Earth Day 2001 Los Angeles April 19th, 2001 was dedicated to the students of Los Angeles. Youth from all areas of the city experienced a day full of activities and education for Clean Energy. 2000 students stood hand in hand, and formed a giant Clean Energy "GO SOLAR" aerial art message. This was an opportunity for the youth to send a message to their teachers, their families and their communities. GO Solar Company's solar powered train was a hit with a young and enthusiastic audience. Kids could adjust the speed of the locomotive by shading a solar panel with their hands. Many kids seemed surprised when the train had power when clouds passed overhead. GO Solar Company - solar powered train Kids learning about solar power Setting up the booth Because Earth Day L.A. was dedicated to kids, GO Solar Company did not set up displays demonstrating residential and commercial application of solar power. A 10 gallon solar-sun-shower with a customized 12 volt pump, panel and battery was a hit. Many students had a small paper cup with soil and seeds from another booth, a little shot of water into the cup was requested numerous times. As the day warmed up 10 gallons of water was rapidly depleted by excited students spraying each other and wetting their own heads. 12 volt lighting displays were set up to demonstrate how solar energy can be utilized for lighting purposes. Compact fluorescent's, LED's, and halogen lights could be turned on and off by the students. Many of the kids had never seen LED's (light emitting diodes) before. Solar powered pump inflates the Earth Day ball The first kids start arriving Teaching kids about solar energy A large lens was used to melt crayons. This demonstration seemed to truly show the power of the sun. Two metal plates, one painted white and the other black also showed how solar energy can be absorbed and reflected. Posters with basic schematic diagrams showed students how solar energy can be harvested to generate heat as well as electricity. Clean quiet solar power      Solar Electric Schematic Solar Water Heating Schematic  GO SOLAR and stop burning fossils The highlight of the day was when the kids joined together hand in hand to create a sun with the message GO SOLAR. The spirit of this message is to support conservation and renewable energy. Standing in the middle of the formation is Mr. David Freeman, California Energy Commissioner. Kids forming a sun with "GO SOLAR" in the middle Credits Community Environmental Institute: Kreigh Hampel, Burbank, CA. For providing valuable assistance throughout the concept and working of the booth The Walt Disney Company: Burbank, CA For making three beautiful solar schematic diagram posters Siemens Solar Industries: Camarillo, CA For providing a 10 watt solar panel for the solar train More Interesting Projects   GO Solar Company Phone: 818.566.6870 Fax: 818.566.6879 California - Contractor License Number - C46 Solar 685319 Copyright 1999, 2000, GO Solar Company.