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Teaching Solar Energy to Kids
Educators attending this summer workshop will learn about the impacts that our energy use has on the planet and how to best teach youth about solutions: energy conservation, energy efficiency, and renewable energy technologies. Each day will include hands-on elements that can be employed in the classroom. Integrating renewable energy education into the classroom provides STEM education, excitement and hope for the future.
Hands-on activities include feeling energy efficiency through an energy-generating bicycle, building and using simple solar ovens, designing passive solar homes, wiring solar cells and measuring solar electrical output, powering DC toys and water pumps with photovoltaics, racing solar racecars and competing with wind turbine blade designs. Lesson plans, pedagological approaches and effective messaging for youth are discussed throughout. This workshop is always a hoot and it's an excellent way to network with other energy-conscious educators.
For 2012, we are combining the fundamental workshop above with our popular Solar Suitcase Training to form one 5-day workshop culminating in building solar suitcases. This incredible program allows teachers to build small, portable standalone photovoltaic systems based on those sent to maternal health clinics in developing countries - where the electricity they provide can literally make a life-or-death difference for mothers giving birth. The whole project can then be recreated with students who learn about solar electricity, energy efficiency and selfless giving.
Teachers and non-formal educators of all K-12 students are encouraged to attend. This workshop is accredited through Mesa State College for 2 graduate-level credit hours.
- Intended audience
- K-12 Teachers
- Date and time
- 2012-07-16 to 2012-07-20
- Web link
- http://www.solarenergy.org/workshop/teaching-solar-energy-kids
- City
- Carbondale
- State or Province
- CO
- Country
- USA