Doable Renewables: 16 Alternative Energy Projects for Young Scientists

Humankind needs to find and develop alternative forms of energy. As the world’s population continues to grow, more people will need access to lighting, communication, transit, and computing. Fossil fuels are being used up at an alarming pace, but other energy sources--solar, wind, waves, “waste” heat, and even human power--are both renewable and environmentally friendly. The projects in this book will help any budding scientist construct and explore working models that generate renewable, alternative energy.

            In Doable Renewables, readers will learn how to build a Kelvin water drop generator out of six recycled cans and alligator clip jumpers, a solar-powered seesaw from a large dial thermometer and a magnifying glass, and a windmill from eight yardsticks, PVC pipe, cardboard, and converter generator. Children will investigate the energy-generating properties of a solar cell, a radiometer, a Nitinol heat engine, and a Peltier cell. They’ll even build a human-powered desk lamp.

            Each project includes a materials and tools list, as well as online information on where to find specialized components. And for young scientists, author Mike Rigsby demonstrates how to use an infrared thermometer, a digital multimeter, and an electrical usage monitor to test their designs. Armed with this collection of technological possibilities, can the solution to the earth’s energy crisis be far off?