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