Solar Schoolhouse Product Catalog

Solar Schoolhouse
Product Catalog
www.solarshoolhouse.org
Solar Cell
Classroom Set
Solar Cell Classroom Sets have all the equipment to allow
hands-on explorations of solar power and electricity. They
contain enough solar cells, motors, and equipment to engage a
classroom full of students. The User Guide explains how to use
and maintain the equipment, and includes a number of student
exercises for developing an understanding of basic electric
theory and the photovoltaic effect.
Activities using the Solar Schoolhouse Solar Cell Classroom Set
range from kindergarten classes experiencing the photovoltaic
effect (sunlight makes the motor spin) to colleges and trade
schools plotting the IV curves of solar modules. Students can
build simple circuits to power a variety of electrical loads. Radios,
motors, a water pump, even model cars and homes can be
powered with the Solar Cell Classroom Set. Some classes make
solar power plants to run miniature “utility grids” in their
classroom.
Using this set, students develop their scientific observation skills,
meet the standards while studying electricity, and learn about
renewable energy sources. Most importantly, these activities
show students positive alternatives for our energy future, and
foster optimism, excitement, and a sense of purpose.
Solar Cell Classroom Set Includes:
• 30 Solar Cells (0.5V/0.4A)
• 4 Solar Modules (3V/1A)
• 16 Motors (0.5V–5.0V)
• Assorted fan blades and wheels
that attach to the motors
•1
Radio with speakers (3V)
• 1 Digital Multimeter
•A
ssorted DC loads:
buzzer (4.5V), fan (5V),
fan (12V)
•1
0 Jumper Wires with
alligator clips
• S turdy Storage Case
• Users’ Guide
1 Set: SCS-3
Additional solar modules, motors, wheels and fans also available for
purchase separately.
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“When I saw how interested kids were,
it lit a fire under me to educate them about
conservation and green energy.”
­­—Randy S., Construction Instructor,
Brawley High School, CA
Solar Cell Student Set
The Solar Cell Student
Set includes equipment for
individual, hands-on
exploration of various solar
electric circuits. Using this set,
students can build simple DC
series and parallel circuits, and
can test the performance
characteristic of silicon solar
cells. They can also practice
matching a solar voltage
source to a load by building a
solar-powered music circuit.
The set includes a complete
User Guide including solar electricity theory, project guides, plus
troubleshooting and equipment maintenance information.
1 Set: SSH-SCSS
For pricing information and to order go to: www.solarschoolhouse.org
Solar Power
Monitor Set
The Solar Power Monitor is a Plexiglas
circuit board with input ports for
connecting solar modules, and output
ports for attaching direct current
loads. It has an ammeter and a
voltmeter to simultaneously measure
current and voltage. There are three DC loads (a light, fan and
water pump) included in the set. Using the monitor, students
get a feel for how the sun can produce electricity and what
volts, amps and watts are. The Solar Power Monitor Set is an
excellent companion to the Solar Cell Classroom Set.
Solar Power Monitor Set Contains:
1 Solar Power Monitor, 8 Solar Modules (3V*1A), 1 Blower Fan,
1 Potentiometer, 1 Pump (12V) with 2 feet of vinyl tubing, 1 Fuse Light,
10 Jumper Wires with alligator clips, 4 sets of Stackable Jumper Wires
with alligator clips, 1 each: Compass, Protractor, Ruler, User Guide
Additional solar modules, motors, wheels and fans also available for
purchase separately.
Solar Power Lunch Box
This portable, standalone, solar power supply is designed to provide
power when you need it for charging your cell phone, mp3/ipod music
player, or powering a custom LED night light.
The Solar Power Lunch Box Kit contains (3) 1.25 watt @ 12vdc solar
laminates, (1) 12vdc (1.4ah) sealed rechargeable battery, project box,
wire terminal, (2) 12vdc auto sockets, USB car charger, a metal lunch
box, and a white LED light assembly. The Lunch Box comes with
mounting holes pre-drilled. This nifty emergency preparedness kit even
has room for a few sandwiches!
