A new proposal from West Philadelphia after-school innovators
Hybrid X Engineering Team could lead the public school system in
a greener direction, using sustainable rehabilitation including green roofs and solar panels as a hands-on
teaching tool, and keeping the next generation of students where they
belong.
As part of a submission to GE's annual
EcoMagination Challenge, the Hybrid X team has created a comprehensive plan for Green
Technology High School, a fully functional high school powered by a
series of green energy systems entirely maintained and monitored by
students. These systems would provide full access to a science and math
curriculum geared toward the green jobs of the future.
"These
students know what is going on, they see their friends in the mix, and
then they see their own experience, traveling around the country,
meeting top scientists," says founder Simon Hauger. "They want more kids
to be affected by this.
Founded in 1998, the Hybrid X team has
worked on creating hybrid car systems. Their hybrid racecar, built in
2005, won a national competition and went on to gain media attention not
only for its hybrid engine but its speed and sleek design. The club has
routinely beaten college-level teams in engineering competitions, most
recently reaching the semi-final round of the Progressive Automotive X
Prize. Green Technology High School will be the team's first foray into
green building but according to Hauger, it won't be the last, especially
if the team wins. Vote for them
here.
"They tell us 'this is what school should be," says Hauger. "All the learning that
needs to occur can be based in real stuff instead of just go to class,
get lectured for an hour, go to the next class, get lectured for an
hour, its just not working. And these kids know better than anyone."
Source: Simon Hauger, Hybrid X Team
Writer: John Steele