Accomplishments
February 23, 2014
- Discussed the date and location for Energy Day.
- With concern about required preparation time, optional dates were discussed including mid-summer and next fall.
- The team considered the problem of limited meeting time available before the end of April and agreed to meet weekly (rather than twice monthly) through April.
- The target date of Sunday, April 27, for Energy Day is still most appealing and the team agreed to work extra hours to accomplish this goal.
- The option of Nashua South High School is prohibitive due to cost. The team will confirm use of the Lawrence Barn in Hollis.
- Completed overall development of the Solar-Lighted Mailbox. And it works! Only minor detail work remains.
February 9, 2014
- Worked on the Mailbox Solar Light project.
- Prepared documentation and a calendar from which to work for Energy Day. Targeted these questions:
- WHY:
What will Energy Day accomplish? What should people learn?
Energy Day Fact Sheet.pdf
- WHO (the guests):
Who should attend? Who is the target audience? What are the age groups?
- HOW (the guests):
How will we attract guests? Where/how will we advertise (newspapers, school announcements, elementary school backpack stuffers, etc.)?
SSET Energy Day Email.pdf
SSET Energy Day news article.doc
SSET Energy Day Press Release Nadeau.doc
SSET Energy Day Backpacks.pdf
- WHO (the vendors): Who do we want to ask a vendor to show at a table or in a booth?
- HOW (the vendors): How will we attract the vendors? Will we talk to them personally or send a letter? (Letters should go out soon.)
- WHERE: Where will Energy Day be held?
SSET Energy Day Lawrence Barn Layout.pdf
- WHEN: Do we have a confirmed date?
January 26, 2014
- Discussed oceanographic issues, including the peril of whales and dolphins. Reviewed government policies, such as those in Japan.
- Discussed Energy Day 2014:
- Planned a target date of April 27.
- Reviewed possible locations (Lawrence Barn, Nashua High School, etc.).
- Discussed location in relation to other events (garden club sales, sports, etc.) that may provide an "instant" audience.
- Planned to create two types of informational booklets for distribution: one for young children and another for teens/adults.
- Discussed the possible sale of food.
January 12, 2014
- Discussed global climate change and the effects on agriculture.
- Hosted Mike Jones, who spoke about his “off-the-grid” home (and invited the team for a tour).
- Discussed Energy Day 2014:
- Reviewed ideas, including an alternative car show.
- Wrote a letter of intent to the Board of Directors.
- Worked on the Mailbox Solar Light project.
December 22, 2013
- Discussed the Energy Day Mailbox Solar Light project:
- Rahul presented a prototype of the lighting system design.
- Discussed how the team will implement the design.
- Reviewed Energy Day ideas.
- Watched Bill McKibben’s film: Do the Math.
December 8, 2013
- Continued to discuss fracking--pros and cons.
- Reviewed economic versus environmental / short-term versus long-term effects.
- Noted information about fracking to use for Energy Day posters.
- Discussed an Energy Day project: Mailbox Solar Light.
- Researched usage regulations (government).
- Discussed viability of battery storage.
- Determined alternatives for outsourcing and learning from professionals (such as an electrical engineer).
- Reviewed options for a stationary bike designed to harness energy.
- How practical is this project?
- What is the development timeframe?
November 24, 2013
- Continued to discuss fracking--pros and cons.
- Why people agree to fracking.
- How it damages our environment.
- Discussed Energy Day 2014 and an alternative fuel car show.
- What types of vendors we will invite for Energy Day.
- What types of cars we would like to display at the car show.
- How to attract people to show their unique cars.
- Reviewed options for a stationary bike designed to harness energy.
- Why fitness center owners would be attracted to our design.
- How to write up a plan to present to the Sustainable Legacy Corporation Board of Directors.
November 10, 2013
- Discussed fracking--extracting natural gas from shale:
- Pumping water and chemicals into the shale to rupture it and extract the natural gas released from the shale.
- Causes sinkholes, chemically altered water (such as methane in drinking water), and other problems.
- Discussed oil companies--not all are inherently "anti-sustainable." Many oil and "traditional" energy companies are interested in sustainable energy alternatives.
- Explored the Venus Project, a self-sustaining energy efficient city in Florida.
- Discussed Energy Day 2014 and an alternative fuel car show.
- Reviewed options for workout equipment (a stationary bike or erg) designed to harness energy.
