Build a custom decorative night light that charges by day using solar energy and automatically glows with soft ambient light at night.
No prior knowledge required!
Photovoltaic Circuits: Learning how solar panels convert ambient light into electrical power to charge onboard energy storage.
Ambient Light Sensing: Understanding how light sensors detect darkness to trigger automatic switching without physical buttons.
Decorative Enclosure Assembly: Hands-on practice fitting solar arrays, diffuse LEDs, and power management modules inside a custom 3D-printed night light housing.
Recommended Ages: Middle school, high school, and adults (Ages 11+).
Skill Level: Beginner friendly—no prior electronics, solar, or technical background required.
Ideal Event Types: Youth STEAM programming, sustainability and green tech workshops, library maker clubs, and adult craft/tech sessions.
Max Attendance: up to 30 participants
First 15–30 Mins – Tech Intro & Discussion
An engaging opening lesson on renewable energy harvesting, how solar cells store energy, and how circuits trigger nighttime lighting systems.
Next 45 Mins – Guided Hands-Hands-On Build
Step-by-step assembly where attendees wire the solar charging module, light-sensing circuit, and ambient LED before installing them inside their night light chassis.
Final 15 Mins – Testing, Customization & Wrap-Up
Testing the dark-activation trigger by blocking light sensors, checking energy storage connections, troubleshooting circuitry, and packaging up the completed project.