Engaging Students with Solar
One goal of the Solar for Schools Program is to expand opportunities for students to learn about renewable energy. As the State of Minnesota transitions to a clean energy future, students benefit from having a direct connection to that future by having solar onsite at their schools and having the experience of hands-on learning about renewable energy.
To receive a Solar for Schools grant, schools must incorporate renewable energy lessons into curriculum for their students. The requirements of that curriculum have been left very open for educators to develop and make their own. As a result, we are seeing many creative ways students are being engaged.
Need Help?
- For guidance, use the Solar Curriculum Checklist to ensure you meet grant requirements. [COMING SOON]
- For help developing and implementing your curriculum, reach out to CERTs
- For inspiration, explore lesson plans developed by schools and organizations:
Solar for Schools Curriculum Contest
You can help highlight clean energy curriculum across Minnesota. The MN Solar for Schools program is holding a contest to highlight examples of excellence in energy curriculum across the state. The winners of this contest will be invited to share their solar curriculum at the 2024 Minnesota State Fair. The teacher who developed the lesson, along with up to four students or other staff will share highlights of their lesson during the Eco Experience at the State Fair this summer, receiving free tickets to the Minnesota State Fair on August 25. In addition to being highlighted at the Eco Experience, the chosen lesson will be displayed on the MN Solar for Schools website as an example of curriculum for MN Solar for Schools program grant recipients and future applicants. To participate in the contest please fill out the form linked below no later than July 28.
Apply and nominate your curriculum at this link: Solar for School Curriculum Contest