Solar Stuff

Unique Gifts for Everyone!

Solar Education Kit (Deluxe with Light and Music)
Harness the power of the sun with this environmentally friendly do it yourself kit.   Learn how to make an electrical circuit, make a solar circuit, increase voltage and increase current (amperage).  Kit comes complete with: large 10 X 12 cm pre-mounted solar cell module, musical unit with attached wire, plastic lamp unit with attached wire, DC motor with fan, instruction booklet, assorted jumper and connecting wires, mini tools and hardware.  For ages 10 and up.
SOLR.15   $39.95

Solar Battery Charger
Convert solar energy to electrical energy and store in your own batteries.  Charge your rechargeable batteries anywhere the sun shines.  Solar Powered Battery Charger recharges Ni-Cd or Ni-MH AAA, AA, C, or D cells, 2 at a time.  Rechargeable batteries are not included, but are commonly available.  Excellent for wilderness camping.   Also called the "Solar 11-in-one Battery Charger with Meter".    
SOLR.11   $29.95

Solar Educational Kit
Discover the principles of photovoltaics, turning light into electricity.   Photovoltaics are used to power spacecraft today, and will provide clean abundant power for the future.  Kit includes a solar cell, motor, solar energy information booklet with background scientific information, several feet of wire for "remote" capture of solar energy, as well as a propeller and plastic disks ("turntables") to fit on the end of the motor shaft.  Ages 10 to adult.
SOLR.12   $19.95 each

Solar Radio/Flashlight
Solar Radio/Flashlight.  This is very cool.  Remember the joke about the "solar powered flashlight" that only works in the sunshine?  Pretty useless, huh?  Well, this ain't it.  This one is actually useful because it STORES solar energy in the form of electricity that can be used anytime.  The unit can be recharged/powered FOUR different ways:  1) solar power from photovoltaic cells (the unit either uses the electricity generated immediately or stores the electricity for later use), 2) hand crank dynamo to replenish the internal rechargable battery, 3) regular AA batteries - not included, 4) DC adapter - not included - to charge the internal battery from regular house current.  Unit has flashlight/lantern function, AM/FM radio and emergency flashers.   Comes with 2 extra bulbs.  Great for camping, hiking and emergencies.   (Get ready for Y3K now!) 
SOLR.14 
Solar Radio/Flashlight Combination   $49.95

Radiometer
This has got to be the coolest science toy around!  A clear glass bulb, partially evacuated, contains 4 vanes or wings balanced on a virtually frictionless pin bearing.   The vanes are black on one side, white on the other.  When placed in sunlight or under a bright incandescent lamp, the vanes will spin around.  The brighter the light, the faster the vanes will spin.  Very fragile, for ages 12+.
SOLR.08   $19.95 each

Sunprint Paper
Also known as "solargraphics paper".  Make sun print images without a camera!  Sunprint paper goes through a chemical change when exposed to light.   Use the solar graphic paper on a sunny day, either outside or on a sunny windowsill (even works on some overcast days - experiment to find out).  Here's how it works: In a dimly-lit room, place any object that casts a shadow like a tree leaf, a fern leaf, confetti, a photographic negative (OK, in this age of digital photography, you kids may not even know what that is! - ask your parents if they have any), etc. on the blue, light-sensitive paper.  Cover with the clear acrylic sheet that comes with the full kit.  Take this assembly outside and place it on a solid surface where it is exposed to the sun.  Leave it alone for 1 to 5 minutes (depending on the strength of the sunlight), until the paper turns almost white.  Without moving the object off the paper, quickly bring the assembly back into the dimly-lit room, take the exposed paper and rinse in water for about 1 minute.  Dry flat.  What you will have is a preserved image of the shadow of the object.  For ages 6+.
MISC.76    Sunprint Kit, 12 sheets of Sunprint paper (10 X 10 cm), plus 1 acrylic sheet (10 X 10 cm)                $9.95 each
MISC.77    Sunprint Refill Kit, 12 sheets of Sunprint paper (10 X 10 cm)                                                            $4.50 each
MISC.78    Super Sunprint Kit, 15 sheets of Sunprint paper (20 X 30 cm), plus 1 acrylic sheet (20 X 30 cm)    $24.95 each
MISC.79    Super Sunprint Refill Kit, 15 sheets of Sunprint paper (20 X 30 cm)                                                  $17.95 each

UV Beads
This is a fun and creative way to detect and demonstrate the effects of ultraviolet (UV) radiation (the component of sunshine that causes sunburns) that comes from the sun.   When these small plastic pony beads are exposed to sunlight, even on cloudy days, they change from white to colours.  Out of the sunlight, they turn back to white.   Regular light bulbs (incandescent and flourescent) will not affect them because they lack UV radiation.  For a science fair project (i.e. which sunblock is more effective?) put sunscreen on a bead and you can see the UV blocking effect.   Experiment with materials that supposedly block UV rays (sunscreen, sunglasses, tinted glass, etc.).  Use for craft necklaces/bracelets, party favours, as well as discussion of non-visible wavelengths of radiation, or just for fun.  Can cycle from white to colour and back again over 50,000 times.  For ages 6+.
SOLR.16    Ultraviolet Beads, package of approx. 100, mixed colours     $5.95 per pkg

Black Light
Hand-held portable blacklight (ultraviolet light) set, 12 inch (30.5 cm) bulb and fixture.   Power with 12 volt cigarette lighter adapter (included) or use 8 AA batteries.   Works well to detect Glo-Germ Powder (see below) or at funky parties.  For ages 12+.
MISC.80   $15.95 each

Glo Germ Powder
Non-toxic white powder glows under ultraviolet light.  "Simulated germs" used by heath nurses and lab trainers to safely demonstrate proper cleaning or disinfecting methods.  Sprinkle or smear a bit of Glow Germ powder on the surface to be tested (you don't have to use much - a little goes a long way).  Test with UV light source to show where the powder is (Black Light sold above works well), then clean surface by whatever method you choose.  Re-test with UV light source to see how good your cleaning practice is.  
MISC.63    Glo-Germ Powder, 3 grams    $5.00 per vial

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