The Solar Classroom Project includes a mobile alternative energy laboratory that may be used for teaching and learning and a series of curriculum resources. Currently the laboratory is located on the Vreeland Institute campus where it collects environmental data.
This project was designed to demonstrate the ways alternative energy sources work and to create an advanced solar powered classroom to help educate the next generation of environmentalists. It has the following features:
When fully operational, the trailer will have a full complement of computers, GPS, two way radios, satellite Internet services and community WiFi. The trailer is fully self-sufficient and can operate off the grid indefinitely.
Teachers can propose projects for their classes that make use of the features and capabilities of the trailer. Students can propose their own research projects which make use of the features and capabilities of the trailer. Student proposals should be endorsed by their teachers.
Solar Classroom on the Web - When fully equipped, the trailer will have its own website and will report real time telemetry live on the web. Students will be able to go to the website and see current weather, status of the solar and wind systems, real time video from a webcam.
Formerly the Solar Classroom trailer was operating at the Undermountain School of the Southern Berkshire Regional School District, in Sheffield MA. It's geographical coordinates were: 42.1064 N and -73.3756 W as shown on the map below:
This is how the trailer looked during that stay. The main tower was down for installation of antennas and the weather station.
Installation of electronics and computers is just beginning. Notice the power distribution control panels on the left side of the bulkhead. Notice the stereo, microwave and refrigerator.
This is another view of the trailer in the school courtyard.
This is a new view of the trailer in the school courtyard with roof platform complete and antennas raised.
This is a description of each of the antennas currently on the high tower.
This shows high school students briefing elementary school children on the GEM solar electric vehicle and the Mobile Alternative Energy Laboratory.
This shows more briefings and demonstrations for elementary school children on the GEM solar electric vehicle and the Mobile Alternative Energy Laboratory.
This shows student volunteers, who participated in laboratory demonstrations, receiving their hard hats.
