
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Data collection worksheet
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Design a solar house worksheet
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REcharge Labs Solar Town
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Solar House design brief
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The Sun and its Energy: Primary Level
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Wonders of the Sun: Elementary Level
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Energy from the Sun: Intermediate Level
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Exploring Photovoltaics: Secondary Level