November 3, 2013
- Reviewed mountain top removal, fracking, the Keystone pipeline, and other invasive energy sources.
- Discussed Energy Day 2014 (what we want to accomplish, how Energy Day 2013 worked, and how we can improve from what we learned). Possible ideas include:
- Physical workout equipment designed to power cell phones.
- Ideas from the “Ultimate DIY Tech Upgrade Guide” (such as a non-electric cell phone projector).
- Demo of workout equipment that harnesses energy (bike or rower connected to lights or a cell phone).
- Electric car show to target high school and college students. Invite people in our communities to show off their cars.
- Solar backpacks as an auction item.
- Created a Doodle account for scheduling and communication.
October 13, 2013
Erik presented information and led discussions about:
- Active and passive solar heating.
- Wind energy (different types of turbines and how they work) and the potential for wind power.
- Environmental change and resources to educate yourself.
- Carbon Story—calculating your carbon footprint.
In addition, the team reviewed Old Home Days experiences: how to get more people into the booth, grabbing attention, providing more information, and creating more experiments/demos.
September 21, 2013:
Hollis Old HOme Days Sustainable Energy Booth
- Demonstrated solar, hydro, and wind power.
- Answered questions about alternative energies.
- Rallied support for the SSET.
September 4, 2013
- Met to kick off the 2013-2014 Program Year.
- Welcomed and introduced new members.
- Reviewed curricula, discussed possible projects, and reviewed plans for SSET participation with a booth at Hollis Old Home Days.
September 4, 2013
- Met to kick off the 2013-2014 Program Year.
- Welcomed and introduced new members.
- Reviewed curricula, discussed possible projects, and reviewed plans for SSET participation with a booth at Hollis Old Home Days.
May 5:
2013 SSET Energy Day!
- Organized and presented the first annual SSET Energy Day for climate change and alternative energy awareness.
- Worked with six vendors to demonstrate alternative energies for residences, energy efficient construction and sustainable architecture for public buildings (based on a local school), energy efficient transportation (Chevy Volt and Toyota electric Prius), crystal development for LED production, and community awareness.
- Organized and led an energy scavenger hunt for young visitors.
- Presented solar, wind, and hydro demonstrations.
- Showed video presentations of Masdar City and the Soccket ball.
- Manned booths describing LED lights, future of energy, and SSET membership.
- Worked with crafters to create recycled paper beads and bracelets.
- Hosted about 300 students and residents.
April 28, 2013
- Completed SSET Energy Day videos and posters.
- Completed and packaged SSET Energy Day crafts for fundraising.
- Finalized all SSET Energy day schedules, station roles, and details.
April 7, 14, and 21, 2013
- Created video presentations of Masdar City and the Soccket.
- Worked on SSET Energy Day posters and crafts for fundraising.
- Rehearsed station roles and details.
March 3, 2013
- Discussed new lightbulb technologies (LifX and Nanolight).
- Watched videos about and discussed Mazdar, a sustainable city in Saudi Arabia.
- Continued to work on SSET Energy Day 2013:
- Reviewed progress in all task areas.
- Determined audience "draws" and identified areas to address (how get an electric car and a magician).
- Worked on recycled beads.
February 24, 2013
- Worked on the DPW PowerPoint presentation (target of 5-6 slides).
- Continued to work on SSET Energy Day 2013:
- Reviewed progress in all task areas.
- Finalized the news announcement and discussed plans for advertising.
- Verified committed vendors and targeted additional vendors.
- Completed the commitment letter to be sent to all vendors.
- Determined prizes for raffles.
- Discussed contact of vendors (utility companies and auto dealerships).
- Determined unaccounted needs (business cards, tee shirts for everyone, etc.).
- Worked on recycled beads.
February 10, 2013
- Discussed the quotation for the Hollis DPW project and steps for implementation.
- Finalized "Thank You" letters to Dan Mullaney (Next Step Living) and Andre Ramy (Beacon Energy).
- Continued to work on SSET Energy Day 2013. Confirmed the following:
- Ordered glow-in-the-dark SSET Energy Day 2013 wristbands (web address on the inside) as a "thank you" for a $1 entrance fee: 100 adult, 100 youth, plus 100 free.
- Frank Grossman will prepare a presentation of the Hollis Montessori School and its ultra-efficient new buildings.
