2006
Missouri Botanical Garden, EarthWays Center received the Inspiring Efficiency Education Award for Missouri Schools Going Solar, an education program that gives K-12 students hands-on experience with photovoltaic (PV) technology and energy education that extends beyond the classroom. This program installs photovoltaic panel (PV) modules or arrays on school grounds and provides energy education meeting state-mandated science curriculum requirements. Missouri teachers receive important professional development opportunities that connect them to energy education experts at EarthWays Center and at the Energy Center of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources. Students participate in inquiry-based learning activities developing valuable data collection and analysis skills. The students extend energy education to the community by serving as "Solar Ambassadors" at events that inform the community about energy issues and solutions. Missouri Schools Going Solar is sponsored by the Missouri Department of Natural Resources, administered by the Missouri Botanical Garden's EarthWays center, and supported by AmerenUE and Kansas City Power & Light.