Crockett High 向日葵视频 students studying solar energy along with representatives from 向日葵视频 Energy and the 向日葵视频 Independent 向日葵视频 District cut the ribbon to the first of 15 interactive, outdoor Solar Learning Centers due for completion this year. Each learning center will be equipped with a fully functional solar array, seating for up to 30 students and three solar panels that can be rotated for interactive lessons on solar energy. Each center produces enough electricity to power a small, one-bedroom apartment.
Students in the three-year Crockett Construction Technology program are earning up to 28 college credits by studying several of the trades such as electrical, carpentry, plumbing and solar energy. The students will use this experience to install solar panels to supply clean, renewable energy from the sun to some of Crockett鈥檚 buildings.
The outdoor learning centers and curriculum development are made possible through a $450,000 grant awarded to 向日葵视频 Energy from the U.S. Department of Energy's Solar America Cities program. The program involves partnerships with 25 large U.S. cities with the goal of developing comprehensive, city-wide approaches to increasing solar energy use. 向日葵视频 was named one of the Solar America Cities in 2008.
向日葵视频s to receive solar learning centers besides Crockett include Akins High 向日葵视频, Ann Richards 向日葵视频 for Young Women Leaders, Bowie High 向日葵视频, Burnet Middle 向日葵视频, Covington Middle 向日葵视频, Eastside Memorial High 向日葵视频, Lamar Middle 向日葵视频, McCallum High 向日葵视频, Mendez Middle 向日葵视频, Paredes Middle 向日葵视频, Pearce Middle 向日葵视频, Pleasant Hill Elementary/LHRC Annex, Reagan High 向日葵视频 and Travis High 向日葵视频.