- Red Laser Studio has donated a solar-lit fish tank (LumaTank) and will provide additional tanks, as requested.
- The SSET will work on recycled crafts during upcoming meetings.
January 27, 2013
- Met with Dan Mullaney (Next Step Living) and Andre Ramy (Beacon Energy) who presented a quotation for the Hollis DPW project.
- Learned that Beacon Energy will donate all materials required to complete the DPW project (the SSET will be responsible for the cost of installation).
- Continued to plan SSET Energy Day 2013. Confirmed the following:
- Next Step Living and Beacon Energy will participate.
- Peters Auto dealership may demonstrate a Nissan Leaf.
- Red Laser Studio (Divine Acrylics) will provide solar-lit fish tanks.
- The SSET will work on recycled handbags during upcoming meetings.
January 20, 2013
- Determined that the March 5 deadline for the "Peace Through Service" video is too tight for SSET completion considering the work to be done in preparation for Energy Day.
- Continued to plan SSET Energy Day 2013. Prepared snack bags needed to create recycled handbags.
January 13, 2013
- Brainstormed ideas for a "Peace Through Service" video. Focused on the impact of ethanol production on Guatamalan food sources.
- Reviewed "Peace Through Service" videos from previous years to determine format, layout, intent, etc.
- Rescheduled Energy Day to May 5 based on availability of the Hollis Lawrence Barn.
- Continued to plan SSET Energy Day 2013. Reviewed a solar-lit fish tank as a possible raffle prize and/or fundraising product.
January 6, 2013
- Discussed the possibility of preparing a video for a Rotary Club contest: "Peace Through Service."
- Continued to plan SSET Energy Day 2013. Determined the target audience, types of activities to include, and people to contact.
December 16, 2012
- Discussed the Hollis Montessori School tour, noting questions for Mr. Grossman.
- Prepared a Thank You for Mr. Grossman.
- Continued to plan SSET Energy Day 2013. Reviewed goals and the overall format.
December 2, 2012
- Met with Frank Grossman to:
- Discuss energy efficiency in new construction--design and materials.
- Review the blueprints for the Hollis Montessori School, an energy efficient building that is still under construction.
- Discuss energy efficiency goals.
- Toured the Hollis Montessori School to learn about energy-design construction and materials.
November 25, 2012
- Reviewed quote from Dan Mullaney. Re-evaluated the project and requirements to match budgetary constraints.
- Continued to plan SSET Energy Day 2013.
November 18, 2012
- Met with Dan Mullaney (Next Step Living) to discuss DPW project requirements.
- Continued to plan SSET Energy Day 2013. Assigned task leaders:
- Car(s), Alex
- Magic Show, Alex and Katie
- Advertising, Anji
- Demos, Anu
- Educational Posters, Anu
- Vendors, Avvin
- Montessori School, Erik
- Solar-Lit Fish Tanks, Erik
- sOccket, Erik
- Tent, Gabe
- We Care Solar, Gabe
- Recyclables Craft Table, Katie
- Recycled Handbags and Jewelry, Katie
- Fun Fact Book, everyone
- Agreed that although each task has a leader, everyone needs to help in every task area.
November 4, 2012
- Learned about the environmental impact of wind energy: concerns, economics, and employment.
- Discussed the Hollis DPW Parking Light project system and individual components.
- Continued to plan SSET Energy Day 2013. Brainstormed presentations and identified tasks.
October 21, 2012
- Continued to learn about wind energy and discussed what wind power is used for, how it works, where it is, and how it produces power.
- Continued to plan SSET Energy Day 2013. Discussed goals and the overall format.
October 14, 2012
- Investigated the history of wind energy, types of turbines and turbine technology, and applications of wind energy.
- Continued to plan SSET Energy Day 2013. Discussed details of the event, including games, presentations, and food.
October 7, 2012
- Reviewed the Request for Quote: PV Solar Powered Parking Light for DPW Hollis and discussed the components of a quotation. Listed questions for the company that provides a quote.
- Continued to plan SSET Energy Day 2013. Started to fill in an Energy Day Planning worksheet, addressing questions such as:
- What is the event (definition)? Why hold the event? What are the goals to accomplish with the event?
- Who is the audience? What are the age groups? What types of people do we want to attract (students, adults, business people, etc.)?
- When will we hold the event (date and time)? Where will we hold it?
- What are the specific elements (details) of the event (e.g., energy magic show)?
