The Solar Village learning activity, held on 23 January 2026 at VET Valmieras tehnikums, involved 11 third-year students of the Renewable Energy Technician programme. The aim was to connect theory and practice by exploring how colour, shading, and material properties affect temperature changes in a solar cube and how these principles relate to sustainable housing and energy efficiency.

Students carried out practical tasks individually, analysed real measurement data, and later visited the Solar Village installation. They used the digital platform Padlet to access instructions, record observations, compare results, and discuss findings collaboratively.

Evaluation results showed strong understanding of key concepts such as heat absorption of darker colours and the cooling effect of shading, as well as improved ability to apply knowledge to real-life energy-efficiency challenges. Despite weather-related limitations that affected measurements, students found visual materials and experiments useful, and teachers highlighted the effectiveness of hands-on learning.

Conclusion: The activity successfully achieved its objectives and demonstrated an effective model of practice-based learning that strengthens technical knowledge, problem-solving skills, and student engagement.