Journal Article

FZJ-2022-01306

http://join2-wiki.gsi.de/foswiki/pub/Main/Artwork/join2_logo100x88.png Last Generation Solar Cells in Outer Space: A STEM Outreach Project with Middle and High School Students in Colombia

Perea, J. D. (Corresponding author) ; Gasca, D. C. ; Echeverry-Prieto, G. ; Quiroga-Fonseca, V. ; Orozco-Donneys, C. ; Días-Montealegre, L. C. ; Ortiz, A. ; Molina, G. ; Cruz, D. ; Persad, A. ; Redd-Kantareddy, S. N. ; Wachsmuth, J. ; Heumüller, T.FZJ* ; Brabec, C.FZJ* ; Toro, V. A. R. ; Salguero, C.

2021
Lectito Journals [Erscheinungsort nicht ermittelbar]

This record in other databases:  

Please use a persistent id in citations: http://hdl.handle.net/2128/33285  doi:10.208977ejsteme/11353

Abstract: As part of an unprecedented collaborative outreach effort, we implemented an innovative STEM outreach project, where more than 80 middle and high school students from different traditionally underrepresented school districts in Colombia -with no previous knowledge on material science or photovoltaics- created Last Generation Solar Cells (LGSCs) that were part of several suborbital spaceflight missions. As a result, the students were able to contrast visual and instrumental data obtained from the solar cells and modules that were launched to space with similar samples that remained on earth to measure the degradation that occurs during spaceflight conditions. At the same time, the students that participated were able to cultivate their curiosity, strengthen their scientific skills and increase their interest in pursuing careers in STEM fields. These experiences were possible thanks to an extraordinary collaborative network between public and private entities and the use of project-based education as a powerful driver of development, especially for low-to-middle-income countries, such as Colombia. Here, we share our methodology for constructing photovoltaic devices in rural settings, and we show the progression and impact of this novel scientific outreach project.

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Contributing Institute(s):

1. Helmholtz-Institut Erlangen-Nürnberg Erneuerbare Energien (IEK-11)

Research Program(s):

1. 1221 - Fundamentals and Materials (POF4-122) (POF4-122)
2. 2155 - Society and the terrestrial environment (POF4-215) (POF4-215)

Appears in the scientific report 2022

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Database coverage:
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