Solar Science Station

$22.95

Overview Build your own solar powered gadget charger in minutes with this simple soldering kit! Centered around 2 rechargeable AA batteries this kit is a great solar powered activity to learn about soldering, solar power, and engineering. Plug in your favorite USB device and when you've depleted your battery power stick this charger in the sun to recharge You'll need some simple soldering skills to build this kit. Overall there are 5 solder points with most of them being through hole to a circuit board. Build time is is between 20-45 minutes and will require a soldering iron, screw driver, and hot glue gun, though it isn't a bad idea to also have a wire cutter/ stripper around. Rechargeable AA batteries are a very safe and inexpensive source energy storage, but they're not really great at recharging devices. Typically a full charge on the included 2 AA batteries will only charge up a modern phone 5-10%, with some phones using MORE power than the charger can output (meaning you won't see any percent change). If you're looking to build yourself a more powerful version our Solar USB 3.0 includes a lithium battery, we just don't recommend this for younger Makers. The project does NOT come with an Altoids tin or enclosure. If you go this route please keep in mind that the tin edges are VERY sharp and can easily cut a finger open. It's also quite conductive so you'll need to properly insulate the tin with electrical tape or hot glue. We recommend using a $1 Store plastic food container instead. Directions, Lesson Plans, and Videos Follow our step by step directions or video found in our online Project Database . Directions available in English and Spanish. This kit is often used in classrooms, camps, and after school programs to teach solar energy. If you have questions about running a large group activity with this kit feel free to email or call us. We have a lot of helpful tips and tricks on appropriate classroom management when soldering.

$3.95

Overview This is a simple lithium battery charge controller for use with 3.7V lithium ion and lithium polymer batteries. The PCB is marked for easy soldering. To charge an attached battery either plug a mini USB cable unto the board or use the IN + and IN - solder points with a voltage between 4.5-5.5V DC. The board has a maximum current rating of 1A and uses linear charging. The board uses two small LEDs as indicators, with RED during charging and BLUE when the battery is full. Warning : Lithium batteries are in nearly every gadget we use and are, in general, safe. However they can start a fire or become deadly if handled improperly.

$3.95

Overview This is a simple lithium battery charge controller for use with 3.7V lithium ion and lithium polymer batteries. The PCB is marked for easy soldering, with power in, power out, and battery in solder points. To charge an attached battery either plug a micro USB cable unto the board or use the IN + and IN - solder points with a voltage between 4.5-5.5V DC. The board has a maximum current rating of 1A and uses linear charging. The board uses two small LEDs as indicators, with RED during charging and BLUE when the battery is full. Warning : Lithium batteries are in nearly every gadget we use and are, in general, safe. However they can start a fire or become deadly if handled improperly.

$4.95

Overview A small solar cell that outputs 6V at 80mA. The cell m easures only 73mm x 53mm and is encased in a hard epoxy. Two copper pads on the backside allows for easy soldering. We typically use this cell with our Solar USB Kits where they end up charging 2 or 3 AA batteries.

$4.95

Overview Create your own zippy bot in minutes with this fun filled electronics kit! Bristlebots are a fun way to learn about basic engineering, motor, circuits, and principals of balance. Creating a bot is simple, just attach the parts to the tooth brush head and watch them go. Change they way they move and behave by adjusting the balance and pipe cleaners. Bristlebots are a great rainy day activity or a fun way to spice up a classroom activity. Each Bristlebot Kit includes all the parts you need to create your own bot. Building a bot takes 5-10 minutes of time and their included battery lasts for up to 2 hours. Bristlebots are not intended to be taken apart and reused, however some parts can be individually reused. We recommend Bristlebots for anyone ages 10 and up due to the small parts and included coin cell batteries. Individual parts and components are also available for sale. Warning : Kit includes small parts and batteries. These are a choking hazard. Not intended for children under the age of 10. Directions, Lesson Plans, and Videos Printable directions in English and Spanish can be found on our online Project Database , along with leveled Lesson Plans and Student Activity Sheets. If you have questions about implementing our Bristlebots in your classroom or after school program please contact us. We've been helping educators implement Bristlebots in their classrooms for years and have many helpful tips and tricks.

$2.95

Overview This small solar cell is encased in plastic and puts out 2V at 40mA. While not producing much overall energy it is plenty to activate one of our vibrating motors, a couple of LEDs, or even recharge a AA or AAA battery. We use it with our Solar Cockroach Kits and our Solar Bug Kits. Specifications: Dimensions: 60mm x 30mm Soldering tabs located on back of cell