[Photo above] Teachers attending the 2013 Summer Institute display their ‘steampunk’ custom solar modules, model solar homes, and solar ovens.
About the 2015 Solar Schoolhouse Summer Institute: Educators attending this summer seminar will learn about the science and history of heating, cooling and powering our homes with the Sun. Participants will build solar cookers, model passive solar homes, solar electric fountains, a solar powered emergency kit, conduct energy audits – and tailor lessons for your classroom situation.. We will conduct the seminar at newly built Rahus Institute, a solar powered facility & workshop powered with alternative energy sources. In addition to learning the science of proper building design (e.g. thermodynamics, electricity, seasonal changes) and how to fit these exercises into your curriculum, participants will walk away with practical knowledge that they can apply in their own lives. Integrating solar energy education into your curriculum can provide an element of excitement and hope for the future.
When: July 19-24, 2015 @ Solar Schoolhouse (Rahus Institute) in Sebastopol, CA
SIE2015Flier [pdf]
Application [Word] Application [pdf]
Read about Summer Institute 2010 experience in Press Democrat [pdf]
Read about the Summer Institute ’07 experience as reported in Santa Barbara News Press [pdf]
Read about the Summer Institute ’04 experience as reported in the Mountain Democrat [pdf]
When:
July 19-24, 2015
Location: Rahus Institute/Solar Schoolhouse, Sebastopol, CA
Check-in: Sunday, July 19th after 4 pm…
Seminar: Sunday,July 19th 7pm to Friday July 24th 1pm.
Accommodations: Lodging and all meals are included. As part of the registration fee, lodging is provided at nearby Fairfield Inn by Marriott (Sebastopol), double occupancy. Onsite camping is available at a discounted rate, assuming you bring your own tent & gear (food is still included). Check with Dena for details dena@rahus.org.
Seminar Costs:
The $1500 registration fee includes all meals, lodging and classroom and conference materials. Travel is not included in the registration fee.
For those wishing to commute OR camp onsite the cost is $1200.
Single occupancy @ hotel…+$300.
Professional Development Credits:
We’ve arranged for Continuing Education Units through California State University Sacramento. Educators will be able to earn 3 CEUs. Sign up onsite.
Field Trips during the week will Include:
*Solar Powered School – Analy High School, Sebastopol
*Successful Organic Farm – Singing Frogs Farm
Recreational Options.
Swimming – at Ives Pool, or Russian River.
Bicycling – explore the area on dedicated bike paths and country roads.
Walking – Ragle Park is nearby with many trails.
Bodega Bay is 15 minutes away.
Kubbe, Bocce, archery games onsite.
Sponsors: Rahus is managing sponsorships for educators from schools served by the following organizations: Yolo County Office of Education, Glendale Water & Power, Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD), Los Angeles Water & Power, City of Palo Alto Utilities (CPAU), and Silicon Valley Power (City of Santa Clara), and others… Additional sponsorships may be available for educators in other areas of the state. Fill out the application to request a sponsorship and we will attempt to connect you with a sponsorship in timely fashion so you can firm up summer plans.
Summer Institute Sponsorships: We are actively seeking additional sponsors for the summer institute. Please contact Tor Allen at 707-829-3154 or tor@rahus.org about sponsoring a teacher in your area. Equipment donations are also welcome. $1500 pays for one teacher to attend the Summer Institute. Your contribution allows us to provide sponsorships to proactive educators from throughout California, regardless of their location. Thanks for your Support!
Important Dates
Registration Deadline: June 1, 2015. Sign up soon. Space is limited.
Check-in Lodging: Sunday, July 19th after 4 pm….Seminar: July19- 7pm to July 24th 1pm.
About Solar Schoolhouse – SSh is a K-12 energy education program developed by The Rahus Institute, a non-profit 501c organization. The program uses the sun as a starting point for teaching about energy resources, conservation, and other energy topics. Elements include teacher workshops, educational kits, and special projects.
Questions? Contact Tor Allen at 707-829-3154 or info@rahus.org