Energy Camps
Energy Camp Schedule for Mid- Michigan Summer 2012
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Week 1 Basic Energy Resources and Energy Efficiency (June 11-15, 2012)
Student will experience the phenomenon of their energy being transformed into electrical, radiant, thermal and sound energy. By tracing the flow of energy required to power the Energy Bike, learners comprehend that most forms of energy on earth can be traced back to the sun. Students will learn about other forms of renewable energy and how to become more energy efficient. What is a watt?" and "How much power do you use?
Week 2 Kid Wind (June 18-22, 2012)
Students will learn about where energy comes from, and how we use energy. Students will see the difference in the speed and smoothness of the wind at different altitudes above the earth. Blade design and engineering is one of the most complicated and important aspects of current wind turbine technology. Engineers strive to design blades that extract as much energy from the wind as possible while also being durable, quiet and cheap. Students will build different wind turbines and test them.
Week 3 SunWise (June 25-29, 2012) for Ages 6-10 years
The SunWise Program is an environmental and health education program that aims to teach children grades K-5 and their caregivers how to protect themselves from overexposure to the sun. The time commitment necessary to implement SunWise is minimal, while the potential payoff in lower skin cancer rates - and other health benefits in the future - is high. There will be fun activities provided.
Week 4 Water, Water (July 9-13, 2012)
Students will learn about sufficient quality and quantity of water that is vital for all water users (energy producers, farmers and ranchers, fish and wildlife, manufacturers, recreationists, rural and urban dwellers). Water resources management is crucial for providing tomorrow’s children with social and economic stability in a healthy and sustainable environment. Students will participate in clean water science activities.
Week 5 Solar (July 23-27, 2012)
Students will develop an understanding of the relationship between the angle of the sun and the energy available in sunlight. Students will also utilize solar panels and develop an understanding on how they produce energy. Students will be involved in building a solar car or use a solar oven to cook a snack.
Week 6 Ecosystems (July 30-August 3, 2012)
Students will learn about Michigan Ecosystems, recycling, water cycle, energy flows and have hands on activities. Depending on the camp location students may learn about the sustaining fish and wildlife resources and may even try their hands at fishing or other ecosystem activities.
Week 7 Project Wild (August6-10, 2012)
Project Wild is one of the most widely-used conservation and environmental education programs in the nation. This program is based on the premise that young people have a vital interest in learning about our natural world. Students will learn and have activities that teach them how to think, not what to think about wildlife and the environment. Depending on the camp location students may learn about the ecological, social and political to sustaining fish and wildlife resources.
Week 8 Engineering (August 13-17, 2012)
Students will learn the basics about engineering so that they have ability to understand and manipulate the physical world around them. Students will also design, build, and test structures. Engineering students from local college and universities may also be on hand.
Locations and student registrations coming April 2012.
If you are looking for an exciting way to educate students in your summer camp or after school programs, give us a call at (517) 669-5389 for information on how we can help. We offer the camps that include the classes outlined below but can create a custom curriculum to fit your needs. Schedule us for a few hours or for a whole week of renewable energy courses and experiments. Fees apply.
Energy Bike
- The Energy Bike activities are an ideal vehicle for the demonstration of energy conversion. Student will experience the phenomenon of their energy being transformed into electrical, radiant, thermal and sound energy. By tracing the flow of energy required to power the Energy Bike, learners comprehend that most forms of energy on earth can be traced back to the sun. (1.5-2 hours)
WIND
- Potential energy meets kinetic energy
Student groups will use a variety of household materials to build a mechanical wind turbine. No prior experience is necessary; grades 3 and up. This activity is limited to 30 students. Space for building and testing, and electrical outlets are required for this activity. (1.5-2 hours)
- Wind turbine electricity generation
Students will facilitate the transfer of kinetic energy to electrical energy. This activity is limited to 25 students, grades 4 and up. Space for building and testing, and electrical outlets are required for this activity. There is a materials fee per turbine if you would like to keep them. (1hour) ***See Wind turbine blade design challenge activity for a lesson extension.
- Wind turbine blade design challenge
The goal of this class is to design the best turbine blades for maximum electrical voltage. Students will be instructed in blade design features that affect the efficiency of wind capture. Classroom and building space and electrical outlets are required. This activity is limited to 25 students, grades 4 and up. (2 hours)
SOLAR
- Solar powered Lego car
Students work together or individually to build a solar powered Lego vehicle. This activity is limited to 25 students, grades 2 and up. Space for building and access to the outdoors is required for this activity. (1.5-2 hours)
- Solar powered flashlight
This activity incorporates recycling by using a plastic bottle to craft a solar powered flashlight. Students can work in groups or individually. There is a materials fee for each flashlight built, and the activity is limited to 25 students, grades 6 and up. Classroom space is required. (2 hours)
- Solar oven
Students will work in groups to design and build a functional solar powered oven. This activity is limited to 25 students, grades 4 and up. Classroom space and outdoor space are required. (2-3 hours, depending on activity)
- Solar still
Students will learn how to make a solar still in order to harvest drinkable water from undrinkable water. This activity is limited to 25 students, grades 4 and up. Classroom space and outdoor space are required. (2-3 hours, depending on activity)
- Solar radiation water pasteurization
A life saving lesson! Untreated water often has harmful bacteria and microbes that can cause illness and even death. Students will pasteurize untreated water using solar radiation. This lesson incorporates data collection, solar energy observation, and creative innovation all while learning a survivor skill. The activity is limited to 20 students, grades 6 and up. Outdoor learning space is required. (2-3 hours)
BIOMASS
- Biomass to heat energy conversion
Students will build a biomass burner and will observe the heat energy conversion from burning a biomass source. Data collection, recording, and reporting will be included in this activity. This activity is limited to 20 students, grades 6 and up. Classroom space is required for this activity. (2 hours)
- Ethanol from biomass
Students will observe the process of fermentation and the challenge of producing ethanol from cellulosic sources. This activity is limited to 20 students, grades 6 and up. Classroom space is required for this activity. (2-3 hours)
- Renewable and nonrenewable heat energy comparison
Student groups will experiment with different types of fuel in a heat comparison exercise. This activity is limited to 25 students, grades 6 and up. Classroom space is required for this activity. (2 hours)
HYDROPOWER
- Hydropower harnessed
Students will design and build a small scale functioning water wheel and turbine. This activity is limited to 30 students, grades 3 and up. Classroom space and internet connection are required for this activity. (3 hours)
GEOTHERMAL
- Geothermal power
Students will produce an experiment that demonstrates how a geothermal power plant works. This activity is limited to 25 students, grades 6 and up. Classroom space and internet connection are required for this activity. (3 hours)
RESOURCE EFFICIENCY and CONSERVATION
- Carbon footprints
Students will learn about carbon footprints, emissions, and environmental impacts on the environment. This activity incorporates both science and language arts standards. The activity is limited to 30 students, grades 6 and up. Classroom space, computers, and internet access are required for this activity. (1.5 hours)
- Comparison of light bulb efficiencies
Students will experiment with various light bulbs to determine wattage and effciency. This activity is limited to 30 students, grades 5 and up. Grades 4 and under may also experience this lesson without the worksheet activity. Classroom space is required for the worksheet activity. (1 hour)
- Conservation and recycling
Students discover landfill statistics, recycling practices, and conservation techniques. This activity is limited to 30 students, grades 3 and up. Classroom space and internet connection are required for this activity. (3 hours)