The Department of Energy

A group of fourth graders in Durham, North Carolina, are showing America the way to a clean energy future.

After learning all about solar and other energy sources, Aaron Sebens -- a teacher at Central Park School for Children -- and his fourth grade class came up with a bold idea: make their classroom solar-powered.

The video above documents the students’ journey from idea to reality -- leading up to a celebratory party where Aaron and his students officially “flip-the-switch” on their solar-powered classroom. To fund the project, Aaron’s class launched a crowd-funding campaign that garnered support across America and around the world. The students originally hoped to raise $800 but significantly beat expectations -- raising more than $5,000.