We had a long Solar Energy Workshop where we discussed details of solar energy applications and constructions and their educational value for our project. We discussed about solar water heaters, solar cookers, solar food dryers, greenhouses, solar toys with photovoltaic cells and motors (cars and boats), sundials etc.
We decided on what kind of activities to focus on the 1st and then during the 2nd and 3rd year of the project. We have agreed to work on all categories of solar energy applications and constructions each year, but on particular designs for each project year. In this sense, different groups of pupils and different classes will deal with a similar set of solar energy applications and constructions every year throughout the project years. Nevertheless, at the end of the 3 year-period of the project we will have accumulated a broader set of solar energy applications and constructions tried and tested within classroom practice, delivered as a final outcome of the whole project. In this manner we believe that a broader range and number of future citizens will be aware and sensitized on solar energy, leading to more considerate decision making and future action in alternative energy policies and sustainable development with environmental sensitivity and care.
Bringing things down to detailed application and practice, a thorough presentation and discussion on materials and designs of solar energy constructions and devices took place in the school science laboratory, setting the scene for future developments. The following photos depict some indicative aspects of the work conducted.
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