Fifth grade students had the unique opportunity to visit the Solar Decathlon Contest on October 15, 2007 on the National Mall in Washington, DC. Students saw solar-powered houses designed and built by 20 teams from universities around the United States and from Canada, Puerto Rico, Spain and Germany. The goals of the Solar Decathlon match the goals of the Maryland Green Schools program. Student learned about solar power, electric cars, recycled building materials. They also learned how the university students use math, science and technology every day while designing, building and maintaining the homes.

(Credit: Richard King/Solar Decathlon)

A University of Maryland student explains to Oakland Terrace students a unique indoor waterfall that actually helps to dehumidify the house.	(Credit: Jim Tetro/Solar Decathlon) The LEAF House from the University of Maryland. Connect to their website here.

Students stand in the University of Santa Clara house with the Capitol in the background	Students stand by one of the electric cars that is powered by the sun. Each team must generate enough power for the house, but also to run their electric car.

Two students from Ms. Mason's class visit the Texas A&M entry in the 2007 Solar Decathlon in Washington, D.C. They notice the team's reflecting pond, which can act as a heat sink in the summer. (Credit: Kaye Evans-Lutterodt/Solar Decathlon)	Jeffrey Gunther explains the technologies behind Cornell University's "Light Canopy" – a framework of steel trusses – supports solar electricity panels, solar hot water tubes and vegetated screens for shade. (Credit: Kaye Evans-Lutterodt/Solar Decathlon)

Inside the University of Texas House (Credit: Kaye Evans-Lutterodt/Solar Decathlon)	Ms. Grier's students at the Solar Decathlon