3. The Portable Light Project is a non-profit research, design and engineering initiative established by KVA MATx that creates new ways to deliver de-centralized renewable power and light to the developing world. Each Portable Light unit is a simple, versatile textile with flexible photovoltaics and solid state lighting that can be adapted to local cultures and customized by people using traditional weaving and sewing technologies in an open source model. This creates the opportunity for greater levels of cultural acceptance and stewardship of this technology, particularly for women who are often among the most vulnerable in developing countries. Engage
4. The Reading Mat Prototype High brightness solid state lighting Flexible photovoltaic technology 12V of DC electrical power 160 lumens of light Five hours charge time Engage
5. The Challenge Using the Gogoboard & any sensors, design an experiment to detect how much solar power can be harvested from such garments Design your own Portable Light Project prototype Using Netlogo, create a model to show the social impact of the Portable Light Project Engage
11. Essential questions and Links to California Science Standards Questions to Ask Link to Standards What is DC? What is voltage & current? How to construct a simple circuit? – what are resistors and capacitors? What is solar power? What is power? How much solar energy does the earth obtain? What happens to the solar radiation that comes to earth? Electric Phenomena Ohm’s Law Voltage/current predictions in simple circuits Resistors & transistors Power calculations Energy in the Earth System Solar radiation as the earth’s primary energy source Construct
