Sustainability Workshop for Middle School Teachers

Dates: To be Announced
Argonne National Laboratory, Argonne, IL 60439
Limited to 25 middle-school teachers
1.0 semester hour course credit will be provided from Aurora University for a fee of $100

This workshop is an overview of energy-efficient low-carbon footprint technologies that are expected to grow rapidly over the next decade. The first two days participants will explore lighting, renewable energy – solar and wind power, smart grid, fuel cells, and geo-thermal energy (heat pumps) using seminars, discussions, and numerous hands-on activities. By the last day each teacher will have prepared an outline and sustainability lesson or module that they could teach during the upcoming school year.

Tentative Agenda:

Day 1 -

• Welcome, introductions, and workshop overview
• Overview of Sustainability – Joel Stauber, Facilities and Management Services
• What is Climate Change/Climate Disruption – Doug Sisterson, Computing, Environment, and Life Sciences - Atmospheric Radiation Measurement Program
• Energy bike and light emission & generator efficiency; power & costs (two groups)
• Lunch
• Overview of Energy Generation: Nuclear, Coal, Methane, Hydroelectric, Solar, Wind, Bio-fuels (223, S105) – Lou Harnisch, Educational Programs
• Short break
• Proceed to the Instruction Labs – lower level
• Split into two activity groups: 1) make a solar cell or 2) assemble a wind turbine and test efficiency in several configurations

Day 2 -

• Tour of transportation (371) and solar charging station (212) – Glen Keller, Energy Systems – Transportation Technology R & D (or alternate)
• