Upper School Intensive Learning Spotlight: Solar Energy

The Solar Energy Intensive Learning program provided students with a basic understanding of different solar energy strategies through the construction of Solar Powered Charging Stations, Solar Ovens, and Solar Parabolic Cookers. While building these projects the students learned basic electronics, Arduino microprocessors, programming, electronic soldering, and building skills. As part of their experience, students visited thermal engineer and educator Dr. Eric Teitlebaum ’08 at his labs at AIL Research in Hopewell, NJ and Andlinger Center for Energy and the Environment at Princeton University. They learned about his research on radiant heating, cooling, and heat pumps. Students also demonstrated their projects to a number of Lower School classes.

This is one in a series of 2024 Intensive Learning Spotlights. For one week each March, regular classes are suspended for “Intensive Learning,” when Middle and Upper School students and teachers engage in an in-depth study of a specific subject, often involving off-campus research. This long-standing MFS tradition – which dates back to the mid 1970s – allows teachers and students to break out of the structure of formal class periods and traditional study for a time of experiential learning. Both students and teachers are encouraged to view themselves as life-long learners and students of the world around them.