Pupils work as a member of a team to design, build and test a boat capable of moving across the water using the power of the sun

Pupils discuss the advantages and disadvantages of solar power over conventional means of generating electricity prior to starting their three-stage challenge:

Stage 1: Circuit building

Using crocodile clips and wires, motors and solar cells pupils build circuits to make a propeller spin and discuss the results of their experiments using circuit diagrams.

Stage 2: Design and build

Using scrap materials pupils work as a team to design and build their solar powered boats.

Stage 3: Testing and evaluating

Pupils test their boats on shallow trays of water either in the classroom or outside (weather permitting) in order to evaluate their performance.

Year Groups 4, 5 and 6

Duration: 2 hours
National Curriculum links: Key Stage 2: Design and technology 1, 2, 3 and 4; Geography 5a, b; Science Sc4: Electricity 1a, b, c
If you would like more detailed information on the programe including a lesson plan and a risk assesment please ask the education officer when you make your booking enquiry.

What teachers have said about the programme

“An excellent hands-on activity—the children thoroughly enjoyed it.”

To make an enquiry for our electricity workshops please complete the booking form, email us at outreach@ipprugeley.com or call the station on 01889 572100