TUCKER COUNTY, WEST VIRGINIA — This spring semester, scientists with Canaan Valley Institute (CVI) worked with eighth-grade students from the Tucker County Gifted Program and Union Educational Complex to perform research experiments on alternative energy and energy efficiency. Students worked in groups with a scientist from CVI or with local alternative energy expert Matt Sherald of PIMBY (Power in My Back Yard) as research mentors to develop their research project.
“We wanted to give the students a chance to perform real research experiments that would reinforce the scientific method. They were also able to learn about some ways energy is produced in our area as well as ways to reduce the use of energy, which will save money while helping the environment” said Alyssa Hana, CVI’s Education Coordinator.
Student projects examined different blade designs for wind mills, if their school was a suitable site for a windmill, the energy efficiency of their classroom, and classroom light levels and efficiency. Their projects culminated with a field trip to Mount Storm Power Plant and the Mountaineer Wind Energy Center followed by a presentation of their project and results.
According to Roseann Barlow, the gifted teacher at Tucker County, “Students got to work with scientists, some of whom have dedicated their lives to energy conservation in their community, and that’s priceless. The students also realized how much energy usage costs and ways to help cut those costs while using math and science to investigate real-world issues.”
CVI will also be co-hosting a three day energy education summer day camp July 19-21 with the National Youth Science Foundation. Students entering sixth through eighth grade are eligible for all the science and energy fun. The camp participants will also work with a research mentor to do a small experiment on alternative energy or energy efficiency while learning about the scientific method and engaging in other STEM activities. The camp will be held at the National Youth Science Center in Davis 9:00-4:00 with one hour drop-off and pick-up period from 8-9 and 4-5. The camp is limited to 20 kids, and a small fee of $25 will be collected for each participant to help offset the cost of lunch and snacks. Parents can call Alyssa Hanna at CVI at 304.259.4705 to reserve a spot for their child. All participants must be registered by July 8th.
These projects are made possible with funding from the Appalachian Stewardship Foundation and the Dominion Foundation.
