The Solar Spark at the University of Edinburgh

Contact info

Email:
contact@thesolarspark.co.uk
Website:
http://www.solarspark.chem.ed.ac.uk/
  • A silver coloured metal sheet and bronze coloured metal sheet with hands placed on them to perform the experiment
    Resource

    Hand battery

    In association with The Solar Spark at the University of Edinburgh

    Complete a circuit by placing your hands on two metal plate electrodes.

  • Electrode set-up to anodise titanium in a beaker with red crocodile clip holding titanium and black crocodile clip holding wire in an electrolyte solution
    Resource

    Anodising titanium

    In association with The Solar Spark at the University of Edinburgh

    Explore how the colour of titanium metal covered with titanium dioxide varies with the thickness of titanium dioxide. 

  • Depiction of a solar cell powering a music player
    Resource

    Solar technology

    In association with The Solar Spark at the University of Edinburgh

    Find out about the kind of solar cells we use and how they are made with videos from The Solar Spark at the University of Edinburgh.

  • Outline of India in colours of flag with wind turbines and solar panels on top
    Resource

    The impact of solar power

    In association with The Solar Spark at the University of Edinburgh

    Think about the benefits of solar power and the impact it can have on people’s lives

  • Green laser shone through tumbler glasses that reflect the light
    Resource

    The Tyndall effect

    In association with The Solar Spark at the University of Edinburgh

    Demonstrate light scattering with just two jars of water and some milk.

  • Solar cell connected in a circuit to small LED lights and a switch
    Resource

    Solar cells and circuits

    In association with The Solar Spark at the University of Edinburgh

    Explore how to set up an electrical circuit containing solar cells and how connecting them in different ways will produce different results.

  • Visible light spectrum from red to blue on black background
    Resource

    Make your own spectroscope

    In association with The Solar Spark at the University of Edinburgh

    Make a “rainbow in a box” using card and a CD.

  • Image
    Resource

    Make a Grtäzel cell

    In association with The Solar Spark at the University of Edinburgh

    Make a dye sensitised solar cell using household items such as raspberries.

  • lots of colourful stripy paper straws in a jar
    Resource

    Solar cell in a drinking straw

    In association with The Solar Spark at the University of Edinburgh

    Capture electricity from sunlight using raspberry juice and drinking straws.

  • Solar battery on white background
    Resource

    Solar cells and absorption

    In association with The Solar Spark at the University of Edinburgh

    Explore the relationship between light and absorption in solar cells. 

  • Spectrum of colour showing blue on the left changing to green on the right
    Resource

    Mixing colours

    In association with The Solar Spark at the University of Edinburgh

    Demonstrate how putting different colours together combine to give the full picture.

  • Sun in blue sky
    Resource

    Energy Card Sort

    In association with The Solar Spark at the University of Edinburgh

    Sort solar energy themed cards into groups and work out the connections between those in the groupsust

  • Spinach in a mortar with pestle on side
    Resource

    Chlorophyll fluorescence

    In association with The Solar Spark at the University of Edinburgh

    Make a plant fluoresce by simply crushing it and shining a light on it.