We Share Solar: Pilot Highlights

2 Sept

Written By Guest User

The We Share Solar programme was piloted at Haeata Community Campus in Aranui, Ōtautahi Christchurch in term 2 2021 over six sessions of 2-3 hours.

The class was mixed ability with students from a range of backgrounds. The We Share Solar programme was adapted to the New Zealand curriculum.
The programme covers topics on climate change and electricity with an emphasis on solar power.
The students build a solar suitcase and then use this to see how it can be adapted to different scenarios, with the students finally working on a project of their own, creating a proposal using solar to solve an issue that is important to them.

We received really positive feedback from the students

All the students surveyed either loved or liked the programme.
77% of students said they are now more interested to learn about climate change and solar energy after completing this programme.
Students liked:
- “That they are teaching it to us at a young age”.
- “It was interesting, you don’t really see much of this stuff”.
- “The maths and the discussions around the maths and seeing the practical applications”.
- “Amazing class and it was super interesting.”
- ”Building solar panels and seeing them on houses and telling mum.”
- “I don’t find science interesting but I loved this class.”

Great feedback too from their teacher:

Their science teacher would absolutely teach the course again.
“Really good with their problem solving and the hands on stuff, but actually figuring it out as well. I really liked when they went outside and they were looking at panels – connecting in series and parallel, really good, such good learning in that trial and error.”

Next Steps

We will build on our learnings as we pilot this programme with new schools in term 3 and 4.
In term 3 we are piloting in Homai Primary, Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland and in term 4 at Ao Tawhiti, Ōtautahi Christchurch.
As the programme aligns with the New Zealand Curriculum, schools and teachers can incorporate this into the classroom, giving all students the opportunity to develop STEM skills and learn about solar power and electricity in a real world context.
We’d love to hear from you if you are interested in getting involved in a pilot, programme development or future partnership. Get in touch at: contact@kiakotahi.org

Written by Louise Halahan, Science Facilitator

Guest User

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