- How will we accomplish each element? Who is the lead person for each? How much might it cost?
September 30, 2012
- Reviewed the physics of wind energy.
- Discussed the Hollis DPW Parking Light project system (overview) and individual components.
- Continued to plan SSET Energy Day 2013. Discussed goals and the overall format.
September 23, 2012
- Started to learn about the physics of wind energy.
- Built anemometers to measure wind speed.
- Built a windmill to determine the maximum load that can be lifted to the top of a shaft using wind energy.
- Started to plan SSET Energy Day 2013 (Sunday, April 14, at the Lawrence Barn in Hollis). Discussed goals and the overall format.
September 9, 2012
- Met to kick off the 2012-2013 Program Year.
- Reviewed curricula, discussed the Hollis DPW Parking Light project, and brainstormed ideas for an Energy Day.
May 13, 2012
- Reviewed the results of three solar water still investigations that distilled water with salt removed, water from soil, and dye-colored water. An unexpected result was that the color was removed with the distillation.
- Discussed plans for an SSET Energy Day and Dinner.
May 6, 2012
- Learned about solar water stills (distillers).
- Built three stills to analyze distillation of water from 1) soil, 2) salt water, and 3) colored water.
- Discussed DPW Lighting Project systems and potential vendors. Each team member will contact a vendor to collect a set of possible plans and quotes.
April 29, 2012
- Reviewed how solar cookers work and why they are beneficial.
- Built a box solar cooker with insulation. Plan to cook large pretzels at our End-of-Year meeting.
- Voted to downsize the DPW Lighting Project to a one-light system in the back of a building where there is currently no outside lighting.
April 22, 2012
- Learned about solar cookers—what they are, how they work, and how they have saved people from malnutrition and disease in underdeveloped countries.
- Reviewed the common types of solar cookers: box, slant-faced, multi-mirror cone-shaped, and concentrating.
- Built a slant-faced solar cooker.
April 15, 2012
- Reviewed commitments to the SSET and team goals.
- Discussed the Design Process in relation to Erik's proposed design solutions.
April 1, 2012
- Discussed plans for a sponsorship video.
- Worked through Steps 2-4 of the Hollis DPW Lighting Project design process.
- Determined the lamps, solar panels, inverter, and controller.
March 25, 2012
- Wired a solar panel array in series and in parallel to power a light bulb, sound device, and fan motor. Learned about the relationships between wattage, current, and voltage.
- Reviewed the Hollis DPW lighting project as it relates to the details of the Design Process.
- Established an SSET blog for communication.
March 18, 2012
- Engaged in an informative discussion with SSET-guest Taukheer Ahmed about innovations in engineering, solar projects in India, and ideas for student involvement in sustainable energy initiatives.
March 11, 2012
- Discussed the feasibility of HPS, CFL, and LED lights for the Hollis DPW Lighting project. Determined that LED lights will be most efficient.
March 4, 2012
- Participated in a team-building solar helicopter design and construction project.
- Reviewed the Hollis DPW Lighting Project Design and answered questions related to the design process.
February 26, 2012
- Reviewed the Hollis DPW Lighting Project Design and answered questions related to the design process.
February 19, 2012
- Decided that each student will begin to create a design for the Hollis DPW Lighting Project and answer questions associated with the Design Process.
- Reviewed a web site to select lamps.
- Established a plan to use Google Docs to share editing of the Design Process.
- Elected Erik as the Hollis DPW Lighting Design Project Manager.
February 12, 2012
- Reviewed the Design Process steps.
- Started to address questions posed in the Hollis DPW project plan.
January 29, 2012
- Created a project specification document to be used as an ongoing plan for the Hollis DPW outside lighting project.
- Determined the basics of the project overview: what the SSET will do, for whom, when (initial timeframe of work), where, and why (value added).
- Discussed the possible use of motion sensors.
- Decided that each team member will contribute to the development of the project plan even if s/he cannot attend a meeting. Each team member will add information (questions and/or findings) to the document and email new revisions to the Team.
January 22, 2012
- Discussed the electrical requirements involved with solar energy in general and the Hollis DPW project specifically.
- Reviewed lighting needs, fixture placement, and issues.
- Discussed battery and storage needs.
January 15, 2012
- Met at the Hollis DPW complex to review lighting needs, fixture placement, and issues.
