Solar Powered Cars Are Educational and Fun

Solar educational toys have made serious inroads in the toy industry of late. Solar powered cars are one of the most popular categories as they provide great educational value while maintaining the kids' interest. They usually come with manuels full of experiments that allow children to learn while having fun building or racing their own solar cars.


Solar Toy CarOne popular solar car kit is the Thames & Kosmos Fuel Cell Car and Experiment Kit. With this toy, kids can build both a solar powered car and a fuel cell powered car. It comes with a 96-page manual filled with experiments. The manual explains solar energy, fuel cells, and electrolysis. It teaches children to use a digital multimeter to measure current and voltage. Most customers getting this solar toy for their teenage boys appear very satisfied with it.


Build a solar toy carOpinions about the Thames & Kosmos Physics Solar Workshop are more mixed. This toy is geared to slightly younger children (8-12) and allows you to build several different types of solar powered machines. It comes with a 64 page manual that explains how gears can be used to facilitate the conversion and transformation of power. The kit includes over 300 parts, which will also work with other physics kits made by Thames & Kosmos.


Solar powered carsWith a size similar to a Hot Wheels car and barely more expensive, the OWI OWI-MSK671 Super Solar Car Racing Jris a fast solar powered car. To slow it down, you have block its solar cell from the light. It is a fun car that kids can easily build and race against each other.







Solar powered carSimilar in nature but a little pricier is the Tamiya America Solar Car Assembly Kit. This toy is a quality toy that provides educational value and great fun.







Solar Power Aerial Cable CarFor younger kids, the Solar Power Aerial Cable Car is another solar powered vehicle that demonstrates how solar energy works. The kit includes a transport cable, trip return stoppers and a solar panel. Assembly is required and parts are delicate. Younger children will need adult assistance. Designed to resemble the sky rides that provide transportation to some of the world's most scenic spots, the unit is simple to operate and is relatively inexpensive. However it requires full sun exposure.




Solar powered cars offer children the opportunity to learn about various types of alternative fuels and some basic physics concepts. If you are looking for a solar educational kit for a child or a classroom relevant to today's concerns, solar cars may be just the ticket. Major car manufacturers are researching both fuel cell and solar cell feasibility, and the time may soon come when many vehicles on the street will be powered by the sun.



Help us build our knowledge base for the benefit of all readers! If you have tried any of the above products or wish to suggest a better one, please send us your comments and suggestions. Thank you.



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