Students from Zaharis Elementary School are beaming with pride after the completion of a solar lighting installation project.
With the assistance of a $5,000 learning grant from Salt River Project, and funds contributed by their PTO, fourth-grade teacher Scott Ritter sparked his students’ interest in solar energy. Scott asked his students to research ways they could use solar lights to illuminate a 900-square-foot walkway leading to the school.
The desert is pitch-black at night. The unique location of the school presented challenges for community members walking from parking spots on the street to evening events on campus, including the highly anticipated fall carnival. The fourth-graders were called upon to problem-solve their need for lighting.
“Students were involved in every aspect of the project,” Scott said. “They worked in groups researching possible lighting solutions, drawing diagrams to illustrate their ideas, and using PowerPoint and animations to present their plans to a panel of staff members for administrative approval.”
Once a plan was selected, they chose SolarKing Inc. to turn their proposal into fruition. During spring break, solar panels and bollard lights were installed to the entryway of the school’s common area. The lights are functional and stylish. They also complement the building and desert landscape.
“The results are amazing,” Scott said.
The lighting will be used as an education tool for future fourth-grade students. The project will teach them about renewable energy, and raise awareness of solar power in one of the sunniest states in the nation.
“It feels good to work together as a team to make a difference that will impact our school,” one of Scott’s students shared.
Funds from the grant endowment also were used for student exploration of alternative forms of energy. The young scholars used solar kits to light small light bulbs and other experiments. Learning grants from SRP help support innovative teaching strategies, which improve student performance objectives in math and science. A total of 29 projects were selected for funding out of the 102 applications received.
For more information about all Mesa Public Schools, please visit www.mpsaz.org.