ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. –  A group of Mechanical engineering students are taking part in a live-streamed “Science in the Community” event at noon Friday, Sept. 19

Explora! Science Center in Albuquerque is hosting the event on Facebook to inspire interest in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and arts. Students Dana Figueroa, Gabriel Maestas, Isaac Flores and Seth Sisneros will discuss the new Sunchaser2k20 Educational Tool, which they developed for NMSEA as an education tool for displaying renewable energy concepts.   

The four students interned with N.M. Solar Energy Association during the summer of 2020, developing the next generation of SunChaser to promote science education in New Mexico schools. A new Sun Chaser is being designed to take the place of the older version, one that has greater capabilities and is more representative of modern renewable technology.

A new Sun Chaser is being designed from the ground up with a greater set of capabilities and better function than the previous generation. The new Sun Chaser (pictured at right) will include these technologies:

• Photovoltaics​
• Monocrystalline solar panel system​
• Solar water heating​
• Running water system
• Radiant Floor Heating
• Passive solar architecture
• Deployable solar panel awning system
• Insulation​
• Fully enclosed and insulated
• Energy efficient appliances
• Mini split air conditioning

Dr. Ashok Ghosh, professor of Mechanical Engineering is currently serving as the president of Solar Energy Association.

Ghosh said, “NMT students will be encouraged to see their peers getting involved in community services. Many NMT community members will be interested to share this event.”

Event: Science Fiesta at Explora

When: Noon Friday, Sept. 18

Facebook link: https://www.facebook.com/ExploraScienceCenter/?fref=tag

The NMSEA SunChaser Educational Outreach Program was initiated in the late 1990’s when NMSEA volunteers put together the first “SunChaser” renewable energy education van.

The SunChaser program graduated from the single trailer (which has been retired) to a handful of renewable energy education “kits” manned by trained SunChaser instructors based at NMSEA’s local chapters. In 2011, NMSEA visited 56 schools around New Mexico, and gave SunChaser presentations to over 5,900 students. In addition, NMSEA attended 28 separate Community Events. 

Several iterations of the SunChaser van/trailer, along with a large “Villager” sun oven and a variety of other solar-powered demos criss-crossed the roads of New Mexico, visiting schools and attending community fairs and events.

NMSEA still visits schools and gives SunChaser presentations, but educational outreach efforts are moving into the virtual world and the organization is working hard to develop unique web-based educational content.