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Build a Solar Cell—Student Laboratory Kit

By: The Flinn Staff

Build a Solar Cell Environmental Science and STEM Laboratory Kit
solar cell, photoelectric effect, photochemical cells
photosynthesis, photovoltaic cells, photovoltaic effect
Build a Solar Cell Environmental Science and STEM Laboratory Kit
solar cell, photoelectric effect, photochemical cells
photosynthesis, photovoltaic cells, photovoltaic effect
Item #: AP6916 

Price: $71.72

In Stock.

In the Build a Solar Cell Environmental Science and STEM Laboratory Kit, students build a dye-sensitized solar cell and discover the principles behind its operation. Bring the latest technological developments in solar energy into the lab.

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Product Details

The energy crisis is real! Update your curriculum today and bring the latest technological developments in solar energy research into your classroom. Dye-sensitized solar cells (DSCs) mimic the process that occurs in photosynthesis to harvest sunlight and convert it to electricity. Students build a DSC and learn about the principles behind its operation. The solar cell consists of conductive glass plates coated with a natural dye and nanocrystalline titanium oxide at the anode and graphite at the cathode. Light striking the dye surface is absorbed and promotes an electron to a photoexcited state. Electrons migrate through the titanium oxide film and travel through the external circuit to the cathode. The result—electricity from light!

The cells may be prepared in assembly-line fashion—plan for two hours to complete the setup and demonstration. There are two good stopping points if the entire procedure cannot be completed at one time.

Complete with enough materials to make four solar cells. A multimeter may be used to measure the voltage of the solar cell and is available separately. Includes Flinn Exclusive STEM Integration Guide.

Specifications

Materials Included in Kit: 
Ethyl alcohol, anhydrous, 50 mL
Iodine/potassium iodide electrolyte solution, 25 mL
Nitric acid solution, 0.1 M, 50 mL
Titanium oxide, nanocrystalline, 2 g
Binder clip, ¾", 8
Dried hibiscus flowers, 2 g
Electrical conducting glass, transparent, 1" x 3", 8
Lens paper, 4" x 6"
Unscented tea light, white


Correlation to Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS)†

Science & Engineering Practices

Asking questions and defining problems
Developing and using models
Constructing explanations and designing solutions
Engaging in argument from evidence

Disciplinary Core Ideas

HS-PS1.A: Structure and Properties of Matter
HS-PS1.B: Chemical Reactions
HS-PS3.A: Definitions of Energy
HS-ETS1.A: Defining and Delimiting Engineering Problems
HS-ETS1.B: Developing Possible Solutions

Crosscutting Concepts

Cause and effect
Scale, proportion, and quantity
Systems and system models
Energy and matter
Structure and function

Performance Expectations

HS-PS1-1. Use the periodic table as a model to predict the relative properties of elements based on the patterns of electrons in the outermost energy level of atoms.
HS-PS1-2. Construct and revise an explanation for the outcome of a simple chemical reaction based on the outermost electron states of atoms, trends in the periodic table, and knowledge of the patterns of chemical properties.
HS-PS2-6. Communicate scientific and technical information about why the molecular-level structure is important in the functioning of designed materials.
HS-PS3-3. Design, build, and refine a device that works within given constraints to convert one form of energy into another form of energy.
HS-ETS1-1. Analyze a major global challenge to specify qualitative and quantitative criteria and constraints for solutions that account for societal needs and wants.