Fluorescent Efficiency

Students Get “Schooled” on Renewable Energy Sources

In an attempt to find an alternate source of energy, the city of Harrisburg, West Virginia is targeting children. They will be discussing the idea of building a wind turbine at Thomas Harrison Middle School at tonight’s City Council meeting. It will only be strong enough to power one classroom but the Virginia Center of Wind Energy feels that there are ample learning opportunities for students.

Middle schoolers will be able to witness firsthand the benefits of being “green”. They also will be able to study energy data from the turbine as it works to do its job. Students will have the opportunity to learn more about renewable energy and ask questions as they apply to their learning environment. Motorists passing by the wind turbine will also be “schooled” as to how the system works. They are invited to ask questions and inquire about the proposed project at the City Council meeting.

Teaching the Community

The location of the turbine, next to the school near Route 33, would be in plain view of drivers.

John Bucci, a member of the Virginia Center of Wind Energy explains why it would benefit the community, “It’s one of the most traveled roads in the Valley, so we’ll have people coming in and out of Harrisonburg seeing this turbine,” he explained. “Anyone that has questions or concerns about wind power will be able to see this, and be able to ask questions and learn about it. They’ll be able to come to events and talk about the subject.”

The Future of Energy Education

As environmental concerns become more prevalent, more and more schools will consider testing out revolutionary ideas like solar energy and wind power. This allows their students to take a hands-on approach to learning by observing, recording and reporting data, and studying the effects these items have on their classrooms.

Written by Ecosystem Conscious

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