A Solar Primer Workshop

Participant Testimonials

The Solar Schoolhouse, Solar America San José, and the Silicon Valley Energy Watch held a Solar Primer Workshop in May 2009 for San José educators. The workshop provided an introduction to solar energy to help guide educators through the fundamental knowledge bringing solar to the classroom to share with students.  Participants have learned about the magic of photovoltaics (e.g. solar cells) that convert sunlight to electricity through hands on exercises and application of principles learned during the workshop.  Participants were also provided teaching tools to use in the classroom (e.g. solar DVD, whirlygig, and solar cooker made out of a pizza box).

Here are testimonials from teachers who have attended the workshop:

John Sphar, General Science & Physics Instructor, Andrew Hill High School.  Great Solar Energy workshop!  I really enjoyed the presenters and their materials.  The video they produced and provided was one of the best on green energy that I have ever seen.  I used it at the very next class I had on the Monday after the workshop!

Maryam Raymond, Willow Glen Middle School.  The Solar Workshop provided excellent materials and hands-on activities to use in class. I have done most of the experiments with my students and they work really well Thanks for the opportunity. I'll definitely attend again!  Thanks again!

Pia Moriarty, Center for Employment Training.  CET (Center for Employment Training) has been offering adult vocational training for the past 40 years.  The #1 priority for our Education Department this year is to “green” ongoing courses by adding new modules in Solar Panel Installation.  The Solar Schoolhouse workshop was terrific – it’s as hands-on as CET is, the instructors are great teaching models and mentors, and its materials are clear and direct enough to make electricity understandable to our students.  And to teachers….I wired and soldered my first circuit!  I’ll never look at the Mississippi River again without seeing it as a metaphor for amps.

Vibha Walia, Science Teacher, Miller Middle School.  When I walked into the room to attend the Solar workshop, I was anxious whether it is worth spending a weekend. I was looking for new ideas to run the science club at my school. At the end of the workshop when I walking out the door I had many ideas, information, and bags full of projects. What amazed me was simple and practical ways solar energy can be harnessed and used. How easily we can educate ourselves in the ways sun can be used as a source of energy. I enjoyed doing little projects that I cannot wait to share with my students!

Wei Li, Independence High School.  I found the 30 mins DVD on solar energy very helpful. I showed it to my physics classes a couple of weeks ago. My interest in solar energy has revived and I think a solar energy project would be a good idea for next year. The little gadget with the fan and the music would definitely interest my students. I would love to learn of similar projects and get access to the supplies needed to put the idea to work.

More workshops will come in the near future. If you would like to be notified of future workshops, please contact Jessie Denver.

Updated: 9-01-09

| E-Government Policies (PDF) | Statement of Purpose | Privacy and Disclosure | Security | Disclaimer | Contact Us |