Educational Renewable Energy Structure (ERES)
In March 2015, North Star Elementary School approved the Renewable Energy Structure project to move forward for project initiation within the ACE 21st Century After School Program. This project will result in the development of an educational renewable energy structure (ERES) and supports the YISD strategy of providing college/career workforce opportunities for students. There is currently no comparable structure in the district and its completion will serve as a milestone for further funding of STEM, specifically pertaining to renewable resource, projects by the 21st Century program, YISD, and/or community partners.
The premise of ERES is linked to its name. By definition, "eres" is the second person present tense of the irregular verb "ser (to be)" in the indicative mood. It means "you are…”. Therefore, it gives the participant the opportunity to define “who they are” and not be defined by statistical data but rather by innate choice. After all, life is a series of choices made in sequential order that bring about a certain level results. The ERES project allows for students to take the role of engineers, architects, technologists, etc. In addition, students involved in the project will be presented with the opportunity to work directly with materials, renewable energy sources, and professionals that they might not have access to regularly. This will be provided by a robust material budget, quality materials, and local community/educational partnerships.
The 21st Century Program at North Star has been successful in providing varied opportunities for STEM knowledge acquisition, hands-on activities, and college/career and workforce learning opportunities. During the School year, the program serves a co-ed group of 160 students on a daily basis. The grade levels range from Kinder through 5th grade with all special populations and cultural groups represented. In the summer, a group of 120 students are able to partake in innovative learning experiences via a 6 weeks Summer Program. By using its resources to expand STEM opportunities for program students and the community, the 21st Century Program at North Star can position itself as a significant contributor to the feeder pattern’s STEM program at Parkland High School and the school district’s college readiness goal.
In March 2015, North Star Elementary School approved the Renewable Energy Structure project to move forward for project initiation within the ACE 21st Century After School Program. This project will result in the development of an educational renewable energy structure (ERES) and supports the YISD strategy of providing college/career workforce opportunities for students. There is currently no comparable structure in the district and its completion will serve as a milestone for further funding of STEM, specifically pertaining to renewable resource, projects by the 21st Century program, YISD, and/or community partners.
The premise of ERES is linked to its name. By definition, "eres" is the second person present tense of the irregular verb "ser (to be)" in the indicative mood. It means "you are…”. Therefore, it gives the participant the opportunity to define “who they are” and not be defined by statistical data but rather by innate choice. After all, life is a series of choices made in sequential order that bring about a certain level results. The ERES project allows for students to take the role of engineers, architects, technologists, etc. In addition, students involved in the project will be presented with the opportunity to work directly with materials, renewable energy sources, and professionals that they might not have access to regularly. This will be provided by a robust material budget, quality materials, and local community/educational partnerships.
The 21st Century Program at North Star has been successful in providing varied opportunities for STEM knowledge acquisition, hands-on activities, and college/career and workforce learning opportunities. During the School year, the program serves a co-ed group of 160 students on a daily basis. The grade levels range from Kinder through 5th grade with all special populations and cultural groups represented. In the summer, a group of 120 students are able to partake in innovative learning experiences via a 6 weeks Summer Program. By using its resources to expand STEM opportunities for program students and the community, the 21st Century Program at North Star can position itself as a significant contributor to the feeder pattern’s STEM program at Parkland High School and the school district’s college readiness goal.