The main idea of this school project in which scholars applied a solar charger was the exploration of solar energy. Cross disciplinary subjects such as power supply, renewable energy sources and the usage of common electric appliances have been discussed. Thus, subjects like energy-efficiency and energy resources have not been perceived in theory but in hands-on experience. Scholars were responsible for documentation and responded to evaluation or their learning approaches which altogether were accomplished in a catalogue. This information has been distributed to private households in their community and the local media. All this has been subject for advanced training tutorials which finally resulted in teaching units.

Goals

• Motivation, information, evaluation. In this project scholars played a new role. They were not any longer “consumers” but they were explorers. They acquired competence in assessing technical data. “Checking out”, “learning” and “exploring” have been subjects to merge.
• New concepts in further education were developed in cooperation with the Pädagogische Hochschule Feldkirch.

Methods, content

A new learning concept has been applied: Scholars learned how to bring into action knowledge about physics and learning methods while undergoing experiments. Thus, they gained a deeper understanding and awareness of the latter. This method of instruction (eLearning, laboratory experiments, hands-on training) has been evaluated. This research in the development of learning processes led to recommendations on physic lessons.

Milestones

• At first they underwent age-appropriate elearning activities (“etivities”) and dealt with subjects such as energy resources, sustainability and solar energy. In this way they got prepared for experiments (electricity and solar electricity). Furthermore, they underwent activities to learn how to design their own drafts for experiments.
• Scholars developed research results by undergoing general and then more specific solar experiments and they finalized this in a “solar map”. More specific experiments included tests of solar chargers for its usability of electronic devices such as iPod, mobiles and domestic appliances.

This project has been completed.