Today’s technological advances have turned even the simplest toys into digital weapons. Electric toys carry with them the danger of electrocution and burns if they are not used properly, designed/constructed properly or used without the proper supervision.
The energy of the sun gives life to everything on the planet, yet only recently have we figured out ways to use the sun's energy directly in mechanical toys and learning kits. If you feel like playing in the sun, there are a number of fun toys that can introduce your children to some solar electricity basics. Use these solar toys to lure your kids away from the video games and the TV and encourage them to have some “fun in the sun.”
There are many solar-powered toys available on the market today; below we explore some of the best-selling and award-winning versions.
This life sized grasshopper, that your kids can build themselves, is an educational robot and a mini-solar kit all in one, perfect for first-time science experimenters with little to no experience. With it, they can explore the potential of solar power and learn about forms of alternative energy. They will learn how radiant energy from the sun is transformed to electrical energy with a PV cell. A motor inside the grasshopper transforms electrical energy to motion whether using direct sunlight or a non-florescent light bulb used in close proximity. This attention-grabbing toy is great for a class discussion, science fair projects or just playtime. Recommended for children ages 10+.
This comical little amphibian friend’s leaps draws attention everywhere; regardless if you’re young or old, hopping feet and googly eyes are difficult to resist. This tailless mini-solar kit uses its rubber feet and hind legs to jiggle its eyes, just like a dog wagging its tail for its owner. And it’s activated solely by the sun, so no batteries are needed. The best part of this little leaper is it that it teaches adults and kids all about solar power in a fun science experiment kit designed right. Perfect for the first time experimenter, it includes about 25 pieces and very easy-to-follow assembly instructions. It’s both fun to build and entertaining to play with. Recommended for children ages 10+.
Starting with easy-to-assemble, build-it-yourself toys, young minds will immediately become interested in exploring more about robotics and how it can be put into action using different types of energy. These are the same type of kits that hooked fathers and grandfathers into building model trains and airplanes, which later developed into mechanized models of locomotives, planes and racing cars.
The main component of this very educational kit is a solar panel, which can be used for science experiments. There are instructions on how simple parts can be put together to build functional devices powered up by the sun’s radiation. The solar kit includes pieces used to make a small fan, power up a radio, or turn on a light. The experiments will teach young users the basic principles of alternative energy and how electrical or solar circuits are made. This toy is recommended for children 10+ and adult supervision is encouraged.
The World's Largest Solar Bag measures 50 feet long and 29 inches in diameter. Simply fill the bag with air by running, tie off the ends and let the energy of the sun heat the air inside the bag.
Within about 5 minutes, the bag will rise into the sky. It is absolutely amazing to see! The giant bag can also be cut to make several smaller solar bags. With these solar bags, you can explore the principles of solar energy and dazzle your friends at the same time! Detailed instructions and activity guide included.
These are actually six toys which you and your child can assemble from the snap–together pieces that make up the set. The main piece, which is the solar panel, provides the power to drive the small motor that makes the rotors spin or power up the toy into motion. The solar panel also serves as the main body of the toy which is transformed into the following figures: plane, boat, windmill, airplane dock, mini-car or puppy. This kit has step-by-step diagrams, but is designed for those with some experienced assembling mechanized models and is a perfect example of how solar power technology uses light derived from the sun as its source of renewable energy.
In school, children are often taught about scientific facts only as theoretical concepts. It is something they memorize to be able to answer test questions without really understanding how the principles apply. Tapping a child’s interest in education is more than just making them memorize theories, but also a matter of putting their imaginative minds into motion.
The best way to show kids how scientific principles like these work, is by providing them with educational toys that are entertaining as well. With the Super Solar Racing Car toy, a child will be able to build a racing car that travels with the speed of light, using the sun’s electromagnetic radiation. This build-it-yourself car will show your child a practical example of how motorized objects are put into motion by exposing it to the powerful solar rays.