Some tools required for assembly.
1 Kit: SSH-SPLB3
1 Set: SPM-3
Basin not included.
Solar Fountain
Sculpture Set
Basic Kit
Advanced Kit with Music Circuit (decorated)
Solar Whirlygig Kit
The solar whirligig projects are a great opportunity for students
to learn about solar cells with an opportunity to add their own
creativity. The Basic Solar Whirlygig Kit includes a CD, CD
mailer box, and a solar education kit with solar cell, motor,
wheels, wire & fan. No soldering required. Glue gun optional.
You provide pipe cleaners, energy beads, & other items to
decorate the CD. The Advanced Solar Whirlygig Kit
requires some soldering and use of hot glue gun. A music
sound module (like those found in greeting cards) is included,
along with a dedicated Copper Indium Diselenide (CIS) solar cell.
A silicon solar cell powers the motor and CD.
Basic Kit: SSH-WGB
Advanced Kit: SSH-WGA
Solar fountains are a great way to show the
relationship solar electric modules have with
sunlight. As the solar modules are tilted
more toward the sun, the water pumps
faster. Casting a shadow on the modules
slows or stops the water flow. These Solar
Fountain Sculpture Sets include a 12 volt DC water pump and a
large assortment of clear pipe and connectors to build a wide
variety of fountain designs. The components are slip-fit for quick
assembly and disassembly, and for easy adjustment of designs.
Sets include a complete User Guide with directions for building
fountains and instructions for beginning and advanced solar
electricity projects.
Standard Set can be used with a variety of solar modules you provide.
Deluxe Set includes 4 solar modules (3V* 1A) not pictured.
Standard Set: SSH-SFSS1
Deluxe Set: SSH-SFSS2
For pricing information and to order go to: www.solarschoolhouse.org
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Boom Box Kit
Make your own external speakers for your solar charged ipod/
mp3 music player. Two speakers + ear buds + a box of your
choice, add your creativity = your custom boom box. No external
power is required, with your music player providing the audio
power, and regulating volume. Some soldering required.
Speakers come in two sizes:
40mm: SSH-BB40, 100mm: SSH-BB100
Solar ZipCharger Kit
Build your own cell phone or mp3/
ipod charger. Any small device that
has it’s own rechargeable battery
can be powered with the
ZipCharger. Two 1.25 watt @
12vdc solar laminates come
together in this zippered travel
wallet, with an auto socket for
charging cell phones. A USB car
charger is included to power
devices with USB cords (eg. ipod).
Wallet colors will vary. Cell phone auto adapter not included.
1 Kit: SSH-ZC1
‘Steampunk’ Custom
Solar Module Kit
We call this the ‘steampunk’ solar module
because the redwood frame creates the
illusion that solar modules were common in
the Jules Verne era. By combining 10 small
solar laminates (each rated at 1.25 watt @
12Vdc) in parallel, a 12.5 watt solar
module is created, strong enough to
power a small fountain, or for use as a
battery charger. The kit includes: precut
redwood frame components, (10) 12.5
watt @12vdc solar laminates, wire
terminal, wood screws, alligator clips,
and instructions.
1 Kit: SSH-CSM10
1.25 watt Solar
Laminates
We’ve acquired a large quantity of small solar electric modules
(laminates). These 1.25 watt (12vdc nominal, 0.09A) modules
were originally designed to charge a small battery to power a
remote GPS signal. The modules have no frame, hence the term
“laminates.” The construction represents modern solar module
construction, with mono crystalline silicon solar cells, tempered
glass top, standard water tight encapsulation, and 7 ft wire
leads with a waterpack connector. Great for solar projects like
the Solar Lunchbox, ZipCharger, and Steampunk projects shown
on this page. Dimensions: 210 x 85 x 4 mm (8 5/16 x 3 3/8 x 1/8
inch )
1 Laminate: SSH-PV1.25w-1, Box of 50: SSH-PV1.25w-50
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For pricing information and to order go to: www.solarschoolhouse.org
Solar Schoolhouse Online
Academy
Solar Schoolhouse Academy provides online courses that make learning about
solar and clean energy easy and fun. The concepts are presented in short, easy
to understand lessons, with plenty of color illustrations, video clips and simple
animations.
