Photo: Contributed
Students who CARE are creating a ripple effect in Vernon.
The Climate Action Ripple Effect (CARE) program is in full swing, with more than 200 School District 22 students from grades 7-12 working on projects in support of the City of Vernon’s Climate Action Plan.
One of the almost 50 projects has a team from the Awaken Inquiry and Adventure Okanagan (AIAO) program at Fulton Secondary working with mentor John Wilson from Men’s Shed Vernon to build a working solar-powered water heater.
“We’re hoping someone will like our model enough to help fund the construction of full-size units as a pilot project,” says AIAO student Sloan Halliwell.
The team’s research shows the units could be a low-cost solution for people wanting to save money and the environment.
Adapted from a plan shown in local climate expert John Barling’s Solar Fun book, the model will use a solar panel donated by Roost Solar to heat water in a six-gallon tank.
“If you’re an electrician who can help, please let us know,” says Wilson. “It’s so much fun working with these kids, and they have amazing ideas.”
CARE is a student program supported by School District 22, the City of Vernon, Fresh Outlook Foundation, Community Foundation of North Okanagan, and local sponsors to mobilize student climate action.
The projects will be on display at the CARE summit Dec. 1 at the Vernon Rec Centre, open to the public from 12:15 to 2:15 p.m.
