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 environment. That is the goal of the SolarWise® for Schools program, a renewable energy education program offered to high schools served by Wisconsin Public Service Corporation.
Schools selected for the SolarWise for Schools program each receive a 2-kilowatt solar-electric system that supplies a portion of the school's electric needs. The schools benefit from a source of free, renewable electricity, saving a small amount on their energy bills. At the same time, each participating school reduces its fossil fuel consumption and air emissions, measurably improving the environment. With continued support from customers, we plan to install a solar-electric system on the roof of every public and private 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 receives the WPS SolarWise for Schools Renewable Energy Curriculum. This four-unit curriculum covers general energy topics, presents an overview of all renewable energy resources, and provides in-depth education on solar energy. Students learn how renewable energy works and how it can impact Wisconsin. 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 the University of Wisconsin campuses in Northeast Wisconsin. Student teams can participate in a variety of challenges, from building solar water heaters to designing sculptures with a solar theme. They learn about solar energy by direct, hands-on experience and gain experience in managing projects and contributing to a team effort.
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 Wisconsin's Focus on Energy program, are used to purchase, install and maintain the 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.