Children's Education

Roasting marshmallows over a parabolic solar cooker...

Learning about different solar ovens...

Making cob bricks out of clay, straw, and gravel...

Throwing food scraps in the compost bin...

Playing with solar panels...

We kicked off spring field trip season last week by hosting our first children's tour on site -- with 70 Grade 3 students from a local public school. We had the kids rotating through seven stations to get their hands dirty in a number of areas related to renewable energy and sustainable living: solar cooking, natural building, composting, chickens, solar electricity, gardening, and a ride on our solar-powered carousel. I had the great privilege of teaching the kids how to cook with a solar oven, demonstrating the power of the sun by roasting marshmallows over a parabolic (curved concentrating) solar cooker. Needless to say, it was the most rewarding experience I've had in awhile.

p.s. For those friends who have expressed concern over the lack of variety in my wardrobe lately, I assure you that I don't wear overalls every day -- just on days when I happen to be photographed.