Student-Designed Kits Give Hands-On Solar Energy Lessons

This fall, a group of Richardson sixth graders will be able to use working solar panel models to learn how sunlight can power lights and fans, thanks to new educational kits designed by University of Texas at Dallas students.

The UT Dallas students developed the hands-on lessons as part of UTDesign EPICS (Engineering Projects in Community Service), an Erik Jonsson School of Engineering and Computer Science program that provides opportunities for students in all disciplines to work on problems for nonprofit organizations.

Instructors at the Richardson Independent School District’s Math Science Technology (MST) Magnet worked with the team to develop the kits, which include a motor, light-emitting diodes (LEDs), connectors and a solar panel.

“These kits will make a great addition to our program by offering hands-on experiences with solar-energy technology,” said Kate Hebert, MST technology specialist.

The UT Dallas student project leaders said they hope the kits make lessons fun.

“I want to inspire kids to develop their curiosity and passion for STEM [science, technology, engineering and mathematics] at a younger age,” said Khoa Nguyen, a biology senior. “When I was in grade school, I always had a deep interest in science and technology, but opportunities for projects like this were few and far between. Through this project, I set out to change that.”

The EPICS team, which included students in a variety of majors, worked remotely due to the pandemic.

“This project has taught us how to bring people together and manage our time effectively,” said Marcus Ochoa, a mechanical engineering junior in the Hobson Wildenthal Honors College.

Dr. Julia Hsu, professor of materials science and engineering and Texas Instruments Distinguished Chair in Nanoelectronics, sponsored the project with support from a National Science Foundation grant she received for solar-energy research.

“The EPICS project is a win-win for both the undergraduates who designed the curriculum on solar energy and the elementary students who will learn about new concepts and applications of solar technology,” Hsu said.

A version of this story ran in News Center.