Environmental science students, from left, Kaitlyn Feuring, Courtney Ross and Jada Erdahl fill out a sheet with data from the light sensor and mini solar panel.
From left, Liz Leyva, Miriam Garcia (back) and Vicente Gonzalez work on collecting data from a mini solar panel during an environmental class last week.
Liz Leyva, left, Miriam Garcia and Vicente Gonzalez look over data collected by the Logger Pro system from the mini solar panel during an environmental science class last week.
BRITT — Liz Leyva moved the probe next to the mini solar panel while Miriam Garcia collected data on the computer while sitting outside of the West Hancock High School last week.
The pair, along with Vicente Gonzalez, were working to determine how much power the sun gives off during Heather Schoenwetter's environmental science class.
The students used a Logger Pro software system, along with light senors and mini solar panels, to collect and analyze the data on computers.
Schoenwetter said the school district has had the Logger Pro system since 2001. The system was originally purchased through a grant from former science teachers Bob Grandgenett and Jim Timmerman.
"Every year we update it," Schoenwetter said.
She added the light sensors this year.
"It makes it continued learning," Schoenwetter said. And adds to the annual energy and light unit.
The students first tested the light senors with a lamp before moving outside to test solar power.
"We looked at different types of energy," Jada Erdahl said of the unit. Energy from nuclear, solar, renewable and non-renewable sources.
"It's kind of cool learning about the different types of energy we use and what is better for the environment," Erdahl said.