Program Overview (2004)

The Sustainable Energy Technology program will oversee the implementation of sustainable energy education into the existing physical science curriculum at Mendocino High School.

The SET program aims to:

1. Develop sustainable energy education as a meaningful and effective context in which to teach state physical science standards. 

2. Teach students to think scientifically to solve real-world problems. 

3. Encourage students to be active participants in their community through organizing and participating in the Science of Sustainability Symposium. 

The real-world application of sustainable energy technology will enrich standards-based curriculum, making student learning more meaningful and lasting. The SET program will promote education on the issues and science of energy use and on alternatives to the petrochemical paradigm. Building on the success of the Mendocino High School Science Club's unique hydrogen powered robot, hydrogen fuel cell technology and its applications are a main focus of the program.  Other topics include energy resources, power distribution systems, solar energy, electric vehicles, and environmental science topics relating to pollution and global warming.

Student driven inquiry, data collection, and analysis are central to increasing student understanding. Projects and labs will mimic real-world applications and work to expose students to the advantages as well as the drawbacks of sustainable energy technologies.  Students will learn the chemistry and physics behind sustainable energy technologies and share their knowledge with the community in an end of the year Science of Sustainability Symposium.

The Sustainable Energy Technology program will establish dynamic, hands-on science that will reach into the local community and beyond.  Get SET for a better tomorrow!

Implementation of Goals (future link)

The Future of SET -2006 and Beyond

In the fall of 2005, a new set of goals were drafted to guide the program toward a technical training and higher education emphasis.  These goals were part of an unsuccessful SSP grant, yet we believe many aspects of the program can be adopted without extra funding.  These goals will hopefully encourage the formation of dedicated courses to teach the subject.

The Sustainable Energy Technology Program will…

1. Provide focused, challenging content and career technical training in sustainable energy technology.

2. Establish partnerships with local businesses and organizations to provide relevant and dynamic career experiences for students.

3. Educate and empower students to serve as resources for the school and community in the field of sustainable energy technology.