Amy Levine and Chris Robinson discuss solar energy with Newton North Greengineers class. Photo courtesy of Ken and Margaret Mallory
Last Thursday, January 20th, Newton’s Sunlight Solar Energy employees Amy Levine and Christopher Robinson met with Newton North High School’s Greengineers to talk about solar energy and the current state of renewable energy in the US. Conceptualized and led by former English teacher Stephen Chinosi, the Greengineers class is a collaborative, innovative educational program that combines Chemistry, Engineering, Physics, Economics, Finance, Design, and Industrial Safety.
After giving an informal presentation about solar energy, Amy and Chris had the pleasure of learning about the Greengineers’ projects this year. Some of their projects include producing large quantities of biodiesel from waste grease, recycling plastic bags into durable and reusable products, and experimenting with algae as a renewable energy source.
It was truly inspirational to see what students can achieve in a solution-centered, hands-on learning environment with unlimited encouragement and support for creativity. This kind of educational model is necessary for preparing a new generation to think innovatively and create solutions to problems that affect our local, national, and global communities. In drawing from a wide variety of resources and fields of study, these students are learning the value of a collaborative approach to problem solving.
Newton is lucky to have such an exciting educational opportunity in its backyard. We are looking forward to continuing a relationship with this class and helping students learn more about the various applications of solar energy in the vast and exciting mix of emerging renewable energy sources.