THIS ARTICLE IN THIS MONTH'S POWER BILL

Marking a Decade of Solar 4R Schools

Solar installations awarded to schools in Idaho Power’s service area help teachers educate students about energy resources.

This spring, students at Ola Elementary School will be baking cookies — in an oven they will build from pizza boxes heated by the sun. It’s a science experiment that helps demonstrate the power of the sun, just like the 1.1-kilowatt solar panels outside this two-room schoolhouse that convert the sun’s energy into electricity for the classroom. The solar installation is one of 14 granted over the past 10 years to schools in Idaho Power’s service area through the Solar 4R Schools program. It’s also among nearly 250 schools participating nationwide.

When teaching her K–6 grade students about our natural resources, Amy Davis offers a hands-on experience in solar energy thanks to the program’s educational curriculum and teaching kit provided as part of Ola’s solar installation in 2008.

“Our school couldn’t afford to go out and buy the parts and pieces in these amazing kits,” said Davis. “The award ensures there is enough material for each student to make their own project. When the kit’s small solar panel attracts the sunlight and makes something in their hands move, they realize there is energy in the sun; it’s an ‘ah-ha’ moment for them.”

Students build solar-powered propeller planes and cars. As they progress through each grade, they are required to do more complex studies in the program. Teachers, like Davis, receive specialized training and a curriculum package that meets required state standards. “Students learn from each other when they are working together and problem-solving on these projects,” said Davis, who has taught at the school for the past nine years. “I’m their guide; the training provided through the program’s workshops helps me feel comfortable in teaching this subject at the level I do.” In partnership with the Bonneville Environmental Foundation, Idaho Power’s Solar 4R Schools program is designed to educate K–12 students in our service area by placing solar installations on school property. Each project includes a data-monitoring system. Students have access to their system information online. They can check to see how much power their panels are generating and compare that information to weather data. They also can see what other schools are doing in Idaho, and nationally.

Sixth-grader Robert Gladwin Hayes constructs his solar-powered

The wheels of third-grader Katelyn Andelin’s solar powered

 car spin as the tiny solar panel catches the sun’s rays

car.

Our first Solar 4R Schools installation was in 2003 at Castleford High School, southwest of Twin Falls,

Idaho. Schools in our service area may apply for a Solar 4R Schools installation by submitting an application outlining their interest, how the system and data will be used in the classroom, and how it willsupport other activities in their school such as energy efficiency or environmental education. To be considered for a 2013 installation, applications must be received by May 1.

Teacher Amy Davis helps first-grader Ezra Andelin build his solar-powered car.

Students in Ola are looking forward to solar-baked cookies. Their teacher is imagining the next big project and lesson — how to make robots that work with solar power!

**This article was published in the Idaho Power's newsletter the Connections.  I've had to "cut and paste" to share with you.  Thanks Joyce for bringing this to my attention!!****