Mpala, Kenya: A Summer of Teaching, Research and Learning
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Transcript of Mpala, Kenya: A Summer of Teaching, Research and Learning
Mpala, Kenya:A Summer of Teaching, Research
and Learning
Ishani SudUnder the supervision and guidance of Dr. Soboyejo
Purpose
To introduce sustainable solar engineering solutions to two rural communities in Kenya
Six weeks of effective teaching centered around solar energy
Involve locals in the
fabrication of solar ovens
Empower locals by
teaching at multiple levels
Preparation and Planning
Global Science Club
Food Preservation/Preparation GroupResearch on local materials, foods, and food preparation methods
Development of prototypes
Curriculum Planning
Local schools chosen as
vehicle for technology
transfer
Teaching Logistics
Julianne Davis head teacher for standards 1 and 2 (equivalent of 1st and 2nd grade)
Ishani Sud head teacher for standards 7 and 8 (equivalent of 7th and 8th grade)
Classes had about 25 students
Taught in each class two days
a week for two hours
Material Taught
Most centered around the sun
All StudentsSolar energy
Conservation
Renewable vs. Nonrenewable Resources
Older students Relationship between the sun and the earth
Specifics of how the solar oven works
Teaching Techniques
Focus on understanding not memorization
Creative and active approach
Students engaged in hands on projects
Building the Ovens
Physically built once a week
Step wise instructions for students
Teaching vs. Giving
Design kept as simple as possible
Used materials easily
available in Kenya
Temperature vs. Time
0
50
100
150
200
250
300
350
400
10 20 30 40 50 60
Time
Tem
per
atu
re 30 degrees
40 degrees
50 degrees
60 degrees
Cultural Sensitivity
As important if not more important than the actual technologySimilar projects have failedDifference: spent time with the villagersApproached them as equalsPaid attention to detail
Adapting local recipes for cooking in a solar oven
Community Involvement
Parent “fun days”Students demonstrated what they learned to the community
Older students explained how solar ovens worked
DemonstrationsSundialBlack vs. White in the sunCrafts
Additional Projects
Eco-tourism lodgeSolar charged lanterns for lighting at night
Solar hot water heating system
Solar/manual pool pump
Future Objectives
Assess impact of teachingAssess degree to which technology transfer took placeWork on other projects
Mpala clinic Camel vaccine refrigeration projectLand rover solar powered vaccine refrigeration
Eco-tourism lodgeWater purificationSolar powered lampsManagement and training
The Experience
Probably walked away with more than we gave
Rich culture
Amazing wildlife
Understanding of the incredible potential for science and engineering solutions
Teaching Curriculum
AcknowledgementsDr. SoboyejoLaurel HarveyMrs. Rubenstein and Dr. RubensteinDr. Miguel Centeno and PIIRSJody WhiteheadDr. Bruno BosacchiMpala Research Centre Administration and StaffGlobal Science ClubAll students and friends
who helped Julie and I prepare and plan for the trip