HPI Students present SolarSPELL Technology to International Teachers

A group of Perrysburg students and teachers recently presented a technology project – Solar-Powered, Electronic Learning Libraries or SolarSPELLS – to visiting educators from around the world.

Students from the SolarSPELL Club at Hull Prairie Intermediate School demonstrated the technology to twenty-one teachers from as many countries. The teachers were visiting the school for the day to learn about the programing in the STEM school as well as sharing their culture and information about their countries and schools. The teachers presented to different classes, had lunch with the students and compared their culture and experiences with HPI teachers throughout the day. The visit was part of a six-week program through Bowling Green State University and the U.S Department of State. Perrysburg resident Sharon Subreenduth has brought this program to the area for the sixth consecutive year, and Perrysburg Schools has been a partner since the beginning.

For the SolarSPELL presentations, the international teachers, school administrators and HPI teachers heard two presentations: “What is a SolarSPELL,” and “How Does a SolarSPELL work?” Students Blake Turner and Chase Kunkle presented the “what,” and Marcus Lauber and Jack Bowe presented the “how.” STEM and radical design teachers Julie Farkas and Mike Lease, who are advisors to the Solar SPELL Club, along with Bill Hilt, an HPI social studies teacher, assisted the students.

According to Blake and Chase, the digital libraries built by the students are designed to provide users with an “Internet-like” experience without actually using the Internet. They are pre-loaded with information including about 50 reference resources, such as Wikipedia for Kids with over 6,000 articles and 50,000 images, a medical encyclopedia, information on first-aid, safety and nutrition. Academic resources include math, science, language arts and creative arts.

The units were originally designed by Arizona State University and they supply the plans for constructing the units as well as parts lists. The SolarSPELLS are designed to withstand even the most grueling environments and are waterproof and shock resistant. Marcus and Jack gave the technical overview, which left the audience impressed with their ability to understand complex concepts.

“The whole project is quite a collaboration,” said Mr. Lease. Perrysburg Schools Foundation provided funding to purchase the components of the SolarSPELLS through its mini-grant program. The Board of Education approved the formation of the club, Mr. Lease has donated funds to help purchase additional supplies to make more devices, Mr. Hilt has worked with the World Affairs Council of Northwest Ohio to locate and fund shipping to chosen destinations and the students have helped assemble the units.

“It's a great project that brings together these students’ love of technology, as well as their willingness to be exemplary global citizens. They are developing a sense of civic responsibility and demonstrating an ability to take action to improve lives,” stated Mr. Hilt.