Story submitted by Karalee Browne
It is one of my favorite events of the year: Our Solar Schools March “Science†Madness Event. Teachers from throughout PG&E’s service territory gather in Sacramento to learn how to incorporate solar, wind, and other renewable energy sources into their everyday lesson plans. At this particular event, we also honor the new Solar Schools and Bright Ideas Winners. The day is full of such and incredible “energy†only a group of teachers can create. There is brainstorming, networking, and wonderful ideas swirling in the air. You can hear whispers of “Congratulations†and “Thank yous†throughout the room. But it was one “Thank you†in particular that I will never forget.
I was sitting at the registration table when Melanie Moreno of Niles Elementary in Fremont came up to me with a “Thank you†that really touched me. Ms. Moreno is a Bright Ideas grant winner. In the Fall of 2006, she received $2,500 to support a science lab project that benefits more than 400 students each year. At each grade level, students participate in a unit focusing on solar energy. The energy units vary in length from four to ten weeks, depending upon grade level. In every unit students engage in hands-on, standards-based activities, which introduce them to the nature and importance of solar energy to our lives and our planet. Ms. Moreno gave such a heart-felt thank you saying that without the PG&E grant, this program would not be possible. She went on to thank me for the training we were providing her that day, and said that her only regret about attending was that she was missing her lab day with the students.
I am proud of the opportunities we are able to provide teachers because of the PG&E Solar Schools Program. Since the program began, we have awarded almost $500,000 in grants that go directly to teachers. Their dedication, creativity and enthusiasm continue to amaze me.
www.pge.com/solarschools/
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Thursday, May 1st, 2008 at
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June 24th, 2008 at 6:11 pm
I was at the Solar March “Science Madness Event” and was privilidged to receive a PG&E Solar Schools PV on a Stick grant. It is such an inspiring and enlightening program. It means a lot to our rural community to have the opportunity to learn about renewable resources and have the tools to enliven the science of energy in a hands on way.
I visited the roseville “solar things” program last weekend and was inspired to dream big for our community here in so Nevada Co. What I saw there was a whole GREEN building dedicated to the community that would educate and empower it on the use and need for renewable energy and resources that would be sustainable.
I can envision the school district, since it is in declining enrollment using a room there for this same purpose.
I wouldlove to have advice from someone to talk about the vision of an ENERGY EDUCATION CENTER, located at a school that would model the same concepts as the Roseville Electric prototype does.
thank you is truly not enough for the time and dedication you put into educating for the future you do. Please know you share your rewards with all of us teachers who have benifited children through the programs you supply.
June 24th, 2008 at 6:13 pm
I can envision the school district, since it is in declining enrollment using a room there for this same purpose.
I wouldlove to have advice from someone to talk about the vision of an ENERGY EDUCATION CENTER, located at a school that would model the same concepts as the Roseville Electric prototype does.
thank you is truly not enough for the time and dedication you put into educating for the future you do. Please know you share your rewards with all of us teachers who have benifited children through the programs you supply.