Melissa Hittner from Jefferson High School received $10,000 for her project, “Solarize Jefferson.”

She plans to purchase six solar panels and the necessary equipment to install and operate the panels. In the application, she wrote, “By introducing solar panels, our pilot project will let students learn about renewable energy and how it helps to reduce the carbon footprint. Through this project, here are a few science standards we could incorporate into lessons: design, build, and refine a device that works within given constraints to convert one form of energy into another form of energy; develop a model based on evidence to illustrate the life span of the sun and the role of nuclear fusion in the sun’s core to release energy in the form of radiation; explain how the sun’s energy affects the Earth’s surface; describe the use of solar energy in power generation; and describe the effects of the use of solar energy on the environment.” Thank you, Seed for Success Foundation, for generously investing in projects that inspire teachers and enhance student engagement!