Learnscapes for renewable energy education: An exploration of elementary student understanding of solar energy systems

Integrating the built environment of school is one avenue to deliver place-based energy education connecting abstract ideas with physical environment. This study examined how and if an outdoor classroom (learnscape) solar panels together a six-week renewable unit supported students in developing conceptual knowledge systems. Fourth grade classrooms from two schools, learnscape without, within same district enacted unit. Student learning gains (n=97) were measured through model-based reasoning at four time points before, during, after Students (n=12) interviewed about their models. both schools identified main system components sequences. However, exhibited more nuanced understanding systems explicitly cited as “teaching tool” for education. Findings suggest that presence sustainability features on campus can enhance student outcomes.