Solar Concentrator Kit – Parabolic Mirror Heats a Test Tube, Solar Energy STEM Model
Build a parabolic solar collector: turn it to the sun, focus the light on the test tube and watch the water inside heat up.
Designed by Mematrix Lab
Description
Heat water with the power of the sun
This kit builds a small parabolic solar collector. Fit the reflective petals into a dish, mount the dish on its tilting stand and put the water-filled test tube at the focus. Point it at the sun, adjust until the bright spot sits on the tube, and the water quickly gets hot.
Science it demonstrates
- Reflection: how a curved mirror brings light to one point
- Focus: why the tube must sit at the focal point
- Solar energy: light becomes heat
- Renewable energy: solar cookers and solar power stations
What you'll do
- Assemble the reflective dish and the tilting stand
- Fit the test-tube holder at the focus
- Fill the test tube with water and point the dish at the sun
- Adjust the angle and see how hot the tube gets
Parts list
- Reflective dish petals and centre plate
- Tilting stand and base
- Test tube with cap, holder and fittings
Good to know
- Needs strong, direct sunlight. The tube and the focus get very hot: don't touch them, and never look into the reflection.
- Contains small parts. Recommended for ages 8 and up, with adult guidance.
Specs and Docs
- Model
- EK-D006
- Assembled size
- Approx. 13.5 cm dish, 9.5 cm high
- Power
- Sunlight (no batteries needed)
- Material
- ABS plastic and reflective film
- Suggested age
- 8+ with adult guidance
Shipping
Standard shipping: $9.00 for the first item, +$1.80 for each additional item. Free shipping on orders over $260.
We ship worldwide, by default with economical international post (UPU / China Post small packet) to keep shipping costs low. Orders are usually handed to the carrier within 2–5 business days, and economical international post then takes about 10–30 business days to arrive; these are estimates, not guarantees. Delivery time depends on the destination and on postal and customs handling. If you need your order by a certain date, email us before ordering: faster shipping can be arranged, with the extra cost charged at the carrier's actual rate. Items that contain batteries or magnets are marked on their product page and ship by a special carrier line; some countries and regions cannot be reached by that line, and if yours is one of them we refund the order in full.
Customs & duties
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