GREENFIELD, MA – The Northeast Sustainable Energy Association (NESEA) is pleased to announce the commencement of a new energy education project, Solar Sails New York, sponsored by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) through a two year service contract.
Educators working in New York State will have the opportunity to attend free professional development workshops on solar and wind energy education, receive free energy education kits for their classroom, center, or institution, and complimentary accompanying curricular units.
Over the past 5 years, NYSERDA’s School Power….Naturally(SM) program has focused on educating students in grades 5-12 about the importance of renewable energy and the role solar electric power can play in providing clean electricity to homes, schools and workplaces. Fifty schools across the State are hosting a 2kW photovoltaic (PV) system that includes software to link data from the PV system to class room instruction.
Students learn both how a 2kW PV can meet 25-30% of the energy needs of a typical home, and why it is an important option for producing clean, reliable and inexhaustible energy. The educational materials address New York State Math, Science, and Technology curriculum standards so that all teachers across New York can bring this unique, multi-disciplinary educational experience into the classroom.
Successful efforts by the School Power...Naturally program have led to a growing interest and enthusiasm among educators, students and parents to not only learn more about solar energy, but the entire renewable energy industry.
Under the new School Power…Naturally program, $1.2 million was available for projects to upgrade the current program to include teaching tools for wind energy along with the development of data resources, expanded marketing and outreach to teacher and school districts, maintenance for installed PV systems, and general outreach and awareness.
By exposing students to the intricacies of a renewable electric system as well as live performance data, long-term interest in clean energy technology can be fostered to sustain demand for the ‘green collar’ jobs necessary for continued growth within the industry.
NYSERDA
www.nyserda.org
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