Included in the courses are several hands-on projects to experiment with. Many
of these projects teach real-world principles using simple materials like
cardboard, tape and tin foil.
So many ways to use the Online Academy:
• Perfect for an extra credit project or independent study
• Use as an enhancement to classroom curriculum
• Educators increase their knowledge, prepare to teach solar, and earn CEUs
“The online course was fabulous.”
­­—DeAnn K., Teacher,
Twin Rivers USD, Sacramento
Visit the Academy at
http://classroom.solarschoolhouse.net
“The course is great. I really enjoyed the video
incorporation into the lessons, the visuals are great
and the information interesting.”
­­—Miriam W. Instructor, CSU Monterey Bay
For pricing information and to order go to: www.solarschoolhouse.org
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Celebrating our 10th Year in 2012!
Summer Institute for Educators
Teachers attending the summer institute will learn about the science
and history of heating, cooling and powering our homes with the Sun.
Participants will build solar cookers, model passive solar homes, solar
electric fountains, custom solar panels, a portable solar power station
(Lunchbox!), and more. Held at Rahus Headquarters in Sebastopol, the
workshop is completely solar powered. We’ll evaluate several solar and
energy efficient technologies and design strategies incorporated onsite
including: two types of Photovoltaics, heat pump water heater, heat
pump heating/cooling, active external shading devices, thermal mass
wall, daylighting.
In addition to learning the science of proper building design (e.g.
thermodynamics, electricity, seasonal changes) and how to fit these
exercises into your curriculum, participants will walk away with practical
knowledge (and solar equipment!) that they can apply in their own
lives. While solar energy is a multi-disciplinary subject (math, science,
construction, history, policy, etc.), lessons are tailored to your specific
discipline. Integrating solar energy education into your curriculum can
provide an element of excitement and hope for the future.
Sponsorships are available.
For more information, or to register visit www.solarschoolhouse.org
One-day and Half-day
Solar Schoolhouse Workshops
Solar Art
Solar Primer
An Introduction to
Solar Energy, includes
solar thermal (building a solar cooker
and exploring passive solar design
principles), and solar electricity
(experimenting with solar cells and
building a solar whirligig).
Learn the
fundamentals of
solar energy
through art. Projects
may include: solar
etching (with magnifying glass), solar
baked clay medallions with energy
beads, solar powered whirligig, and/or
the Human Sundial.
Solar
Fountains
Powering a fountain
directly with solar
energy is a great
way to learn how
photovoltaics work. Both permanent
and portable solar fountains are
explored. Workshop generally includes
building a custom solar module, and
may include installation of a permanent
solar fountain in a school garden.
Solar
Cooking
Solar Powered
Emergency Preparedness
For community or just for teachers.
Participants build a portable, standalone
solar powered lunch box that can charge
cell phones, mp3 players, and power a
custom LED night light.
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Solar School Data
Detectives
Many schools are installing large solar
electric systems to reduce their utility
costs. This workshop will explore how
to evaluate the performance of a school
solar system via online data portals.
You’ll also learn how to size a solar
system for your own home.
Build a
family-sized
solar oven. It’s
quite amazing
to see an
insulated box with a glass-covered
opening reach temperatures of >300F.
Participants at this workshop will build
a durable, high performing, mediumcost, family-sized solar oven.
For more information, or to register go to: www.solarschoolhouse.org
Classroom Poster Set
Photosynthesis &
Photovoltaics
The process by which a plant produces its
energy from sunlight parallels the way a
photovoltaic panel produces solar electricity.
This poster presents the various similarities
and differences between the two processes.
22” x 28”
Your Solar Home
Highlights many of the topics covered in the
Your Solar Home video. It includes photos of
six homes built for the Solar Decathlon.
