Summary of Informational Session
Rhode Island Learning Circle
Woonsocket High School

On the sunny day of June 10, 1998 a meeting was convened which drew attendance from at least seven different school systems in Rhode Island, five different organizations within the Rhode Island Renewable Energy Collaborative, as well as representation from the Northeast Sustainable Energy Association and the United States Department of Energy. These students, teachers and others individuals were invited to the first informational meeting of Project SunRIse in order to learn more about the educational use of renewable energy resources.

The day began with an orientation to Project SunRIse, a statewide effort to bring affordable solar electricity power systems to schools, homeowners and organizations in Rhode Island. In setting the context for the project, and the precedent for federal and state incentives, this orientation also detailed President Clinton's Million Solar Roofs Initiative As well, a vehicle for empowering this level of technology transfer was unveiled -- SolarQuest -- an experiential, project based energy education curriculum designed by the EcoSage Corporation and facilitated via Internet.

The comprehensive introduction was followed by a workshop and sideshow detailing Project SunRIse's Solar Schools Initiative and providing information about photovoltaic systems hardware, installation requirements and overall economics as well as details of federal and state incentives for photovoltaic installation. The remainder of the workshop gave attendees the opportunity to view educational materials through on-line tours of SolarQuest, the Internet-based Renewable Energy Resource Curriculum with information on SolarQuest '99 activities. This activity also presented in-service training opportunities for teachers and students as well as fundraising support for schools. Participants lingered through lunch and into later events through the day while learning about the Tour de Sol and Adventure Quests.

The afternoon began with a press conference publicly announcing Project SunRIse as well as a demonstration of photovoltaic technology that will be presented to Woonsocket High School, event host and a forerunner in developing educational programs on renewable resources in Rhode Island. Under the leadership of Mark Hopkins and Linda Jzyk, both teachers there, WHS has already demonstrated commitment to curricular presentation of issues and opportunities surrounding renewable energy use.

"As one who works closely with teachers to develop energy-related lessons, I am thrilled that the SolarQuest curriculum is available to help teach Rhode Island students about the value of renewable energy resources." Todd McLeish, Blackstone Valley Electric/Eastern Utilities

"The Citizens of Rhode Island have reason today to be very proud of efforts such as this that are underway as a result of the state's leadership role in utility restructuring. Project Sunrise's attempt to merge the President's Million Solar Roofs Initiative, photovoltaic technology, and an interactive computer assisted curriculum to help students in Math, the Sciences and Social Studies learn about renewable energy and the contributions that it can make to society today are exemplary." Richard Michaud, United States Department of Energy

"Project SunRIse is a model for integrating renewable energy within a community development context. Solar energy is the best investment we can make for our economy, for our children and for our children's children. By reaching out to children with solar energy as an educational resource, Project SunRIse leverages the community resources." Tom Thompson, NESEA

Leigh Seddon

Speakers at the conference included Leigh Seddon of SolarWorks Inc., Allan Baer of the EcoSage Corporation, Superintendent Anthony D'Acchioli of the Woonsocket School District, Richard Michaud of the U.S. Department of Energy, Peter Zschokka of Narragansett Electric, Todd McLeish of Blackstone Valley Electric, Vin Graziano of RISE Engineering. Each greeted the participants and members of the press following with a personal endorsement of Project SunRIse.

Anthony D'Acchioli

Joan Peck

Joan Peck of the Connecticut Energy Council (CONNECT) introduced further events with a presentation by Norma Casten and her students from Warwick Veterans Memorial High School detailing their work in the Savings Through Energy Management (STEM) Program. Among other things, this report found that the school could reduce electrical expenses by nearly 5% by implementing simple behavioral efficiency measures. Funding for this environmental audit was provided via an Energy Learn and Serve grant awarded CONNECT.

Norma Casten

A subsequent presentation was from Richard Hartman, a teacher from North Kingstown High School, describing his work with students to power 2 kW of classroom electrical demand from renewable energy. Among other activities, they have installed a system providing electricity from a windmill at present and from a photovoltaic panel in the near future. Funding for this program was also provided by CONNECT.

The day concluded with a discussion on Project SunRIse and goals for developing an action plan for creating a statewide program effort and initiating a 37 school tour in the fall of 1998.

SolarWorks Inc.
Montpelier, VT
www.www.solarvt.com

EcoSage Corporation
Chelsea, VT
www.solarquest.com

e-mail: webmaster@solarschools.com