For the Academy for Global Citizenship's students, renewable energy is not a dream of the future; it is a reality of their everyday. A 12-foot helix design demonstration wind turbine stands at the front door of school, welcoming our students in, evoking conversation and inspiring inquiry. While turbines are typically perched on the roof, we have intentionally brought ours to ground level so our students and community can see it up close and become mesmerized as it spins in the wind.

Combined with our planned solar reinstallation, renewable energy provides a means of environmental responsibility and educational opportunity. Subjects like Math and Science come to life as our students monitor the electricity generated by our solar panels in relation to our building's overall usage. This hands-on learning engages our school community in renewable energy education and awareness.

AGC is working to construct a solar trellis designed by OWP/P | Cannon Design that will provide a shaded area on our playground as well as a visually accessibility that will provide an example to our community of the possibilities of solar power. Our students will monitor the panels to observe the effects of cloudy days, trees in bloom and snow on our ability to collect and use energy.

Resources:

Illinois Solar Schools Program

Chicago Solar Partnership

Illinois Solar Energy Incentive Program

National Solar Grant Opportunities