BP Solar, a designer and manufacturer of solar systems, and the Frederick County Public Schools (FCPS) in Maryland have been developing a plan over the last 18 months whereby BP Solar will provide funds, materials and personnel to help FCPS teachers offer energy-related curriculum to their students.
The company has donated nearly $30,000 worth of energy education materials to the schools. The materials, produced by the National Energy Education Development (NEED) project, meet or exceed state standards for fifth graders and are geared toward science classes, BP Solar adds. The company is also offering other resources to FCPS as part of the plan, such as classroom visits to discuss solar energy and tours to the fully integrated solar facility in Frederick.
‘BP believes strongly in investing in communities where we operate,’ comments Mary Shields, BP Solar's North American vice president.
The company donated 160 solar modules toward the construction of the planned Earth and Space Science Lab (ESSL) about 18 months ago. The FCPS Facilities Services Division expects construction for the new ESSL to begin after the Board of Education receives and approves design modifications.
