The next generation of renewable energy lies increasingly in research in one field – solar energy. Solar’s growth is unparalleled, providing broad career opportunities. We know that solar energy is an educational topic that students should be exposed to early on. So how can we introduce solar power to students early on?

Materials

• Pizza box {empty}
• Aluminum foil
• Plastic wrap
• Tape
• Scissors
• Ruler
• Paper Plate
• Food to cook
  

1. Tape together three, large, empty, clean tin cans, with the tops and bottoms removed.
2. Create a wire arch (made from an unbent paper clip) and tape it across the opening of the top can.
3.Tape a thumbtack or straight pin to the center of the arch, pointing up.
4. Place the cans on top of a couple of books, to allow air to flow in from underneath. Make sure the books are separated and the can sits on them from two sides to allow airflow between the books.
5. Create and decorate a pinwheel: https://bit.ly/1C5tHTV
6. Balance the pinwheel on top of the thumbtack, taped side down.
7. When placed in the sunlight, the heat from the sun will warm the air inside the cans, creating a convective updraft, and will spin the pinwheel.

The solar4STEM family of products contain quick, convenient, and affordable supplements to fit perfectly into curriculum standards in a timely manner. With experiments already developed, our science kits remove the burden of lengthy after-hours setup, reinforcing a lesson plan for your needs.

Sources:
1. https://alisaburke.blogspot.com/2014/05/sun-print-tote.html
2. https://education.seattlepi.com/easy-solar-energy-projects-kids-4527.html
3. http://capriplus3.com/2015/06/how-to-make-solar-still-desalination-kids.html
4. http://almostunschoolers.blogspot.com/2015/04/simple-solar-thermal-projects-for-kids.html
5. https://kidsactivitiesblog.com/15594/solar-oven/

The last thing teachers, parents, and educators want are un-engaged students due to a boring and detaching classroom atmosphere. There is a strong potential to involve and invigorate the learning spirit every day: through experiments promoting STEM skills.

Making the grade should be hassle free, awarded to both students and faculty as a tribute of their commitment. solar4STEM is one educational product line we’re using to help you ignite passion for science in and beyond classrooms.

We provide the  instructions for experiments, saving you lesson planning time so you can focus on giving opportunities of a lifetime to students. Allowing them to design, build, and test on an independent or collaborative basis with peers offers a sense of accomplishment.

Most people are aware STEM is an educational movement involving science, technology, engineering and mathematics curriculum in schools across the nation. Most educators acknowledge STEM is a better way to educate practical and technical skills for tomorrow’s future. Policy growth in STEM fields has led to shifting public perception. There is a pressing need to bridge a skills gap from theoretical comprehension to effective application.  
 
Lawmakers are taking necessary strides toward fulfilling the goals of STEM proliferation, with Florida Governor Ron De Santis at the helm: “propos[ing] over $36 million for workforce training and industry-specific programs” and “…also provid[ing] the direction in highlighting the need for more skilled workers to meet new and growing opportunities in aviation, aerospace, and related high-tech industries” as of March 2019 [1].
 
STEM education is the key to our future. In a world driven by technology, there is an evolving
need for innovative technologies and solutions to practical problems. Taking up interest in STEM pushes
engineering forward.

As a result, the demand for more engagement in STEM is rising. For their dedication, students should be entitled to resources helping them grow into their fields of interest. solar4STEM is one of many companies eager to help provide the tools for student success. At CME, we developed solar4STEM to be introduced in schools to bridge the STEM gap.
 
STEM’s benefits don’t stop at scientists or mathematicians: all students should be given the tools for achievement provided by STEM learning. Providing cooperative work and problem solving through rigor, the practical application of STEM extends to all students in regaining waning interest.
 
Hands-on and project-based learning through STEM engages students, creates enjoyment for learning, and pushes teachers, students, and schools toward academic success.
 
Educators and private companies are taking steps to increase skills and capabilities for students. solar4STEM allows for experiments and hands-on experience, while also teaching the importance of energy independence and environmental experience. Providing outlooks on electrical, magnetic, and solar experiments, solar4STEM offers insightful experiences for students of all ages to witness science working in action, while cohesively working with nature.
 
From a student perspective, focusing strictly on theory day-to-day is tiring leading to burnouts from schoolwork.
Seeing the excitement light up faces of young minds in a classroom at mention of a lab or experiment is delightful and exciting! A passion to learn and investigate is truly what we should be seeing more of. Students, teachers, parents, educators, school officials, and industry can fix this problem plaguing the world through cooperation.

Students and teachers can make adventures in STEM our new reality – CME has the capacity for providing these STEM solutions for all sizes and types of classrooms, inside or outside. You can view our STEM products and gauge your potential at our website.

CME’s 21 years of experience in manufacturing and giving back to the community is experience we want to put to work in helping envision STEM solutions for the future. solar4STEM is a great tool that can be used within classrooms, and we are continuously working on new ways to introduce STEM to soaring minds.

Resources:
[1] James, Nicole (March 26, 2019) “How Ron DeSantis is Shaking Up the Establishment” Florida Today (https://bit.ly/2F3jXkN)