Anaheim Solar Energy Education Project
When fifth-grade teacher Belinda Solorazano decided to attend one of Anaheim Public Utilities’ Solar Energy Education for Educators Workshop last year, she had no idea of the personal impact the workshop would have. “I’ve taken the sun for granted for too long,” Belinda recalls, “and now I intend to use the sun’s energy.” The workshops were offered to promote solar energy technology acceptance and to increase solar energy installations in the City of Anaheim. Besides the day-long education session that emphasized a California standards-based curriculum addressing solar energy, educators also received information tools and lab kits to use in their classrooms. “The kits are jam-packed with the essentials for making a meaningful connection to all students, especially our English language learners,” notes Belinda. “This workshop was extremely beneficial to me in that it increased my comfort level, especially in regard to the content.”
The two-year Public Solar Energy Education Project was completed by Anaheim Public Utilities in 2006. Anaheim received a $50,000 Million Solar Roofs Initiative Grant to help in the funding. Then, with partners from the Rahus Institute and the Foundation for Environmental Education, Anaheim Public Utilities was able to conduct four teacher workshops and develop a Web-accessible “Video Tour of Renewable Energy in Anaheim.” The Web site features a solar energy tour that introduces users to the various solar energy systems installed throughout the city. Included are the different technologies, and sizes and power production of the systems. The Web site won a Communicator Award of Distinction for excellence in video production and can be accessed through the city Web site at www.anaheim.net.
Since the project started, four schools have installed solar energy systems on their campuses with the assistance of funding by Anaheim Public Utilities. The most recent is a 1.05-kW educational system installed at Dr. Jonas Salk Elementary School. The system has a data acquisition system that is Web-accessible for students as well as the public. Dr. Debra Von Sprecken, the school principal, says, “Our students are very excited about the system. They understand the concept and purpose of solar energy, and they are excited about monitoring how it will affect the energy consumption at our school.” The increase in solar energy systems in educational environments is proof that getting into the classroom can advance solar energy acceptance. Salk Elementary sent three educators to the project workshops, and they have all embraced the overall goals of the project. “I think the partnership is invaluable,” Dr. Von Sprecken says. “It is mutually beneficial and, certainly, we need to begin educating the students in the primary grades and make them more aware of our habits. By working together, we can make a huge difference in our environment and in our whole world.”Tomas Colunga (left) of Servite High School, Joan Kawase (middle) of St. Anthony Claret, and Sean Phi (right) of Loara High School work together to monitor volts and amps from solar energy panels included in the Educator lab kits.
City of Anaheim Video Tour of Renewable Energy can be accessed at http://www.anaheim.net. Dr. Debra Von Sprecken, principal at Dr. Jonas Salk Elementary School, dedicates the 1.05-kW solar energy education system on May 25.
Stephen Faessel (left), Anaheim Public Utilities Board chair, gets help in cutting the ribbon during the solar system dedication. From left are Willie Malpica, Salk student; Tim Thomas, “Teacher of the Year” at Salk and the Magnolia School District; and Dr. Debra Von Sprecken, Salk principal.