22” x 28”
Sun Power
Provides a detailed description/definition of
photovoltaics and its applications: direct
power, stand-alone (includes battery storage),
and grid-tied. 23” x 29”
Solar Energy for Schools
Shows how a solar cell works, various
applications, and how solar electric
(photovoltaic) systems work on your home.
25.5” x 39”
4 Poster Set: SSH-POSTERSET2
Join the Solar Schoolhouse
Educational Collaborative
Responding to the growing demand for solar energy education, The Rahus
Institute has formed the Solar Schoolhouse Educational Collaborative. The
Collaborative is a partnership between solar energy industry companies, utilities,
and organizations.
During the past decade Solar Schoolhouse has introduced thousands of students
to renewable energy through our hands-on, project-based curriculum. Because
energy lessons learned in school are often shared at home, educating young
students effectively raises the energy literacy of the entire household. Better
informed citizens are more prepared to adopt solar energy for their homes
and businesses.
“When parents learn we’ll be
building model solar homes in
class, I’m flooded with questions
about solar for their own homes.”
—Keith J., 4th Grade Teacher, Lodi, CA
Your Membership Supports your Community.
Annual membership dues and contributions to the Collaborative will be used to
develop new outreach efforts including, but not limited to:
• S olar Schoolhouse Online Classroom
• T argeted Teacher Training Programs
• Provide Scholarships to Educators for Training
• E nhanced Website­
• S eries of webinar courses/presentations
For more information and to join,
contact Tor Allen: 707-829-3154 or [email protected]
For pricing information and to order go to: www.solarschoolhouse.org
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Teaching Solar
A Teacher’s Guide to Integrating
Solar Energy into Classroom Curriculum
This guide and DVD present engaging new solar curricula that
have evolved based on the experiences of teachers in their
classrooms. It details the step-by-step Solar Schoolhouse approach
of teaching solar based on experimentation.
Although the basic principles for using the sun’s energy
are fairly simple, the applications of these principles are
constantly evolving. Nothing gets students, and teachers, more
excited than to actually experiment with solar technology by
powering electrical loads or cooking with sunlight.
Additional Features:
• DVD with video tutorials and interviews with
teachers discussing their experiences teaching
about solar energy
• Worksheets & Project Guides
• Outdoor Environmental Activities Guide
• S olar Science Fair Project Ideas
• Solar Discovery Faire Activities Guide
• Solar Schoolhouse Olympics Guidelines
• Related National Teaching Standards for
Elementary, Middle and High School K–12
76 Page Book, 50 Minute DVD: SSH-TS
1
Set of 30: SSH-TS-PKG3
“The kids have been learning a lot, asking
good questions, and telling their relatives
about what they can do to help our world.”
INCLUDES
Bonus DVD
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­—Alexis R., 8th Grade Teacher, Westminster, CA
Summer Institute for Educators 2007 Alumni
For pricing information and to order go to: www.solarschoolhouse.org
Classroom Curriculum:
Special Offer!
Your Solar Home
Student Guidebook
Teaching Solar Package: Get all three books and
DVDs on page 8 & 9 for one low package price.
Use order code: SSH-TSPKG
The Art and Science of Heating, Cooling
and Powering Your Home with the Sun
Use this comprehensive textbook in class to teach the scientific
principles behind the many ways the sun’s energy can be used
to heat, cool and power your home. A perfect resource for renewable
energy year-long, semester-long or module courses. Includes
informative diagrams, review questions, a glossary and 15 solar projects.
Topics Include:
• Solar orientation through the seasons
• Principles of energy and heat transfer
• Passive solar heating and cooling
• Heating water with the sun
• Cooking with sunlight
• Solar electricity
•H
istorical references and interesting solar energy facts
128 Page Book: YSHG-1, Set of 32: YSH-32
Your Solar Home DVD
An introduction to the basic scientific principles and vocabulary of
solar energy and solar home design. This easy to understand video
demystifies the concepts implemented in solar homes. Includes
subtitles in six languages. Use as an introduction to solar energy
in your classroom.
