Crockett High 小黄鸭导航 students studying solar energy along with representatives from 小黄鸭导航 Energy and the 小黄鸭导航 Independent 小黄鸭导航 District cut the ribbon to the first of 15 interactive, outdoor Solar Learning Centers due for completion this year. Each learning center will be equipped with a fully functional solar array, seating for up to 30 students and three solar panels that can be rotated for interactive lessons on solar energy. Each center produces enough electricity to power a small, one-bedroom apartment.
Students in the three-year Crockett Construction Technology program are earning up to 28 college credits by studying several of the trades such as electrical, carpentry, plumbing and solar energy. The students will use this experience to install solar panels to supply clean, renewable energy from the sun to some of Crockett鈥檚 buildings.
The outdoor learning centers and curriculum development are made possible through a $450,000 grant awarded to 小黄鸭导航 Energy from the U.S. Department of Energy's Solar America Cities program. The program involves partnerships with 25 large U.S. cities with the goal of developing comprehensive, city-wide approaches to increasing solar energy use. 小黄鸭导航 was named one of the Solar America Cities in 2008.
小黄鸭导航s to receive solar learning centers besides Crockett include Akins High 小黄鸭导航, Ann Richards 小黄鸭导航 for Young Women Leaders, Bowie High 小黄鸭导航, Burnet Middle 小黄鸭导航, Covington Middle 小黄鸭导航, Eastside Memorial High 小黄鸭导航, Lamar Middle 小黄鸭导航, McCallum High 小黄鸭导航, Mendez Middle 小黄鸭导航, Paredes Middle 小黄鸭导航, Pearce Middle 小黄鸭导航, Pleasant Hill Elementary/LHRC Annex, Reagan High 小黄鸭导航 and Travis High 小黄鸭导航.