Greetings!
We’re getting closer to the start of the 5- day Solar Schoolhouse Summer Institute and I wanted to send a few logistical details.
Workshop Location: 7966 Mill Station Rd. Sebastopol, CA [click on link to open in google maps]
(if you’re coming north on 101, exit at Cotati and take HWY 116 to Sebastopol. Continue through town and make left at stop light on Mill Station Rd. We’re about 100 yds down on the right, past the Holy Ghost Hall. Look for the 2-story green-colored house.).
Timing: Check in after 4pm on Sunday July 22nd. Dinner is at 6pm. The evening program starts at 7pm. and we’ll go til ~ 8pm.
We’ll finish up after lunch on Friday the 27th. Each day we’ll start at 8:30am and wrap up ~ 5pm, with evenings as options for finishing projects and for subtopic discussions.
If you get to town early on Sunday, consider visiting Farmers Market downtown Sebastopol 10-2pm. or visiting the coast @ Bodega Bay (West on hwy 12)
Lodging Location: At Fairfield Inn in Sebastopol. located at 1101 Gravenstein Highway South Sebastopol, California 95472. this is ~ 2.8 miles from our location. As we get closer, Dena will send your Hotel registration # so you can check in there before heading over to us. We’ve already made your reservations for the week, so no need for you to worry about this. For some of you, we’ve made reservations at local AirBnBs. (Check in with us first for access info and location of AirBnB site. For all local (Sonoma & Marin Co) folks we’re assuming commuting each day, though you’re welcome to camp onsite no extra charge. just let us know beforehand.
Weather: generally mild weather here in July. not too hot, not too cold. But bring layers eg. sweatshirt, in case there is a cool breeze or such.
CEUs: 3 CEUs are available via CalState Sacramento for taking this course. the cost is $75. Bring check or CC to attach to form that goes to CSUS, if this option is of interest.
Food: All meals (except for Wednesday night) will be provided, starting with Sunday dinner and finishing up with Friday Lunch. Wednesday evening is your opportunity to explore eating options in Sebastopol or Bodega Bay – up to you. For those staying at the Hotel, they do offer a breakfast there that is an option.
IF you have any special dietary requirements, please let Dena know…. dena@rahus.org 707-484-5703
Laptops: There is wifi available here. While this workshop will have a big dose of hands-on, some enjoy using their laptops to take notes, and develop their lesson plans for the coming school year. This summer we will be working on some lessons collaboratively using googledocs – example- Evaluating the performance of the School Solar Array. If you are starting to use Chromebooks or laptops in your STEAM (or STEM) class setting, then bring one so we can model this activity.
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Pre-Workshop Assignment: In an effort to free up more time for the hands-on projects, here are a few assignments to complete before arriving.
2. View 2 short episodes of Watt Trekker series highlighting the 2013 Solar Decathlon held in Irvine, CA. This is a series of short video episodes we filmed showing college students as they design, build, and compete in a solar home competition. Our goal was to show the different disciplines involved in a home design/build project, and thus college and career paths.We filmed 15 episodes but I’d recommend these two for an introduction. Plus I’ve added a link to the Tinyhouse competition video we made October 2016.
Austria episode – architecture https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QJbG1XNIYfs
Tiny House Competition episode – Sacramento October 2016. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8SyIO-EWLLg
One of the prime outcomes of attending the SIE is to walk away with lesson plans that fit your teaching situation, so keep this in mind as you review the materials. Note any questions you’d like to ask when you get here.
Recreation
Bicycling: There are a variety of bike paths around town to enjoy. If you have a bike and have space on your car to bring it, do so. Else, we’ll have a few bikes to borrow if interested.
Swimming: There is a nice solar powered swimming pool in town, if swimming is part of your exercise regime. IVES Pool. We’ll have maps and further details to share. http://www.ivespool.org/
Walking: several paths nearby offer an opportunity to stretch and take a break. We’ll share options when you get here.
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