Thames & Kosmos solar boat User manual

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EXPERIMENT MANUAL
Franckh-Kosmos Verlags-GmbH & Co. KG, Pzerstr. 5-7, 70184 Stuttgart, Germany | [phone] | www.kosmos.de
Thames & Kosmos, 301 Friendship St., Providence, RI, 02903, USA | 1-800-587-2872 | www.thamesandkosmos.com
Thames & Kosmos UK, Old Oxted, Surrey, UK | 01883-730122 | www.thamesandkosmos.co.uk

››› Do not perform any experiments using the
household current supply! The high voltage can be
deadly dangerous.
››› To operate the solar cell, you will need a 1.5-volt,
type AAA/LR03 battery or a 1.2-volt, min. 800
mAh/type AAA rechargeable battery, which is not
included in the kit due to its limited shelf life.
››› It is not possible to charge a rechargeable battery
through the solar cell.
››› Avoid short-circuiting the batteries. A short-circuit
could lead to overheating of circuits and battery
explosions.
››› Always insert batteries in the right polarity
orientation, pressing them gently into the battery
compartment.
››› Do not recharge non-rechargeable batteries. They
could explode!
››› Rechargeable batteries are to be removed from
the toy before being recharged. Rechargeable
batteries are only to be charged under adult
supervision.
››› Exhausted batteries are to be removed from the
toy.
››› Dispose of used batteries in accordance with
environmental provisions.
››› Be sure not to bring batteries into contact with
coins, key chains, or other metal objects.
››› Avoid deforming the batteries.
››› Do not mix old and new batteries.
››› Do not mix alkaline, standard (carbon-zinc), or
rechargeable (nickel-cadmium) batteries.
Notes on experimenting with batteries
With all of the experiments that use batteries, have an adult check the model to make sure you have assembled it
properly.
After you are done experimenting, remove the battery from the battery compartment. Note the safety information
accompanying the individual experiments!
WARNING! Not suitable for children under 3 years of age. There is a risk of choking due to small parts that may be
swallowed or inhaled. Keep the experiment materials and finished models out of the reach of small children. There
is a risk of strangulation if long cords are wrapped around the neck.
WARNING! Only for use by children 8 years and older. Instructions are included for parents or other supervising
individuals. Please follow them!
Save the packaging and instructions. They contain important information.
The models are not intended for long-term operation, and should not be left to operate unattended. In particular,
the solar module should not be operated too long with a light bulb, which emits heat. The parts may get damaged.
For models with propellers: Keep rotating propellers away from the face and long hair, and do not reach into or hold
onto them. Also, do not let other materials (such as strings, cords, or paper) get into the propellers.
For models used in water:
WARNING! Only operate models in water if they are recommended for
such use and are properly assembled according to the instructions.
Only use these models in the bathtub or shallow containers and under
adult supervision.
After completing the experiment, dry all parts and return them to the box for storage.
DEAR PARENTS!
Before starting the experiments, read through the instruction manual along with your
child and discuss the safety information. Check to make sure the models have been
assembled correctly, and assist your child with the experiments.
We wish you and your child a lot of fun with the experiments!
Notes on disposal of electrical and electronic components
The electronic components of this product are recyclable. For the sake of the environment, do not
throw them into the household trash at the end of their lifespan. They must be delivered to a collec-
tion location for electronic waste, as indicated by the following symbol:
Please contact your local authorities for the appropriate disposal location.
Solar BOAT | SAFETY INFORMATION

1
DID YOU KNOW …
The production of electricity from sunlight is becoming more
and more common. If you keep an eye out for dark blue solar
cells, you will start seeing
them on the roofs of lots of
houses, and sometimes even
on boats.
Solar Boat
An experiment to help you hit
the ground running
Can you really get electricity from sunshine?
Try it, and prepare to be surprised!
WANT TO
LEARN MORE?
Then come along into the
sunny world of solar
energy…
Using the power of
the sun
YOU WILL NEED
› Solar module
› Motor shaft
› Sunlight
HERE’S HOW
1. Insert the motor shaft into the module
short end first, and slide the module
switch to the “sun” symbol. Hold the
solar cell in the sunlight or a few inches
away from a light bulb. What happens?
2. Move the module farther and farther
away from the light source (if you are
outside, move it into the shade). Does the
shaft’s rotation speed change?
3. Cover part of the solar cell with your
hand. Does that have an influence on the
shaft?
WHAT’S HAPPENING?
The solar cell converts light energy
into electrical current, which in turn
drives the module’s motor. Several
gear wheels transfer this movement
to the shaft. It makes a big dierence
how bright the light source is — the
motor becomes slower as you move it
away from the light — and how large
the solar cell is.
Solar energy is a very good type of
energy, because it is “renewable.”