- Welcomed a senior level electrical engineer to the meeting and appreciated his input and insight.
- Reviewed types of bulb for possible use in the lighting system.
January 8, 2012
- Determined that 1850 watts and 110,000 lumens are required for the Hollis DPW project.
- Created a team design for the lighting system.
December 18, 2011
- Discussed our Pizza Hut value card sales and the upcoming SSET Night at Pizza Hut (January 18).
- Reviewed a presentation and discussed the possibility of working on a lighting project for a remote-location school in India.
- Enjoyed the camaraderie of a holiday party!
December 11, 2011
- Determined lumens required for the Hollis DPW project.
- Researched lights to accommodate the project needs.
December 4, 2011
- Discussed plans for designing and installing a solar lighting system for the Hollis Department of Public Works.
- Met at the Hollis DPW complex to review existing lighting and needs.
- Discussed existing and required lumens, wattage, and possible solar alternatives.
- Awarded $500 from the Hollis Brookline Rotary. Funds are to be used for the Hollis DPW project.
November 20 and 27, 2011
- Brainstormed ideas for and researched the town street light project. Started to address specific issues of who, what, when, where, why, and how.
November 13, 2011
- Investigated photovoltaic technology:
- Discussed the photovoltaic effect.
- Reviewed sunlight, photons, PV energy, and photon energy.
- Discussed how electrons become part of an electric current and how electricity is produced by a PV cell.
- Learned about how a PV cell is made (n-layer of phosphorous, p-layer of boron, p-n junction, electric field, conducting wires, flow of electrons, load).
- Learned about the relationship of PV cells, modules, and arrays.
- Discussed PV system components—power inverter and battery system.
- Investigated types of PV systems:
- Discussed the differences between grid-connected systems and standalone systems.
- Reviewed the scale of PV systems (residential, commercial, and utility).
- Learned about emerging PV technologies.
- Reviewed the benefits and limitations of PV.
- Started to brainstorm and research a mid-size project—to convert a local town street light(s) to photovoltaic power.
November 6, 2011
- Started to investigate photovoltaics:
- Reviewed solar (radiant) versus thermal (heat) energy.
- Discussed the history of solar energy and solar technology.
- Reviewed the distinctions between passive and active solar systems.
- Discussed the differences between solar heating and photovoltaics for electricity.
- Determined that we will focus on a mid-size project to convert local town street lights to photovoltaic power.
October 23, 2011
- Wrote one page describing reasons for being part of the SSET and expectations in return.
- Uncovered the mysteries of measuring electricity:
- Learned common terms used when discussing electricity (voltage, electrical current, resistance, electrical power, etc.).
- Determined how to measure electricity.
- Discussed the average cost of a kilowatt-hour of electricity for U.S. residential customers.
- Discussed why and how a multimeter is used.
October 16, 2011
- Sold raffle tickets at Lull Farm to raise funds for the SSET Photovoltiac (PV) Solar Project.
October 9, 2011
- Learned how fossil fuels are retrieved and turned into useful products. Discussed the impact of fossil fuels on society in the U.S. Answered the questions:
- Is it easier to bring up liquid with a long tube or a short one? Which requires more effort?
- What products are made from crude oil?
- How can different products be separated out of one solution? How does the oil and gas industry use transformations in the refining process?
- What is a polymer? How is it formed? What is polymerization?
- How are chemical hazards symbolized for international understanding?
- How energy efficient is transportation? What are the benefits of alternatives?
October 2, 2011
- Learned about fossil fuels as they are used for products. Discussed what petroleum and natural gas are and where they come from. Answered the questions:
- How are petroleum, natural gas, and their products explored, produced, refined, manufactured, transported, marketed, and used?
- How do sound waves travel? How does seismic technology use sound to locate specific geologic formations underground.
- Are all core samples the same? What are petroleum geologists looking for when they examine core samples?
- Do all liquids have the same density? Why is porosity important in the drilling process of an oil well?
September 25, 2011
- Learned about energy resources on public lands and major sources of energy in the United States. Answered the questions:
- What are public lands? Where are they located in the United States?
- What is the Bureau of Land Management (BLM)?
- What types of resources are available on public lands?
- How does the BLM manage resources on public lands?
- What is a Land Use Plan?
- How does the BLM manage multiple types of land uses?
