Seattle Puget Sound

Location:
Everett, WA
Grade Level:
K-12

In 2015, 18 educators from 8 different school districts convened for a “Solar Energy and Opportunities for Inquiry in My Classroom” workshop. The workshop was held at Everett Public School District Community Center. Teachers worked together on activities that included making a Copenhagen solar oven, building simple circuits, and putting together solar cars. Along with the renewable energy workshop, teachers received custom science kits and access to the online educator library to implement in their classrooms.  Read full project narrative >>

Rainier School District #13

Location:
Rainier, OR
Grade Level:
K-12
Technology Type:
PV System Size:
8.00 - kilowatts

Rainier School District’s photovoltaic (PV) system was installed in summer of 2017. A collaboration between the Rainier School District, Columbia River PUD, and Bonneville Power Administration, this 8-kilowatt PV installation demonstrates the practicality of photovoltaics while providing additional learning opportunities for vistors of the District. In addition to building a dedicated community of renewable energy educators, Solar 4R Schools has transformed the school's existing PV system into a... Read full project narrative >>

Zenger Farm

Location:
Portland, OR
Grade Level:
K-9
Technology Type:
PV System Size:
7.60 - kilowatts

Through Portland General Electric’s Renewable Development Fund, Zenger Farm added solar energy education to its suite of hands-on environmental education programs in 2017. Over the course of one day, 8 volunteer and staff educators came together to increase their understanding of and comfort teaching about solar electricity and circuits and started the process of integrating solar heating and solar electric concepts into existing programs around plants, the sun, and seasons. Zenger Farm’s 7.6 kW photovoltaic (PV)... Read full project narrative >>

Ophir Elementary School

Location:
Gallatin Gateway, MT
Grade Level:
K-5
Technology Type:
PV System Size:
7.00 - kilowatts

The Big Sky School District #72 is a learning community nestled in Montana’s Gallatin Canyon on the banks of the Gallatin River. It is in this unique environment that we provide a comprehensive education for all learners within our community. We are deliberate about cultivating student’s experiences in an inclusive school environment while challenging them to strive for personal excellence and foster respect through compassion for others, our environment and the world.
Since 1906, Ophir Elementary and Middle school have been providing education to the children of the Gallatin Canyon.... Read full project narrative >>

Betty J. Taylor Early Learning Academy

Betty J. Tulalip Early Learning Center
Location:
Tulalip, WA
Grade Level:
PK-5
Technology Type:
PV System Size:
16.50 - kilowatts

In 2015, the Tulalip Tribe opened the doors to the Betty J. Taylor Early Learning Center overlooking scenic Tulalip Bay. This unique, year-round school combines previously dislocated early learning centers including Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program, a day care, Montessori school, and Early Head Start. By partnering with Solar4RSchools, the tribe was able to forward their goals of creating a healthy, sustainable community, which engages student’s natural curiosity, and inspires... Read full project narrative >>

Coeur d' Alene Tribe Natural Resources

Location:
Plummer, ID
Grade Level:
K-12
Technology Type:
PV System Size:
14.25 - kilowatts

The Coeur d'Alene Tribe is excited to host a solar-electric demonstration project that will educate students who will become the leaders in the area in the next generations. This 14.25 -kilowatt system sits atop the Tribe's Natural Resources building and was installed in 2016.
Educators from across the... Read full project narrative >>

Denton, TX - Educators' Workshop

Denton TX teacher wind circuit
Location:
Denton, TX
Grade Level:
K-6

Arconic Foundation supported STEM teacher professional development for educators in the region surrounding Arconic facilities in Denton, Texas in Spring 2016. BEF’s Solar 4R Schools program and the City of Denton’s Sustainable Schools partnered to provide a STEM teacher training that enabled renewable energy programming to reach 10 educators from 9 schools across the District with substantial science kits – which are now available to teachers through a lending library hosted through Denton Sustainable Schools. The City of Denton, Denton Municipal Electric, and Denton Independent School... Read full project narrative >>

Chandler, AZ - Educators' Workshop

Chandler, AZ Solar Car
Location:
Chandler, AZ
Grade Level:
PK, 1-8

Arconic Foundation supported STEM teacher professional development for educators in the region surrounding Arconic facilities in Chandler, Arizona in Spring 2016. The Solar 4R Schools team had an opportunity to work intimately with the East Valley Chapter of the organization Engineering for Kids. Educators spent time designing the heating compartment for a solar oven (even overheating leftover pizza) and enjoyed tremendously the time spent designing and redesigning solar cars to work in the bright Arizona sun! East Valley Engineering for Kids expects to reach 150+ students over the course... Read full project narrative >>

Our Place in Space: Tracking the Earth's Path Around the Sun

Sun in Space
Average Rating:
0
Intended Grade Level(s):
1-3
Subject Area(s) Covered:
Science
Earth
sun
seasons
solar system
compass
compass rose
hemisphere
Earth’s axis
Estimated Activity Length:
6 hours
Learning Goal(s):

Students will be able describe how the Earth orbits the Sun and how the tilt of the planet creates the seasons by recording the ‘Sun’s path’ in our sky in the fall, winter, and spring.

During sessions in October, January, and April we will discuss observations about the weather during that season (temperature, length of day, precipitation) and explore how this relates to the Earth’s

... View full description >>

Shaw Island Community Solar

Location:
Shaw Island, WA
Grade Level:
K-8
Technology Type:
PV System Size:
1.70 - kilowatts

The San Juan Islands Conservation District is partnered with Orcas Power and Light Cooperative (OPALCO) and the Bonneville Environmental Foundation to install solar electric systems at the public schools on Lopez, Orcas, San Juan, and Shaw Islands in 2015. This exciting community solar project will deliver renewable energy to our public schools, reducing their electricity bills, and provide renewable energy education for our students. Participants receive a payback through production incentives. Shaw Island School is generating renewable solar energy through the community solar... Read full project narrative >>