Online Science-athon/Catching Sunshine
Step 3: Plan Ahead

What Materials Do I Need?

Computer Equipment

  • computer(s) with Internet access and a browser (Netscape 4.0 or an equivalent) and set up for printing

Laboratory Supplies

  • a container to use as a solar collector

  • materials for increasing the amount of sunshine the collector surfaces absorb and for insulating the collector

  • a thermometer for measuring the temperature inside the collector before and after catching sunshine. The thermometer needs to measure 40ºF/4.5ºC (or lower) and 200ºF/93ºC (or higher). A laboratory thermometer (used in many science classrooms), an inexpensive oven thermometer (available in many discount department stores or kitchen supply stores), or any other thermometer with this temperature range will do

  • a horizontal surface in direct sunshine to place the collector during testing and data collection

  • a shady location or one not in direct sunshine to measure the air temperature inside the collector before catching sunshine

  • a watch to measure the length of time the collector is exposed to sunshine

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