Constance solar learning workshop (KonSoLe)
In order to pursue our overarching goal of spreading photovoltaics at all levels, we are involved in educational cooperations at national and international level. In view of the high demand for regional STEM promotion to reduce the current shortage of skilled workers in technical professions, we give workshops to school classes on a regular basis since January 2017 to bring students closer to renewable energies in an interactive way. In line with the guiding perspectives of the 2016 education plan, “Education for Sustainable Development (ESD)” and “Vocational Orientation”, KonSoLe was founded as an extracurricular learning venue that offers the following services for pupils and teachers:
Services:
- We offer first practical experience with solar power generation.
- This creates a positive experience with science at an early age; threshold fear of technology is reduced, and a strengthening of self-confidence and a desire for STEM subjects are supported.
- Children and young people are introduced to the topics of energy production and resource use, especially with regard to availability, with a focus on sustainability and climate protection.
- For this purpose, we have developed an interdisciplinary programme differentiated according to class levels and adapted to the current educational plan
- We provide advice and support for school projects with solar and energy, as well as subject-specific work in the upper secondary school.
- We advise and support teachers on the integration of Global Learning methods into the school curriculum.
- Our offers are suitable for school topics in the natural sciences as well as in social studies, economics, etc.
Sample programme
- Welcome and presentation of the Institute
- Introduction to the basics of photovoltaics, energy transition globally and in Germany
- Construction of a solar module (max. 16 pupils per group) – handicraft production of a mini solar module, PV experiments with the self-made module.
- Global learning – participatory learning methods on the topics of earth overload, energy poverty, global responsibility and sufficiency
- Laboratory tour: Insights into scientific work at the ISC
