SmartFlower Renewable Energy Program (Final Technical Report)
The SmartFlower Renewable Energy Programming project brings renewable energy education to K-12 youth in the region. The motivation of the project was to pair an educational curriculum with Girl Scouts of the Colonial Coast’s newly acquired SmartFlower. A SmartFlower is a solar energy device shaped like a flower in which each petal is a solar panel. The ‘stem’ of the SmartFlower rotates throughout the day, so the petal panels follow the sun’s path and maximize sunlight absorption. The goal of the project was to create an educational curriculum for K-12 youth that centered the SmartFlower and other renewable energy related topics. The Girl Scouts of Colonial Coast team created two educational curriculums; each designed for a specific age group (K-5 and 6 th -12 th grade). Both curriculums walk participants through hands-on activities about the sun, renewable energy, and sustainability. The project adds to educational opportunities in the region and for Girl Scouts. As renewable energy becomes more prevalent and essential, youth must be informed on its’ mechanics and application. The project provides an age-appropriate educational tool that welcomes youth to visit the SmartFlower, understand its larger purpose, and consider the importance of renewable energy. The project was achieved on a modest budget of $16,672 and its sustainability beyond the project period has low to no cost for participants. The curriculum is free and accessible on our website and can be used as an evergreen educational tool. The SmartFlower Renewable Energy Programming project benefits the public as it provides a free, easily accessible education tool to children, families, caregivers, and local educators that is scientifically based and relevant to our energy landscape.