Solar Workshops Coming to New York Teachers

March 16, 2009

Albany, NY — The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) announces the addition of two new educator workshops (Focus on Solar) to add to the portfolio of workshops offered by the Energy Smart Students Program. Beginning in April 2009, the Energy Smart Students Program will deliver 40 professional development workshops for middle and high school educators, using the School Power…Naturally^SM lessons. These lessons are already available by visiting NYSERDA’s School Power Naturally page.

The first Focus on Solar – Grades 5-8 workshop will be held on April 2, 2009 from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Broome County Teacher Center in Vestal.

Trained solar educators will focus on the “what, when, where, why, and how” of solar electric energy or photovoltaics (PV). Teachers at the middle school-level will receive a solar car kit, and high school teachers will build a model solar house. The workshop will also train teachers to use live performance data from the original 50 schools in the School Power...Naturally^SM program. The multi-disciplinary lessons educate New Yorkers about the role PV can play in providing clean energy for our homes, schools, and workplaces. The lessons are correlated to the New York State Learning Standards and provide creative, interactive ways to teach about PV.

The Energy Smart Students Program was created by NYSERDA, a public benefit corporation. NYSERDA uses innovation and technology to solve some of New York's most difficult energy and environmental problems in ways that improve the State's economy. To learn more or to find a complete schedule of energy workshops for teachers in your area, visit NYSERDA's Residential page or call 1-877-NY-SMART, or email info@nyess.org.

CONTACT:

Nancy Norman, NYSERDA
518-862-1090, ext 3414
njn@nyserda.ny.gov

Terri Tuers, NYSERDA
(518) 862-1090. ext. 3303
tat@nyserda.ny.gov