On a sunny winter day that felt like spring, two fourth-grade classes at Newport News Public Schools (NNPS) harnessed the sunlight to energize their projects, and also their learning. The event, held in collaboration with Solar Empowered Schools (SES), highlighted the importance of industry partnerships in enhancing science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education and career awareness among students.
After reading a book about a girl who lacked fuel to cook, Integrative STEM (iSTEM) classes at Discovery STEM Academy and Newsome Park Elementary School worked in small groups to build solar ovens. Students followed the engineering design process and applied the principles of solar thermal energy, to build, test, and optimize their oven designs. As a culminating event, the students presented their projects to solar professionals from Madison Energy Infrastructure and NNPS’ Supervisor of Plant Services, Greg Harrow. During the event, students also learned about solar energy technology and careers in clean energy.
Providing an authentic audience, such as industry partners, can be powerful for increasing student engagement and learning outcomes. Jennifer Barker, a STEM Instructional Specialist at NNPS, works to facilitate real-world connections for every learning unit because of the value it brings to her students: "Through hands-on exploration and collaboration with industry professionals, NNPS iSTEM 4th grade students are gaining firsthand experience in green engineering. By tackling real-world challenges, they are applying problem-solving skills to develop sustainable solutions that address energy efficiency and environmental impact. Experiences like these not only deepen students' understanding of STEM concepts but also inspire the next generation of innovators to create a more sustainable future."
By providing students with opportunities to interact with real-world professionals, NNPS’ innovative programming is preparing the next generation of innovators and leaders in STEM fields. The collaboration between NNPS and SES demonstrates how education and industry have the power to work together to enhance learning experiences and career awareness for students.
Solar Leadership at NNPS
NNPS has been a leader in integrating solar energy into their schools - with several operational solar arrays, and more in development, that will save the school division millions of dollars in energy costs over the next two decades.
The partnership with Madison and Solar Empowered Schools has been instrumental in adding educational value on top of those savings. Through SES, over 140 teachers have been trained in solar curriculum, representing a reach of thousands of students each year. At yesterday’s event, about 50 more NNPS students participated in hands-on problem-solving and career exposure, fostering a deeper understanding of renewable energy and encouraging students to expand their vision for their future.