September 17, 2011
Hollis Old Home Days Sustainable Energy Booth
- Hosted a demonstration booth at Hollis Old Home Days as our first outreach to the community to spread the word about sustainable energy and solutions.
- Featured a wind energy contest and hydro/solar demonstration with descriptive posters about renewable energies.
- Provided a PowerPoint presentation and brochure describing who we are, what we do, and why our work is important to invite sponsorship and membership.
- Awarded over 100 people with SSET wristbands after they participated in our wind energy contest!
September 16, 2011
- Met with Jim Field (electrical engineer) to review the operation of the wind energy motor. Reviewed the circuit board and schematic.
- Reviewed a certificate awarded to Sustainable Legacy Corporation indicating that a tree was planted by Eco Promotional Products in our name as a thank you for purchasing eco-friendly wristbands (fabric made of recycled plastic bottles). Each year, our tree will remove about 50 pounds of pollution from the global atmosphere, replacing it with life-giving oxygen while protecting lands and assisting the natural return of past diversity.
- Summarized final plans and responsibilities for the Old Home Days booth.
September 10 and 11, 2011
- Built and tested the wind demo.
- Built and tested the solar and hydro demo.
- Outlined a layout for the Old Home Days booth.
September 8, 2011
- Reviewed the SSET flyer and PowerPoint presentation.
- Learned how to present information about the SSET to adults and peers.
September 3 and 5, 2011
- Continued to review plans for participation at Hollis Old Home Days (September 17):
- Reviewed all Hollis Old Home Days (September 17) booth projects.
- Experimented with a low resistance motor, blowing on it to create wind energy. Measured a maximum of 2 volts and average of 1 volt per student. Determined that the motor can be mounted on a foam board to stabilize it for a contest to light LEDs.
- Experimented with a solar powered water pump. Discussed how two low resistance motors can be attached to two water wheels to produce hydro energy. Determined that the next step is to attach the motors and measure the energy produced.
August 29, 2011
- Continued to review plans for participation at Hollis Old Home Days (September 17):
- Reviewed three posters (on for each sustainable energy type: solar, wind, and hydro).
- Discussed details of the flyer and PowerPoint presentation.
- Determined that two demonstrations will be created: one with participation (and potential for an SSET wristband prize) and another for educational purposes only. The participation demo will include an example of wind power. The other demo will include both solar and hydro. Experimented with approaches to designing and building each.
August 19 and 26, 2011
- Continued to review plans for participation at Hollis Old Home Days (September 17).
August 15, 2011
- Worked on the Hollis Old Home Days (September) booth.
- Reviewed plans for participation at Hollis Old Home Days (September).
- Received an award of a $700 sponsorship donation.
- Determined details for tee shirts, booth design, solar sign, guest participation demo (LED lights lit by bike-generated energy), posters, flyers, and a PowerPoint overview.
- Divided work amongst team members and selected “leads” for each task.
August 5, 2011
- Discussed options for a booth and three demonstrations (solar, wind, and hydro) at Hollis Old Home Days (September).
- Continued to study the Science of Energy (Part 4) and completed experiments to investigate:
- Radiant energy. How/why do angle and light affect the amount of electricity produced by a solar panel?
- Electrical energy. How/why does an electric current affect the needle of a compass? What is the relationship between batteries and motors?
July 29, 2011
- Discussed options for a booth and activity at Hollis Old Home Days (September).
- Continued to study the Science of Energy (Part 3) and completed experiments to investigate:
- Thermal energy and motion transformations. How/why does adding thermal energy affect a wire made of nickel and titanium, and heat-treated to give it memory?
- Chemical and thermal energy. How/why is iron affected when exposed to oxygen?
- Chemical energy. How/why do variables affect the ability of an apple battery to produce electricity?
- Radiant energy. How does radiant energy affect a radiometer?
July 25, 2011
- Continued to brainstorm for an SSET booth and activity at Hollis Old Home Days (September).
- Continued to study the Science of Energy (Part 2). Completed experiments to investigate:
- Thermal energy and motion transformations. How does thermal energy affect a bi-metal bar?
- Chemical energy. How is a light stick affected by thermal energy?
July 21, 2011
- Brainstormed to generate ideas for highlighting the SSET in a booth at Hollis Old Home Days (September).
- Started to study the Science of Energy (Part 1) and learn to:
- Explain the main things energy enables us to do.
- Differentiate between forms and sources of energy.
