Solar-Powered Projects

In Waldorf, simple explorations of solar energy would go best in Grade 6 Physics, where we study Sound, Light, Heat, Magnetism & Static Electricity. Solar panels would wait until Grade 7 Physics when we do electrical circuits.

We have been trying out different solar projects in camp this week. Here are two I recommend:

Purifying water with a
Solar Still (PDF)

Making s'mores with a
Solar Oven


Awesome Physics Experiments for Kids: 40 Fun Science Projects and Why They Work
by Erica l. Colón
"Solar-Powered Snack," pp.90-91

To make the solar-powered snack for a group, I recomend a really large box. I used the box from our GRIMM'S SPIEL & HOLZ 1001 Nights Wooden Blocks Building Set. It's perfect! Cut 16 squares of black paper and place them in the bottom on the aluminum foil, and put a graham cracker half and a large marshmallow on each square of black paper. Set this up after lunch for best results and put it up on a picnic table to reduce the chances of ant invasion.

You could also dye yarn in a sun jar! This is easy with a large glass jar (I use these), white wool yarn tied into hanks, water, a splash of vinegar, and a plant material which you think will make color. Simply leave it in the sun for a few days. I have recommended more complex natural dyeing projects for Grade 7, where we study both Ratios and Chemistry.

If you have other favorites, let me know!

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