Challenge Lab Students Design Tiny Home Models

Thanks to a generous grant from Orange and Rockland Utilities, awarded to South Orangetown Middle School Technology teacher Edith Nowak last year, eighth grade Challenge Lab students are diving into the world of renewable energy by designing and building tiny home models powered by sustainable resources! 

Throughout the project this spring, students explored solar panels, wind turbines and hand crank generators to power lights in their tiny homes. Students also learned how to use a multimeter to measure voltage and determine the most effective energy source for Rockland County’s climate. Taking their designs one step further, students are going to be incorporating BBC Micro:bits to add a smart home feature, such as clap-on/clap-off light system to their home design. Nowak said, “This project not only gives students hands-on experience with renewable energy but also challenges them to think like engineers by collaborating to problem-solve!”