GWCS students take a field trip into the future - Solar Decathlon, Washington, DC

The GWCS Sustainable Living, Environmental Science, and Astrophysics classes visited the Solar Decathlon on the national mall last week.  Thanks to Ms. Schneider, Ms. Gaughan and Ms. McDonald for driving and helping to chaperone.  We went into the solar houses and talked to the teams of students who built them, learning about sustainable design, energy efficient building techniques and solar power.  If you have never been - be sure to add it to your calendar for next year.

From the Solar Decathlon website:  "The U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon challenges collegiate teams to design, build, and operate solar-powered houses that are cost-effective, energy-efficient, and attractive.  The winner of the competition is the team that best blends affordability, consumer appeal and design excellence with optimal energy production and maximum efficiency."

Visit the DOE website to see photos of all of the houses and learn more about this annual competition:   http://www.solardecathlon.gov/