New Solar Technologies
SWLi (9 weeks, .25 credit, prerequisite Intro to Energy)
New Solar Technologies is a two-unit course in which students will explore a variety of exciting scientific advances in solar technologies. Students will learn how the sun provides a plentiful energy resource that can be used in various technologies to meet growing global energy demand. Technologies that will be explored include passive solar building systems and active solar collection systems, such as photovoltaics, parabolic collectors, Fresnel collectors, and Stirling dishes. Students will also explore issues in energy storage and solar applications for vehicles and spacecraft. Through hands-on labs, students will research solar energy applications. Videos for this course were developed in collaboration with Los Alamos National Laboratory’s solar researchers and Carnegie Mellon University’s Intelligent Workplace/2007 Solar Decathlon House.
Miscellaneous
College and Career Preparation
SWAp (2 semesters, 1 credit, prerequisite none)
High school students have many questions about the college application process, what it takes to be a successful college student, and how to begin thinking about their careers.
In College and Career Preparation I, students obtain a deeper understanding of what it means to be ready for college. Students are informed about the importance of high school performance in college admissions and how to prepare for college testing. They know the types of schools and degrees they may choose to pursue after high school and gain wide exposure to the financial resources available that make college attainable.
Career readiness is also a focus. Students connect the link between interests, college majors, and future careers by analyzing career clusters. Students come away from this course understanding how smart preparation and skill development in high school can lead into expansive career opportunities after they have completed their education and are ready for the working world.