Mpala, Kenya: A Summer of Teaching, Research and Learning

1. Mpala, Kenya: A Summer of Teaching, Research and Learning Ishani Sud Under the supervision and guidance of Dr. Soboyejo

2. 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

3. Preparation and Planning • Global Science Club • Food Preservation/Preparation Group • Research on local materials, foods, and food preparation methods • Development of prototypes • Curriculum Planning • Local schools chosen as vehicle for technology transfer

4. 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

5. Material Taught • Most centered around the sun • All Students • Solar energy • Conservation • Renewable vs. Nonrenewable Resources • Older students • Relationship between the sun and the earth • Specifics of how the solar oven works

6. Teaching Techniques • Focus on understanding not memorization • Creative and active approach • Students engaged in hands on projects

8. 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

10. Cultural Sensitivity • As important if not more important than the actual technology • Similar projects have failed • Difference: spent time with the villagers • Approached them as equals • Paid attention to detail • Adapting local recipes for cooking in a solar oven

11. Community Involvement • Parent “fun days” • Students demonstrated what they learned to the community • Older students explained how solar ovens worked • Demonstrations • Sundial • Black vs. White in the sun • Crafts

13. Additional Projects • Eco-tourism lodge • Solar charged lanterns for lighting at night • Solar hot water heating system • Solar/manual pool pump

14. Future Objectives • Assess impact of teaching • Assess degree to which technology transfer took place • Work on other projects • Mpala clinic • Camel vaccine refrigeration project • Land rover solar powered vaccine refrigeration • Eco-tourism lodge • Water purification • Solar powered lamps • Management and training

15. The Experience • Probably walked away with more than we gave • Rich culture • Amazing wildlife • Understanding of the incredible potential for science and engineering solutions

16. Teaching Curriculum

18. Acknowledgements • Dr. Soboyejo • Laurel Harvey • Mrs. Rubenstein and Dr. Rubenstein • Dr. Miguel Centeno and PIIRS • Jody Whitehead • Dr. Bruno Bosacchi • Mpala Research Centre Administration and Staff • Global Science Club • All students and friends who helped Julie and I prepare and plan for the trip