Solar Cooking

Today our friend Patty with SolChef came to teach us about solar cooking. We had no idea we could cook just about anything using the energy from the sun!

First Patty explained to us how the ovens work.
Next she showed us the various types and how you can bake in some and fry in others…

And last we got to eat!

While enjoying our treats, Patty informed us that over 1/3 of the world cooks their food over an open fire because they don’t have electricity. These people do not have clean water either. Solar ovens are an affordable way to cook and clean water. For more information check out Solar Cookers International.

Tent Competition

Our overnight is coming up in just a few weekends so we thought we’d have a little tent competition: Boys vs. Girls. With a little teamwork, and lots of confused onlookers from Speer Blvd. our tents were complete and ready to be used! I think we are ready for the mountains!

What do we need to bring?

Today students at PS1 took a field trip to REI’s Denver flagship store to learn about the various items they need to bring on our first camping trip. Each team of students was responsible for learning about different gear:clothing, tents, sleeping bags, backpacks, food and cooking, and footwear. Based on our upcoming trip to Golden Gate Canyon State Park, they interviewed an REI specialist as to what they should bring, and then reported back to our group. We learned a ton, including why not to bring our favorite cotton hooded sweatshirt, what the temperature rating on a sleeping bag means, why we need a sleeping pad, and how in the world we are going to fit all the stuff we need in a backpack!

D’Razane trying out a sleeping pad

Nature Sculptures

Today, students at PS1 learned about nature sculptor Andy Goldsworthy. Goldsworthy is an innovative artist who uses only natural materials, such as flowers, icicles, rocks, mud, leaves, pinecones, and snow. After viewing several of Goldsworthy’s pieces, we ventured down to the Cherry Creek River to create our own!

D’Razhane, Kenia, and Zach formed their sculpture out of rocks, sand, twigs, and leaves. It is both a “mini” shelter and castle.

Edward and Jacob created an underwater sculpture!

DNC: Greening Denver!

This past week, Denver hosted the DNC, and with it, came several “green” events and exhibits. We at PS1 took advantage of these activities and learned a lot about what’s new in environmental sustainability. First, we attended “Partly Sunny: Designs to Change the Forecast,” an exhibit highlighting over three dozen innovative projects from around the globe that address climate change.

We learned about bike sharing programs, local farm initiatives, and even a dance club that generates electricity from its dancing patrons!

At the end of our tour, PS1 students all made a pledge to do something to reduce their environmental footprint.

Next, we toured the Xcel Energy Solar Decathlon House designed and built by CU engineering students. The house is completely powered by solar energy as well as uses many technologies that the average home owner could incorporate in their own home. Students asked lots of good questions such as, “What happens when there is no sun?, and How is the house heated and cooled down?” We even got to climb up in to the lofted sleeping area!