Solar Chopper

By Amazing Toys Limited
Price $14.90
Age 6+

Like Robotic Run (see separate review above), Solar Chopper is a thoroughly enjoyable build-it-yourself solar science kit that offers a simple approach to learning about the environment. Illustrated step-by-step instructions make it easy to assemble the chopper and solar power station. When finished, directing the adjustable solar panel towards the sun and switching it on produces immediate and gratifying results. The chopper begins to spin, powered only by the sun. It's a dramatic effect that can be achieved either outdoors or by resting Solar Chopper on a window sill in direct sunlight. The chopper can spin in two distinctly different and exciting ways, either rotating on a central axis while sitting directly atop the motorized base or spinning along a circular trajectory while seated at the end of a crank-like attachment. Either way, it's great fun. An Educational Hints section provides easy to absorb basics on how and why solar energy works, its environmentally-friendly nature, and the fundamentals of solar panels.