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Electricity Fundamentals and Photovoltaics

Glowing green spherical robot called a Sphero SPRK+ sitting on a wooden table. Behind it is a small LEGO brick structure.

Learning Goals

Learning Goals:

  1. Students will determine how to create various types of circuits in order to power loads with different electric needs.
  2. Students will identify the electric needs of a Sphero charger and build a circuit needed to charge this device.
Materials List

Classroom Supplies

  • Light Source (e.g. 250 Watt halogen work light)
  • Classroom set of SPRK+s and chargers

Group Supplies (3-4 per group)

  • Snap Circuits kit
  • 6 2-Volt photovoltaic modules (or combination that adds up to 2 Volts)
  • Micro USB cable with alligator lead attachment

Important Links

Lesson 4 of 6 / Time: 2 periods of 50 mins

Students work through a number of solar circuit explorations that culminate in a challenge to charge the Sphero SPRK+ devices with solar panels. In this exploration, students will investigate the requirements of various loads, working toward the voltage and amperage requirements presented specifically by the SPRK+ charging station.

 

Solar Sphero SPRK+

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