This past weekend, 21 grade 8 enriched-math students participated in a community service trip to Solisterra in Kazabazua, Quebec. Students had hands-on experiential learning with renewable energy sources and sustainable construction while living in a straw bale house for two days, operated mainly by solar power. They completed two projects: the assembly and launching of an 80-foot windmill and the building of a straw-bale chicken coop. Four chickens were on site eagerly awaiting their new home!

Two students write about their experience at Solisterra:

Solisterra was by far the most educational and most amusing school trip I’ve ever been on. I would have never thought that working in the hot sun for eight hours straight could be so much fun. On this trip I learned a lot about sustainable energy, using power tools, construction and working efficiently. I thought it was very impressive that I was sleeping in the biggest straw bale house in the world and that it was fully run on Solar Energy. The highlight of my trip was the satisfaction of seeing the 80 foot windmill finally go up after all the hard work that we put into it. I would love to do this trip again in my future years at LCC! – Yianni Manousakis ’16

The Solisterra experience was a very enjoyable yet hard working experience. Building a house and a windmill at Solisterra was such a unique experience. Even though it was hot and hard work, I very much enjoyed seeing the finished results of the projects that we started. Not only was the work rewarding but the house we stayed at was awesome and very spacious, and the food was absolutely delicious. The owners, our teachers and others that helped out were all very supportive and helpful. Overall this was a fun and exciting experience.- Cole Ellicott’ 16

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