Solar energy is our future, and so are our kids. Because of how heavily we’re starting to rely on solar and renewable energy practices, children should be aware of how important solar energy is to our planet and our lives.
Kids, however, don’t typically respond to the
scientific terms that are involved with solar practices. That’s why a number of
websites have developed a kid-friendly way that teaches youngsters the
importance of solar energy and how it works. We’ve picked out a few that not
only have varying degrees of difficulty for a wide age range of budding solar
energy experts, but also showcase the different ways solar energy is used.
Easy (For the littlest ones)
Teach solar energy at the most basic level possible:
by matching cards.
Home Science Tools has provided a solar energy
matching game for young kids or kids who are just starting to learn about solar
energy. Simple print out this page http://www.hometrainingtools.com/images/art/SolarEnergy.pdf
to be able to play.
Kids can start by coloring the pictures, then cut them
out and place them face down, mixed up. Match the pictures that show two
different ways to produce the same kind of energy. This is fun and educational
for even our youngest learners!
Medium (For the solar energy experts in training)
Use your knowledge of solar energy to help save the
day in Solar Energy Defenders. By collecting energy using solar panels during
the day, you can help ward off vampire attacks on the super fun school dance!
Slightly more complicated, you need to consider a
number of factors in this game to move on to the next level. Taking the angle
and tilt of the sun, shadows caused by surrounding objects and even what time
it is could make the difference in saving the school and being a hero. Put your solar knowledge to the test and fight
the vampire invasion by clicking here http://www.wonderville.ca/asset/solarenergydefenders.
Expert (For the mini-sized brainiacs)
We’re not sure you need to be an exact expert to
play this game, but you’ll definitely need to have a basic understanding of
solar energy, and maybe a little about cars. TryEngineering.com has created the
Solar Car Racing Game, where you design, build and race your very own virtual
solar-powered race car.
In this challenge, you choose the
body, tires and battery with the options that you think will best race your car
around the track. Click here http://www.tryengineering.org/solar.php
and you can then test out the car in the shop and on the track, make
adjustments accordingly, and race again! This is the ultimate virtual game that
is being executed in real life all over the world!
Now that you have a plethora of
games to choose from, get playing and use that solar energy knowledge for good!