25 Minute DVD: YSH-DVD
Free Teachers’ Guide
Available for download at www.solarschoolhouse.org
Solar Decathlon DVD
A Solar Village on the National Mall
18 teams of students from colleges and universities in the U.S., Canada, Puerto
Rico and Spain, compete to design, build and operate the best solar powered
home. The concepts of solar home design are brought to life in this movie
that follows the Cal Poly team as they design, build and transport their
house to the nation’s capitol. Students will be exposed to the variety of
career possibilities in green technology through the interviews of these
colligate team members.
Solar Decathlon
The 2005 International Competition of Solar Home Design
The companion book includes 142 color photographs and diagrams, a
glossary of terms and a parts index.
52 Minute DVD + Bonus Features, 96 Page Book: SDO5-PKG
For pricing information and to order go to: www.solarschoolhouse.org
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Solar Schoolhouse Parts
Silicon Solar Cells
Solar Education Kit
Pack of 10: SSH-CELL1-10
1 Kit: SW828-1
Box of 20: SW828-20
0.5v*400mA, with alligator
clips. This solar cell provides
the basic building block for
classroom experiments.
Dimensions: 59 x 37 x 2 mm
(23/8 x 1½ x 1/16”).
Demonstrates the power of the
solar cell to run an electric motor.
Great for projects. Kit includes:
1V solar cell, motor, fan, and
assorted optical wheels.
Blue Fans
Solar Module, 3V*1A
Solar Schoolhouse brand 3 watt
(3V*1A) silicon solar module
mounted on a fiberglass substrate.
Lightweight. Includes alligator
clips. Can be used individually
to power model solar cars, or
combined to power a solar
fountain. Versatile use for solar
experimentation and investigation
activities. Dimensions: 220 x 145
x 2 mm (85/8 x 5 11/16 x 1/16”).
SSH-3VMOD1
Solar Motor
DC motor operating 0.5 -5v,
includes 36” wire with eyelets.
Can be used for various
experiments and projects.
Make your solar motor come to
life with these fans. Available as a
10-pack or as combo pack (5 blue
fans and 5 yellow wheels).
10-Pack: SSH-FANS10
Combo Pack: SSH-WF10
Yellow Wheels
2” diameter wheel fits on the
solar motor. For experiments and
projects. Available as a 10-pack
or as combo pack (5 blue fans
and 5 yellow wheels).
10-Pack: SSH-YW10
Combo Pack: SSH-WF10
SSH-MOTORS-5
Solar Music Module
Kill a Watt Meter
Plug in an AC appliance and the LCD display
shows its energy consumption by kilowatthour. View amps, watts, hz, volts and
calculate the electrical usage by the hour,
day, week or month. Great tool for
conducting energy audits at home or school.
We’ve added wires to this music
module (like the ones found in a
greeting card) so it can easily be
powered directly by a solar cell.
Minimum 1V solar cell required.
Module plays “You are my Sunshine.”
Single Module: SSH-SM1
Pack of 5: SSH-SM5
KW-MTR
Oven Thermometer
“There is a buzz on campus.
Students want to know where to sign up
for the ‘solar’ class.”
­ Wilton G., Calipatria High School, CA
—
Summer Institute for Educators 2006 Alumni
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This analog oven thermometer is
accurate, dependable, and great for
Solar Oven projects. Capacity: 100 600°F (40 - 310C) in 5°F (5C)
increments. Dimensions: 2¼”diameter.
Durable stainless steel.
Single Thermometer: SSH-OTH1
Box of 6: SSH-OTH6
For pricing information and to order go to: www.solarschoolhouse.org
Solar Schoolhouse Accessories
Everyday is a sunny day when you’re wearing these cool Rahus and Solar Schoolhouse accessories.
Rahus Sun God
Tee Shirt
Solar Schoolhouse Shirt
Long sleeve denim shirt has the Solar
Schoolhouse logo embroidered over the
breast pocket. Available in adult sizes:
medium, large, and extra-large. Please
specify size when ordering
SSH-SH-SZ
Solar Schoolhouse Hat
Canvas “outback” style hat with
chin strap and embroidered Solar
Schoolhouse logo. One size fits all.