2
Solar Boat | The parts in your kit
1
5
11 13 14 15 1612
6 7 8 9 10
2 3 4
x 1 x 2 x 4 x 6
x 1 x 1 x 1 x 3 x 6 x 1
x 2 x 1 x 2
x 11
x 1
x 1
No.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
No.
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
Description
SOLAR MODULE with Motor
FLOAT
FLOAT COVER
BASE
BODY PANEL, large
PROPELLER
3-HOLE ROD
3-HOLE DUAL-ROD
Description
5-HOLE DUAL-ROD
5-HOLE ROD
90-DEGREE CONVERTER - R
MOTOR SHAFT
TUBE
ANCHOR PIN
ANCHOR PIN LEVER
STRING
Qty.
1
2
4
6
1
1
1
3
Qty.
6
1
2
1
2
11
1
1
Item No.
714009
714010
714011
714012
714013
714005
714125
714127
Item No.
714126
714179
714128
702801
714014
714129
702590
714130
Total 44
You will also need:
Source of energy (sunlight, 1 x 1.5-volt battery, type
AAA/LR03, or 1 x 1.2-volt rechargeable battery, min. 800
mAh/type AAA, light bulb (only halogen energy-saving
bulb, 42 W or above)), bathtub or wading pool, hair dryer,
sheet of letter-sized paper, pencil, scissors, ruler, 2 chairs,
weight, tape
GOOD TO KNOW!
If you are missing any parts, please
contact Thames & Kosmos customer
service.
Any materials not included in the kit are
indicated in italic script under the “You will
need” heading.

3
Contents | Solar Boat
Safety information .................. inside front cover
Experiment to hit the ground running ........... 1
The parts in your kit .............................................. 2
Contents ..................................................................... 3
Tips and Tricks ......................................................... 4
MODELS AND EXPERIMENTS
Solar Boat ..................................................................... 5
Experiment 1: Powering along in shallow water? Find out
how the solar boat does it.
Solar Windmill ............................................................... 9
Experiment 2: Wind energy and solar energy — your
windmill brings the two together.
Solar Plane ............................................................ 13
Experiment 3: Flying with nothing but sunlight?
Your solar plane shows you how to do it.
Solar Fan ............................................................... 17
Experiment 4: Want to cool o? Then build a solar
fan to get a fresh breeze blowing.
Solar Rocket .............................................................. 21
Experiment 5: Ready for lift-o? Your solar rocket is
sure to get some attention.
Solar Spaceship .................................................... 25
Experiment 6: The spaceship will race along the
string with minimum friction.
Copyright page ....................... inside back cover
TIP!
You will find additional
information here: “Check It Out”
Pages 29, 30, 31, and 32

4
A
B
Solar Boat | Tips and Tricks
1
2
TIP!
When assembling the solar module,
always make sure you are doing it as
indicated in the drawings. Otherwise, your
experiments won’t work.
THE ANCHOR PIN LEVER
Take a look inside the kit box and find a little yellow tool — the anchor pin lever.
1. The “A” end of the lever lets you remove anchor pins easily.
2. Use the “B” end to remove the battery from the solar module.
MOUNTING BARS AND ANCHOR PINS
Use the anchor pins to connect bars (Fig. 1).
Some of the components can also be
connected without anchor pins (Fig. 2).
THE SOLAR MODULE
Take a look at the solar module. It has two
energy sources — the dark solar cell area and
a battery compartment. You can switch back
and forth between these two sources by using
the switch (with one symbol for the sun and
another for the battery). Set the switch to the
middle position to turn o the motor. Always
use the solar cell when you can.
TIP!
If the sun isn’t shining brightly
enough, you can use a halogen
energy-saving light bulb or insert a
battery into the module.
Fig. 1
Fig. 2

5
Solar Boat
Solar Boat
Your quick and agile airboat can zip across swamps, marshes,
and shallow bodies of water. An airboat is made with one or more
shallow hulls and a large propeller driven by a powerful motor.
You can use the solar module to build your very own
environmentally friendly airboat!

6
x1 x2 x4 x4 x1 x1
x1 x2 x1 x2 x11x6x3 x1
Solar Boat | Solar Boat
15 6
7 8 9
2 3 4
10 11 13 1412
1. 2.
3.
4.
Required Parts

7
x2
Solar Boat | Solar Boat
5.
6.
Completed

8
DID YOU KNOW …
Airboats (also known as fanboats)
have no brakes, and they can’t drive
in reverse. So the person piloting
an airboat has to steer carefully
in order to get it to the right
destination. Along with rubber rafts,
airboats are often used in flooded
areas.
Solar Boat | Solar Boat
EXPERIMENT 1
When does your solar
boat run?
YOU WILL NEED
› The assembled solar boat
› Energy source (battery)
›
Bathtub
HERE’S HOW
1. Set your boat in a dry tub. Push the
switch to the battery power setting to
turn on the motor.
2. Gradually fill the tub with cold water. How
high does the water level have to get for
the boat to float? When that happens,
does it start moving right away?
WHAT’S HAPPENING?
The two floats help the solar boat
float on the water. The motor powers
the propeller or fan, which creates a
strong push of air behind the boat,
moving the boat forward. Unlike in
an ordinary boat, this propeller is
positioned above the water rather
than sticking down into it. That
means that the boat can even
move through shallow water.
TIP!
If you want to use the boat outside, set
it in a shallow basin or wading pool.
Dry o all the pieces after use!
WARNING!
Never place an electric lamp
anywhere near water or
near a bathtub! Use only the
battery power or sunlight when
operating in water.