- Understand how energy is stored in the major energy sources.
- Describe the main forms of energy and give examples.
- Explain energy transformations.
- Trace the energy flow of a system.
- Completed experiments to investigate:
- Energy flow. How does energy flow through a system such as a hand-generated flashlight?
- Motion energy transformations. What happens when two spheres, each made of different rubbers, are dropped before and after they are heated?
July 16, 2011
- Focused on our target—community value through projects.
- Discussed our corporate status:
- What we did do to become a nonprofit corporation.
- What this status means for our team.
- How this affects our accomplishments and goals.
- Reviewed the web site and issues of the background and specialized navigation bar.
- Started to brainstorm for fundraising ideas and a booth at Hollis Old Home Days.
- Talked about new members—who, when, and how.
June 3, 2011
- Discussed the “live” web site and reviewed administrative privileges (all members) for the SSET Facebook page.
- Reviewed the role of the Sustainable Legacy Corporation, including the incorporation process as a 501(c)(3) non-profit entity, the Board of Directors and their roles, and the grant and fundraising purpose and process.
- Reviewed member commitment of approximately 3 hours per week to learn about sustainable energy (curriculum), raise funds through grants/donations, and participate in applicable projects.
June 5, 2011
- Watched Al Gore’s documentary, An Inconvenient Truth. Discussed why it is imperative to reverse the trend and do what we can to significantly reduce the amount of human-generated greenhouse gases. Discussed how we can make a difference by spreading awareness and finding ways to reduce our carbon footprint.
May 27, 2011
- Discussed our non-profit corporation status (name registration, NH state filings, web address, etc.). Discussed structure, including “Articles of Agreement” and “Bylaws” (what they are and why we need them).
- Finalized the initial SSET web site. Suggested modifications and fine-tuned design details. Confirmed that we are ready to go “live” on the internet.
- Explored climate change issues, reviewed the carbon cycle, and analyzed the nameplates found on electric devices.
May 20, 2011
- Discussed our non-profit corporation name and voted to finalize it as Sustainable Legacy.
- Reviewed web site content and agreed to finalize the initial web site (ready to go “live” on the internet) on May 27.
- Participated in an energy “license plate” activity to learn energy terminology.
May 13, 2011
- Discussed the SSET web site address and voted to finalize it as SSET-Global.org.
- Brainstormed ideas of a non-profit company name. Discussed issues to think about for a name (registration in NH versus other locations, name recognition, etc.). Talked about the features of a “good” name and cited examples of why some names work while others do not.
May 6, 2011
- Reviewed SSET organizational structure and future plans. Discussed potential status as a non-profit 501(c)(3) corporation and reviewed alternatives, implications, and benefits.
- Discussed how, in addition to our sustainable energy curriculum, we can:
- Learn and contribute to the process of establishing a non-profit organization.
- Learn and contribute to making presentations to corporations for sponsorships.
- Learn and contribute to proposal writing for grants.
April 28, 2001
- Worked on the SSET web site. Reviewed components (buttons, pages, content, etc.) and responsibilities.
- Defined colors and backgrounds. Discussed issues and set plans for resolution.
- Reviewed web address possibilities using the .ORG extension.
April 15, 2001
- Reviewed and discussed options for the SSET logo. Voted and selected from three options.
April 8, 2001
- Attended a presentation by Jim Grady, President of LighTec reviewing the lighting upgrade project recently completed in public buildings and schools located in Hollis.
March 26, 2001
- Designed and created the SSET logo. Worked with graphic artist Fred Czaja to learn the elements of:
- A good logo design, and
- A successful visual identity.
March 18, 2011
- Learned about logo design with artist Fred Czaja.
- Brainstormed to create a team logo.
March 11, 2011
- Learned the basics of solar energy.
March 2, 2011
- Learned the basics of web design using Adobe Dreamweaver.
- Determined the overall layout of the team web site.
- Discussed and assigned responsibilities for web pages and tab links.
February 25, 2011
- Created a Faceboook page: “Student Sustainable Energy Team”
- Discussed Team logo, web site design, first project (solar energy demo), and meeting logistics (who, where, when, etc.).
February 18, 2011
- Met to kick off the Student Sustainable Energy Team.
- Reviewed SSET goals, planned projects, and objectives.
- Plan to add a lot more to this list!
December 19, 2010
- Prepared for and participated in a fundraiser cookie swap.