Build a Solar Updraft Tower

Introduction

Have you ever had a sunburn? If so, you know how powerful the Sun's heat can be! Did you know that this heat can also be turned into electrical energy? You may have heard about solar cells, but what about a solar updraft tower? This very simple structure uses the sun to heat up air, which then powers a turbine within a large tower. In this activity, you will build one of these towers yourself. Do you think you can make a propeller spin with just hot air?

Credits

Materials

• Black construction paper (about 20 x 20 inches)
• Smaller piece of construction paper (any color)
• Pencil
• Scissors
• Tape
• Piece of modeling clay
• Wooden skewer
• Needle
• Thermometer
• Lamp with incandescent light bulb or heat lamp
• Paper
• Optional: sunshine, and a wind protected area outside
• Optional: timer
• Optional: white construction paper