Energy and Fuel Efficiency Science Projects

When setting up energy and fuel efficiency science projects you need to put some thought into the electricity experiments supplies that you will need. Your supply list will include measuring devices, safety equipment, generators, circuit supplies and a variety of other miscellaneous science fair project supplies. To ensure that you don't have to scramble for supplies at the last minute, it is a good idea to gather everything that you need for your energy science projects well in advance of starting your experiments.

Before we begin, here are some kits that teachers have successfully used in the classroom.

PicoTurbine Windmill	Solar House	Fuel Cell Car

The first group of the supplies that you will need for your energy and fuel efficiency science projects will be related to the fuel or energy source you will be experimenting with in your project. For example, if you will be experimenting with wind power then you will need supplies for building and testing a windmill. On the other hand, if you will be experimenting with ethanol then you will need supplies used for building an ethanol compatible engine, a fuel container, a fuel funnel and ethanol.

The next set of supplies will be your safety supplies. When working with electricity and fuels it is important to have a fire extinguisher on hand. It is also important to wear goggles, a fire resistant apron, gloves and a face mask to prevent the inhalation of fumes from the fuel exhaust. Finally you will want to have a rubber mat to stand on to ground you while working with electricity.

In addition to safety equipment and energy related equipment, you will also need to gather measuring equipment. The measuring equipment that you gather will need to be related to the fuel source you chose. Measuring devices you may need for your energy and fuel efficiency science projects include an Ohm meter and an Amp meter a volt meter. You may also want to have a device that measures carbon dioxide that is produced by the exhaust from the fuel source.

Finally, you will need general supplies for creating a science fair project. You will need a journal, a stop watch, pencils, pens, markers, poster board, glue sticks and rulers. You will also benefit from having access to a computer, a word processing program and spreadsheet software. Internet access and/or access to a public library are also valuable items to add to your supply list, even though they are not really "supplies."

As you gather your supplies keep them organized. You can organize them based on what they will be used for or which phase of your project they will be used during. You will want to keep your experiment tools sterile and covered when they are not in used. Dust and smudges can impact many tools' abilities to function properly and to give accurate readings.