Anser Charter School in Garden City is the latest recipient of the Solar 4R Schools grant. Solar 4R Schools is funded by Clean Energy Your Way Program participants and administered by Idaho Power. The program educates students about renewable energy by placing solar installations on school property, along with a data-monitoring system and corresponding curriculum package.

Science Teacher Nicole Pape found the grant online when searching for content for her fifth-grade class curriculum. She liked how practical the solar panels would be and thought the content would integrate nicely with the renewable energy unit the children previously learned about in fourth grade.

Pape also noted the installation and associated training would allow teachers to experience more in-depth training, rather than reading and learning on their own. She believes the solar panels and data monitoring system will help students directly connect energy use to energy production. The classroom kits and lessons would complement and deepen the newly developed energy unit.

“It’s important kids learn with real-life examples – and not just read things from a textbook,” Pape said. “The solar panels are a tangible item kids can see, monitor, and really learn from.”

Anser Community Engagement Coordinator Amanda Neill said she loves how students have so much passion for renewable energy. “This generation understands we need renewable energy, and we are so lucky to have all different types of renewable energy in Idaho,” she said.

To learn more and apply for Solar 4R Schools, visit idahopower.com/solar4Rschools.

Annie Meyer
Marketing Specialist
ameyer@idahopower.com
208-388-2410