SolarWise® for Schools
- Participating Schools
- Teacher Materials: Complete Renewable Energy Curriculum and Program Support
- Student Materials: Resources and Links for Students
- How to Support SolarWise® for Schools
- Solar Olympics
- Curriculum Workshops for Teachers
The best way to leave a healthy planet for future generations is by teaching young people to become good stewards of the earth. SolarWise® for Schools is a solar energy and education program offered high schools served by Wisconsin Public Service Corporation.
SolarWise® for Schools works by installing solar-electric systems on public and private high schools where Wisconsin Public Service provides electricity. The school benefits from a source of free, renewable electricity. At the same time each participating school reduces its fossil fuel consumption and air emissions, measurably improving the environment. One goal of the SolarWise program is to install a solar-electric system on the roof of every high school in the WPS service area.
But SolarWise® for Schools has an even more important goal—to educate students about energy and solar power. Each SolarWise School is provided with the WPS SolarWise® for Schools Renewable Energy Curriculum. This three-unit curriculum covers general energy topics, presents an overview of all renewable energy resources, and provides in-depth education on solar energy. The package also includes a complete set of audiovisual materials, laboratory equipment, and supporting materials for teachers.
SolarWise students may also take part in Solar Olympics, a renewable energy competition held annually in May at one of several University of Wisconsin campuses in Northeast Wisconsin. Within and outside the classroom, students learn about energy by direct, hands-on experience and acquire a deeper understanding of the sun's power.
To fund the SolarWise® for Schools program, customers make tax-deductible donations to WPS Community Foundation, Inc., a non-profit educational foundation. The donations, along with grants from the State of Wisconsin’s Focus on Energy program, are used to purchase and install solar-electric systems on local high schools.
Improving today's environment while educating tomorrow's decision-makers is what SolarWise® for Schools is all about. You can sign up online or call 800-450-7260.