MINOCQUA - U.S. students lag behind other countries when it comes to science and math, but one Northwoods School is reaching out with a hands on approach to learning.

Back in August, Lakeland Union High School became one of 48 schools statewide to install solar paneling on the roof.

The panels absorb enough energy to power 5 classrooms and saves the school $400 a year in electric bills, but most importantly it inspires students to think about alternative forms of energy.

"Students can see something, hear something, do something with their hands and participate they’re going to retain that information a lot better," said Michael Moore, the manager of Solarized for School Program.

As part of the Solarized for School Program, the Wisconsin Public Service Community Foundation hosted an energy fair Friday.

There were 10 booths tota--all demonstrating various ways to retain energy.

“Eventually we’re going to run out of all the fossil fuels we have right now and we’re not going to know what to do. Once we have the solar energy down it’s going to help us out in the future," said Lakeland High School senior Bryon Andrews.

“At the energy fair they get to do things hands on. They have a quiz they have to learn about some things. They go station to station," said Moore.

This hands on approach to learning is making a difference in the classroom.

Science teacher Ryan Bock said, “One of our motto’s here especially in the Science Department is hands on is minds on. We structure our classrooms around that and you can see that here."

Some of the highlights of Friday's fair--a solar paneled oven and a solar paneled car.

“Our students are the key to our future and the better educated they are the more informed they’ll be to make better decisions," said Bock.

Story By: Jenn Sullivan