The 2008 Hampshire Solar Energy Challenge aimed to:
- Encourage creativity, invention and problem solving in designing and making a solar device from recycled materials e.g. credit or the retainer of sim cards and tetra-packs.
- Teach STEM [Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics] subjects. QCA considered using solar energy to help pupils “transfer knowledge and skills between different subjects to develop engineering skills in a cross curricular context”
- Meets “Enjoy and Achieve” outcomes of Every Child Matters and to carry out “Leading Teachers for Gifted and Talented Education” activities.” The solar resource is considered to be a useful way of addressing “Enrichment and Enhancement “ needs of schools. As well as, CPD needs to strengthen the knowledge and skills in Science & Technology related to sustainability.