9
Solar Boat
Solar Windmill
Windmills use their giant rotors to convert wind energy into
electricity. These days, you will sometimes see lots of wind
turbines collected together in a single large wind farm. This
way, a lot of electricity can be produced at once. An average-
sized windmill can be as tall as an apartment building, with
rotor blades as long as a passenger plane.

10
x1 x2 x1 x4
x1 x1 x1x1 x1
Solar Boat | Solar Windmill
1
6 9 10 12 14
2 3 4
1.
2.
Required Parts

11
Solar Windmill | Solar Boat
3.
4.
Completed

12
1
2
4
5
6
78
9
3
10
11
12
13
14
15
1 Blade
2 Rotor
3 Pitch
4 Brake
5 Low-speed shaft
6 Gear box
7 Generator
8 Controller
Blade
Rotor hub Gear box
GeneratorBrake Brake
Voltage
Trans -
former
Hub
Nacelle
Tower
High-speed
shaft
Low-speed
shaft
9 Anemometer
10 Wind vane
11 Nacelle
12 High-speed shaft
13 Yaw drive
14 Yaw motor
15 Tower
DID YOU KNOW …
The largest electricity-
producing windmill in the world
is in Brandenburg, Germany.
With a height of 205 meters, it
is as tall as a 75-story building!
Solar Boat | Solar Windmill
EXPERIMENT 2
When does your
windmill turn?
YOU WILL NEED
› The assembled windmill
› Hair dryer
HERE’S HOW
1. Do not insert a battery. Hold your
windmill firmly by the base, so it doesn’t
tip over.
2. Set the module switch to the center
position and aim the hair dryer at
the rotor from the front. Watch what
happens.
3. Shift the hair dryer’s position up, down,
and to the sides. Try the dierent
blowing settings of the hair dryer. When
do the blades turn faster, and when do
they turn slower?
WHAT’S HAPPENING?
When the wind hits the rotor blades
at the right angle, they start to turn,
since they are mounted at a slight
slant. In an actual wind turbine, this
rotation is turned into electrical energy
by a generator. Large iron coils and
magnets are needed for that. Wind
energy is a form of renewable energy,
because nothing is combusted or
consumed.
TIP!
If you operate the windmill with the solar cell
or the battery, it will turn into a fan!
4. Only operate the windmill for a brief
period of time with the hair dryer, and
turn the hair dryer o after use.

13
Solar Boat
Solar Plane
It’s hard to believe – motor-powered airplanes have only been
in use for about a hundred years. In large airplanes, extremely
powerful turbines take the place of motors. Planes that fly
using electricity produced by solar cells are a recent innovation.
You can use your solar module to build your very own solar
plane.

14
x1 x2 x2 x6 x1
x1 x1 x6x5x3 x1
x2
Solar Boat | Solar Plane
15
6 8 9 10
2 3 4
12 14
1.
2.
3.
4.
Required Parts

15
x2
Solar Plane | Solar Boat
5.
6.
Completed

16
Solar Boat | Solar Plane
EXPERIMENT 3
When does an airplane fly?
YOU WILL NEED
› The assembled solar plane
› Energy source (sunlight, halogen energy-
saving bulb, battery)
›
Strip of paper, about 2 x 10 cm
HERE’S HOW
1. Power the propeller with the solar cell or
the battery by moving the switch to the
appropriate setting.
2. Use your hand to check whether the
stream of air flows forward or backward
from the propeller.
3. Hold the strip of paper by one end and
move it toward the propeller from the
nose of the airplane. What happens?
4. Take the paper strip and hold it on the
other side of the propeller. Watch the
movement of the strip.
WHAT’S HAPPENING?
When you hold the paper strip behind
the propeller, it shows you how the
stream of air is flowing. As the air from
the propeller strikes the strip, it rises
up like a miniature wing! The stream of
air from the propeller has to be pointed
backward in order for the plane to
move forward.
KEYWORD
WING
All propeller planes also have wings.
They work by a principle known as
“dynamic lift,” which pushes the
wings upward. The reason that
happens is that the air has to flow
faster over the curved upper edge
of the wing than over the flatter
lower edge, which creates an area
of low pressure above it.
TIP!
It works best if you
watch the paper strip
from the side.

17
Solar Boat
Solar Fan
This fan will be particularly handy in the summer. It keeps
the air moving so you can keep cool. Fans come in all sizes.
Assemble your very own solar fan here!

18
x1 x1 x2 x1 x1
x2 x1x4x2 x1 x7
Solar Boat | Solar Fan
17
8 9 10 11
2 4 6
12 14
1.
2. 3.
Required Parts