Curriculum Topics
The three-year curriculum includes lesson plans, worksheets, syllabi, a scope and sequence, and tools and materials lists. Topics include:
- Hands-on training for roof-top solar installation
- Introduction to electrical basics including National Electric Code Standards
- Solar Design best practices
- Solar technology troubleshooting
- OSHA Standards
- Solar sales and permitting
- Online learning resources from leading solar equipment manufacturers
- Preparation for the NABCEP Associate Certificate
- Weatherization/energy efficiency lesson plans
- Hands-on training for building science
- Energy auditing and efficiency
- Energy conservation and lower energy use
Curriculum Components
Toolkit
The toolkit is the curriculum roadmap. It contains similar information to what can be found on this website, including background about the curriculum’s development, course description, scope and sequence, syllabi, lesson plans and information about pedagogical support.
Scope & Sequence
The Scope and Sequence is linked to the appropriate lessons in the curriculum. The lesson plans are a resource for the teacher experienced in solar technology and can be used to suit the students in a particular group. Lesson plans often differentiate lessons for either 10th, 11th, or 12th grade. However, It is the teacher’s knowledge of student background and their needs from year to year that ultimately guides what and how topics are presented initially, in more depth, and for review.
Syllabi for Three Years
Each year is divided into 4 quarters of instruction with topics that are linked to lesson plans. These syllabi are the starting place for the suggested sequence in which topics and skills are taught and developed. Districts may want to revise this order to accommodate their own needs. For example, the team chose to place all of the Weatherization lessons in the third quarter although these lessons could be easily implemented during any time period during the school year. In fact, there may be many complimentary topics between the weatherization and solar lessons.
Lesson Plans
Detailed solar energy technology, energy efficiency and weatherization lesson plans for Year 1 of the program are currently available for download on the Lesson Plans page of this site. All lesson plans include objectives, key terms, applicable standards, step-by-step instructions for delivering the lesson, and links to additional resources. Additionally, all supporting worksheets can also be downloaded. Years 2 and 3 will also be available soon on the Lesson Plans page.
Tools and Materials Lists
An appropriately outfitted lab is required for solar and energy efficiency work. It is recommended that the furnishing of this lab should start a year before the program begins to assure that the needed structures, wiring, ventilation, and tools are in place and ready for students. The program should begin with hands-on experiences with the students from the first day, and a lab that is ready is imperative to achieve full engagement of the students. The following items are recommended by solar and energy efficiency industry professionals: