Renewable Energy in Education
Why is Renewable Energy Education Important?
What Your Students Should Know About Solar Energy
How is Arkansas Addressing Energy Education?
Teacher Resources
Other Energy Education Resources
Why is Renewable Energy Education
Important?
Teaching our youth about the benefits of renewable energy is perhaps as important as teaching them grammar or history. As the next generation of energy users, effective education offered early can help our students choose energy sources and behaviors that will benefit everyone. In short, renewable energy education helps create a sustainable energy future.
By teaching the next generation about wise energy choices, we can help alleviate negative impacts associated with energy use, such as:
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Smog
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Acid Rain
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Human Induced Global Climate
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Nuclear Radiation and Waste
Renewable energy education addresses today's hot topics, including:
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Homeland security
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Dependence on foreign oil
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Impacts of energy use on society
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Energy conservation
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Global warming
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Environmental degradation
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Health
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Economy
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Pollution
And, renewable energy education has multi-disciplinary applications. It can be geared to fit into classes such as:
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Science
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Math
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Economics
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Physics
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Social Studies
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History
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Computer classes
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Shop
What Your Students Should Know About Solar Energy
According to the National Energy Education Development Project (NEED), students should know the following upon high school graduation:
All students should know:
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Solar energy provides the world-directly and indirectly-with almost all of its energy. As well as providing the light and heat energy that sustain the world, solar energy is stored in fossil fuels and biomass, and is responsible for hydropower and wind energy.
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Radiant energy is produced as a result of nuclear fusion in the sun's core.
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Solar energy is a renewable energy source. Its potential as an energy source is vast.
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Using solar energy produces no air pollution.
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Solar energy is abundant, but it is diffuse and not available at all hours. It is not yet economical to harness on a large scale to produce electricity.
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Most of the solar energy we use for heat and light cannot be measured. Harnessed solar energy provides a small amount (0.1%) of the nation's total energy consumption.
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Photovoltaic cells convert sunlight directly into electrical energy. Today, they are mainly used in remote areas and for special applications.
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Solar energy is used directly to light and heat buildings and heat water.
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Back-up energy systems are usually needed when using solar energy.
Advanced students also should know:
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Photovoltaic-produced electricity costs more than conventionally produced power; however, PV manufacturing costs are decreasing and cell efficiencies are increasing.
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Concentrating solar energy and directing it toward a receiver can produce high temperatures capable of producing electricity.
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Using proven construction techniques, solar heated and lighted buildings decrease the need for conventional energy sources.
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Solar resources are affected by time of day, season, and location. Using solar energy for heating and lighting is a feasible choice in many areas of the country with current technologies.
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The environmental and economic advantages and disadvantages of using solar energy.
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How photovoltaic cells and concentrated solar power systems transform sunlight into electricity.
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How passive and active solar systems operate.
How is Arkansas Addressing Energy Education?
Educating Arkansas about wise energy use is a top priority for the Arkansas Energy Office. AEO is engaged in several projects designed to improve the awareness of energy efficiency throughout Arkansas. For more information, see AEO's Education page. The following summarizes some of these efforts:
Little Rock's Museum of Discovery is home to a new interactive
energy exhibit, created for students ages 8-14. The
exhibit demonstrates energy concepts in a fun and comprehendible
manner. The exhibit was provided by the Arkansas Energy
Office, and features hands-on displays and video kiosks
that allow visitors to design a simulated, energy-efficient
home suited for the Arkansas climate. They can use energy
generated from their bodies to provide power for light bulbs,
and can even watch hydrogen energy being produced. The exhibit
will be open for five years.
Arkansas residents visit the new interactive energy exhibit.
The Fuel Cell Energy Program was developed for students in grades 10-12 to increase awareness of the non-polluting fuel cell as an energy source and its role in creating a clean green environment. Three central Arkansas high schools took part in the 2003-2004 Fuel Cell Energy Pilot Program. Get more information about some of the equipment used in the program.
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| Arkansas students work to build a model car powered by a fuel cell as part of the Fuel Cell Energy Program. Photo: Arkansas Energy Office | |
Kids Corner offers online energy games to test your knowlege.
Students also will benefit from the Arkansas Energy Data Profile, which provides a host of useful Arkansas energy data, as well as photos, video clips and more!