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  • ⚠️ These projects are designed to challenge participants to “get it wrong before they get it right.” The goal is not a perfect product, but to build perseverance, confidence, and creative problem-solving. Support girls in struggling productively — that’s where real learning and empowerment happens.

Please note: Canvases, LED lights, easels, and solar panel kits are included. Basic art materials (markers, colored pencils, etc.) should be provided by the troop.

This project supports the “Think Like an Engineer” Leadership Journey. The trefoil symbol in the RESOURCES section below indicates how the project is aligned with outlined objective/steps for this Journey. Project examples may differ but the same objectives are achieved. Guides can be found on the Girl Scout USA shop (https://www.girlscoutshop.com/badges-program).

Troop leaders can view a step-by-step visual build guide of the project build below.

Solar Power Art Visual Build GuideDownload

Resources to complete GS Badge/Journey Objectives

Resource 1

Step 1: Discover the Design Thinking Process

Introduce the Engineering Design Process (EDP):

  • Ask – What problem are we solving? (How can we use sunlight to power our art?)

  • Imagine – What ideas do we have? What should the art look like?

  • Plan – Sketch the design and LED placement.

  • Create – Build and decorate the art.

  • Improve – Test it in the sun and adjust placement of solar panel or light.

Girls can keep a simple EDP worksheet or journal to reflect as they go.

Resource 2

Step 2: Design and Plan Your Solar Art

Prompt: Shine a Light on a Brighter Future!

Create a piece of art that uses solar energy to power an LED. Your design should highlight something that makes the world better — clean energy, kindness, nature, or your own big idea!
Before you build, sketch your idea. Decide where the LED light will go and how it fits your message.

Resource 3

Step 3: Build the Project

Follow these steps:

  1. Draw your artwork on the mini canvas. Leave space for the LED where you want your light to shine.

  2. Gently push the LED through the canvas from the back. The long leg is positive; the short leg is negative.

  3. Attach alligator clips from the solar panel:

    • Red clip → long (positive) leg of LED

    • Black clip → short (negative) leg of LED

    ⚠️ Make sure the legs of the LED do not touch each other.

  4. Mount the panel on the back of the easel using 3M tape. It should face outward to catch sunlight.

  5. Place in sunlight to power it on. Remove a clip or move to a shaded area to turn it off.

Resource 4

Step 4: Test and Improve

Ask participants:

  • Does the light turn on?

  • Does the panel need more sun?

  • Would moving the LED improve the art?

  • How could we adjust the angle of the panel for better light?

Encourage experimentation and iteration.

Resource 5

Step 5: Take Action

To complete the Journey, participants must apply what they learned to help others or raise awareness.

Ideas:

  • Host a gallery walk for families or another troop to explain how their solar art works.

  • Create posters or videos to share facts about solar energy and clean power.

This doesn’t need to be complex — the goal is to share knowledge and inspire others.

Resource 6

Concept Overview

This project allows Girl Scouts to:

  • Design with purpose, using solar power in a creative way.

  • Understand basic electrical circuits and energy flow.

  • Explore the environmental benefits of renewable energy.

  • Build confidence by solving real challenges, learning from mistakes, and iterating.

  • Complete the Think Like an Engineer Journey by combining hands-on learning with meaningful action.