Solar Education Days Turn the Solar Village into a Classroom
Tuesday, September 27, 2011By Alexis Powers
The next generation of solar innovators continued to arrive by the busload to the solar village in West Potomac Park today. Between Monday, Sept. 26, and Tuesday, Sept. 27, more than 66 buses brought local eighth-grade students to learn about energy efficiency and renewable energy technologies.
Eighth-grade students arrive at the solar village for Solar Education Days. (Credit: Alexis Powers/U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon)
Solar Education Days provide a great opportunity for hands-on learning for these students. There are educational programs in the main tent and education tent as well as village quizzes and house tours tailored for school-age children.
Mentors guide student groups from house to house at Solar Decathlon 2011. (Credit: Alexis Powers/U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon)
“These kids look up to you teams,” Richard King told the decathletes in yesterday’s all-team meeting. “Your passion and excitement will help inspire them to become architects and engineers one day.”
It seems the solar spirit is indeed catching on with the student groups. The question “Is this more fun than sitting at your desk?” was always met with a resounding “Yes!”
Although the Solar Education Days program is focused on eighth-graders, any school group is welcome to visit the village during our public exhibit hours.
There are no limits on learning in the solar village.
Two younger schoolchildren enjoy a day at Solar Decathlon 2011. (Credit: Alexis Powers/U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon)
Alexis Powers is a member of the Solar Decathlon communications team.