The Solar Schoolhouse is a K-12 energy education program developed by the Rahus Institute in 2001. The program introduces students to the concepts of solar energy in a fun, intriguing, and meaningful way. Using hands-on, project-based teaching tools, the program seeks to raise the energy literacy in schools throughout the country by educating students about solar and renewable energy, energy resource conservation, and other energy topics.
The central theme of the program is teaching about solar energy by developing a personal connection to our homes. With every home a potential solar collector, learning about solar energy becomes an exercise in discovering and understanding how our homes can capture sunlight to provide heating, cooling, lighting, cooking, and power for our daily lives.
Visit solarschoolhouse.org.
Principal features of the program include:
Lesson plans correlated to state and national curriculum standards. Lessons are modular for ease of integration within the existing school programs.
Teacher training in the form of half- and full-day workshops, and the 5-day Solar Schoolhouse Summer Institute.
Consultation regarding the development and implementation of new curriculum and/or special projects.
Solar Schoolhouse Olympics is a student competition to creatively design projects that demonstrate the concepts of renewable energy.
Resource kits including solar panels, Solar Power Monitor Kit, Solar Cell Classroom Set, Sun Ovens, and more.
Guidebooks including solar fountain design, and activities for environmental outdoor educators.
Class Notes is an e-newsletter highlighting solar school projects.
Your Solar Home video, poster, student and teacher guidebooks.
Assistance and consultation regarding the installation of solar electric (photovoltaic) systems at schools.
Real time monitoring system for grid-tied solar electric systems. Allows students and faculty to compare performance of their school solar system with schools across the country.