Student Construction of a Working Solar Collector

Authors

Edward Jones, Miami University
David Roberts, Miami University

Document Type

Article

Abstract

Student constructed projects may serve as the basis for studies of the advantages and limitations of solar energy. An eighth grade science class at Miami University's McGuffey Laboratory School completed a study of solar energy with the construction of a window unit solar collector. The collector was installed in a south window of the science room in time for use and testing during the winter of 1980. The class activity developed after numerous individual projects allowed students to test variables that would be important in the design, construction and use of such a unit. Students performed a variety of individual investigations to test construction materials, methods of insulation, heat storage, angle of collecting surface, and heat absorption and transmission of different materials. The results of individual investigations were important considerations as the project was being planned. One student then built a small scale model as a science fair project. Tests with the model were positive enough to encourage other students to cooperate in the construction of a full-scale working unit.

Publication Date

April 1981

Journal Title

Iowa Science Teachers Journal

Volume

18

Issue

1

First Page

34

Last Page

39

Copyright

© Copyright 1981 by the Iowa Academy of Science

Language

en

File Format

application/pdf

Recommended Citation

Jones, Edward and Roberts, David (1981) "Student Construction of a Working Solar Collector," Iowa Science Teachers Journal: Vol. 18: No. 1, Article 13.
Available at: https://scholarworks.uni.edu/istj/vol18/iss1/13