Peer-to-Peer Learning Journey

Zuni High School - UNM Renewable Energy Design Project

Mission of the project

A renewable project between the University of New Mexico and Zuni High School, which aims at exposing more high school students to STEM and its applications in the real world. The project lasted during the Spring 2025 semester, where Zuni high school students were able to work in a team setting with their UNM group. Together they completed activities, while also discussing how these technologies can be applied to their community.

Overview

This capstone project, conducted as part of ECE 484/584 Photovoltaics, establishes a partnership between students enrolled in an advanced electrical engineering course and students from Zuni High School.

The project is designed to demonstrate the real-world applicability of academic concepts, helping high school students understand that the knowledge they gain in school can be used to solve practical problems and create tangible outcomes. Throughout the project, Zuni High School students explored the fundamentals of solar energy systems, including how solar panels work, how they interact with electrical grids, and how to assess system viability. Thus giving students a clear sense of how renewable energy can be integrated into everyday life.

By participating in this experience, Zuni High School students are encouraged to explore STEM fields, develop confidence in their abilities, and consider future educational and career opportunities in related disciplines. For students in ECE 584, the project offers the opportunity to apply technical knowledge in a community-focused setting while also strengthening skills in communication, leadership, and mentorship. This collaboration not only enriches the educational experience of both groups but also promotes a stronger connection between the university and the local community.

Ultimately, this capstone project supports the broader goal of increasing access to STEM education and inspiring the next generation of engineers.

Gallery

Robert gets off the bus at UNM

Orientation

Students came to UNM to learn about the project.

Activity 1

Zuni High School students traveled to the University of New Mexico, where they were able to learn and create their own solar cell. They learned skills like soldering and were able to apply that to their own individual cell.

Activity 2

Mentors from the University of New Mexico traveled to Zuni High School. Here the students learned how to add their solar cell into a solar panel and test it. They were able to apply their teachings in a physical manner.

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Activity 3

Zuni High School students presented their projects and findings at the University of New Mexico. They presented in front of a live and online audience, where they were asked questions about their project.

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Students test the solar panel that they created.

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Students talk in Shiwi'ma - the language of the Zuni Pueblo.

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Students talk in Shiwi'ma - the language of the Zuni Pueblo.

Conclusion

This project gave Zuni High School students an early and practical introduction to STEM. They were able to connect what they learn in school to real-world situations by working with university students. Through activities like calculating energy usage and designing solar systems, they saw how engineering can make a difference in people’s lives. This experience helped build their confidence, sparked interest in STEM subjects, and showed them that they can use what they learn to solve real problems. It also gave them the tools to start thinking about how they can help improve their own communities.

Photo of some of the Zuni High School students with the project contributors at their visit to UNM