Cream-colored short
sleeve tee has the Rahus
logo on front and the
name of a varities of sun
Gods screenprinted on the back. Available in
adult sizes: medium, large, and extra-large.
Made of soft organic cotton. Please specify size
when ordering.
RSGT-SZ
SSH-HAT
Solar Schoolhouse Pin
Enamel pin with the Solar Schoolhouse
logo. 1” diameter (shown actual size)
Solar Schoolhouse Patch
Fully embroidered patch with the Solar
Schoolhouse logo. 21/2” diameter
SSH-PIN
SSH-PATCH
Solar Schoolhouse Calendar
Since 2005, Solar Schoolhouse has published it’s annual calendar. Each year has a different theme involving solar energy and renewable
resources. Each month explores a topic within the theme. The full color calendars appeal to a variety of audiences and are designed to be
fun, useful and informative.
A copy of our current year’s calendar will be sent with each order.
Electronic versions of current and past calendars are available online at www.solarschoolhouse.org.
Walking the Walk
Solar Schoolhouse
2012 Calendar
Real People Making a Difference
For pricing information and to order go to: www.solarschoolhouse.org
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Solar Schoolhouse
Education Energized by the Sun
The Rahus Institute
Solutions for a Sustainable World
Founded in 1998, The Rahus Institute
is a 501c3 non-profit, research and
educational organization with a focus on
resource efficiency. The word, Rahus
the
(raw-hoos) is derived from the name of the
Rahus
Institute Egyptian sun god, ‘Ra’ combined with the
Norwegian word for house ‘hus’; literally,
sun
house.
Solutions
for a Our motto, Solutions for a Sustainable World, sums
Sustainable
World
up our
guiding
goal to create a better world and better lives
through the use of clean technology and intelligent
implementation.
The Rahus Institute aspires to accelerate the use of resource
efficient technologies and practices. We foster research, developtypeface
RotisSemiSans education and policy change using a variety
ment,isdemonstration,
of programs and targeting multiple audiences. This approach is
achieved through a collaboration of renewable energy experts,
engineers, educators, media and financing specialists.
Key programs developed by The Rahus Institute
include the Solar Schoolhouse, the California
Solar Center, Solar e-Clips, the Solar Forum and
the California PV Utility Manager Working Group.
The Institute also develops educational displays,
signage and provides general consulting services.
For more information, visit www.rahus.org.
The Solar Schoolhouse is a K-12 energy
education program developed by The Rahus
Institute in 2001. The program introduces
students to the concepts of solar energy in a
fun, intriguing, and meaningful way. Using
hands-on, project-based teaching tools, the
program seeks to raise the energy literacy in
schools throughout the country by educating
students about solar and renewable energy,
energy resource conservation, and other energy topics.
The central theme of the program is teaching about solar energy
by developing a personal connection to our homes. With every
home a potential solar collector, learning about solar energy
becomes an exercise in discovering and under­standing how our
homes can capture sunlight to provide heating, cooling, lighting,
cooking, and power for our daily lives.
Principal features of the program include:
• Lesson plans correlated to state and national standards
• Teacher training workshops including the 5-day
Summer Institute for Educators
• Educational guidebooks, publications and videos including
the Your Solar Home materials
• Consultation regarding the development and
implementation of new curriculum and/or special projects.
• Solar Schoolhouse Olympics student competition
• Classroom resource kits and user guides
• Solarific News, an e-newsletter
• Assistance and consultation regarding the installation
of solar electric (photovoltaic) systems at schools.
• Real-time monitoring for grid-tied solar electric systems
For more information, visit www.solarschoolhouse.org.
“Your Solar Home Student
Guidebook and DVD have been
invaluable in our class. We’re using
the book as the text
for our renewable energy class.
Thanks for a great resource!”
—Floyd Green, Corning High School,
Corning, CA
©2012 The Rahus Institute www.rahus.org
v20120101