Page 9 - TTWIFall2023

Energy
Teaching Today Wisconsin | fall 2023, Volume 1 page 9

Energy Education program Teaches the Basics and Complexities

of Renewable Energy

Joe Phillips
Osseo-Fairchild School District Explore the future of Energy at osseo-fairchild’s
There is certainly no doubt that we are in the
midst of an energy transformation. From fossil 1st annual High School Energy fair
fuels to renewable sources, the way we harness
useful energy is experiencing a major shift. Prior We are in the midst of an unprecedented eat in the commons or outside.
to the industrial revolution, our energy needs change in energy usage, conservation, tech- Students who attend this event will see
were relatively modest. In modern times, and as nological advances, and career opportunities. some of the technology advances before
we proceed into the future, our energy needs and This is an unparalleled opportunity to see ANY other students in our area. From actual
demands are growing at an unprecedented rate. what these changes look like, what our future hydrogen fuel demonstrations, experts dem-
How we capture that energy to meet our growing is moving toward, and how our students onstrating the future of battery storage, or
needs is of great concern. “rolling blackouts” AND staff can both grow and benefit from local school districts showing how they
during summer months is a frequent phrase used the changes. measure energy loss using drones, the
in many locations. The first annual high school Energy opportunity to see this all in one place is
Now, let’s consider the other focus of our Technology Fair is being held at the Osseo- unbelievably unique.
energy shift: our loved ones. I have two beauti- Fairchild High School Campus on October Staff who attend will not only get to
ful young children who are going to continue to 11! Sponsored by Xcel Energy, this immer- experience the same technology that students
grow up in a world that is experiencing a shift sive experience is unlike anything high school witness, but will also receive lesson plans
in habitability unlike anything we’ve witnessed. students or staff has experienced before! and rEAL solutions to implementing this
Mass migrations, extreme weather events, and Solar? Yes! Wind turbines? Yes! Hydrogen into your classes (or building new renewable
have you noticed that smoke from the unprec- fuel cells? Yes! energy classes altogether). The resources,
edented wildfires? You too have loved ones that District, we’ve chosen to offer a pathway to This is an all-day event that begins at networking, and curriculum provided will
are living in a changing climate. What will their students that will directly impact the lives of 9:00 am in the Osseo-Fairchild auditorium allow you and your school to see how realis-
future hold? families, the future of sustainability, and the and concludes at 2:00 pm. Schools in atten- tic it is to teach your students and community
The success of our future, no matter the health of our planet. This pathway, termed our dance will be allowed a maximum of 25 about energy.
topic of choice, has always lied with the educa- “Energy Education Program,” emerges students students and will be responsible for their own Details at:sites.google.com/view/
tion of our children. What we teach them now into both the basics and the complexities of transportation. Students should bring their josephphillips/events
leads to the choices they’ll make in the future. renewable energy. own lunch and will have the opportunity to
Our future. Here at the Osseo-Fairchild School Continued on page 12