In celebration of the solar equinox, University of Vermont’s (UVM) Society of Physics Students (SPS) volunteered at a September 21 event hosted by Renewable Energy Vermont and sponsored by Hula in honor of Sun Day, a day of action celebrating the power of clean energy.  UVM students helped to communicate science and bring hands-on activities to roughly a hundred people at ECHO's Hoehl Park in Burlington.

Undergraduates in the College of Engineering and Mathematical Sciences, Aurelia Bolton, Leo Neumann, and Samuel Robertson, joined graduate student Holly Wilson and Professor Luke Donforth to facilitate science activities. Visitors had the chance to optimize a wind turbine to generate the most electricity as well as build their own pinwheel to take home. Attendees could also investigate and play with circuits powered by solar panels, learn about energy efficiency of LEDs versus incandescent bulbs with hand-crank generators, and boil water with a solar collector. UVM’s Society of Physics Students chapter partnered with Vermont Energy Education Program (VEEP), who supplied equipment and materials while SPS provided engaging presenters and a wealth of knowledge about the fundamental science behind the activities. 

a child and a man stading on either side of a table
Samuel Robertson works with a young visitor to explore solar-panel-powered circuits.

UVM has a strong reputation as a school that strives to make an impact.  For the SPS students, today was a chance to invest in their future both through educating the public about renewable energy and by practicing the critical skill of communicating science to a wide variety of audiences. UVM’s SPS chapter has a long history of public outreach and this Sun Day event provided another opportunity to show just how engaged and bright these students are and how they are helping to build a better future for all.

four people standing around a table
Leo Neumann and Aurelia Bolton, both SPS officers, help a curious family investigate energy efficiency by lighting up different bulbs with a hand-crank generator.

Sun Day is organized by a coalition of grassroots organizations, clean energy experts, solar industry and worker organizations, schools, affordable housing, farmers, and creative partners. Sun Day holds international reach with people across the world spending time to learn and advocate for clean power. This year there were more than 450 events held around the U.S., with a dozen events held in Vermont.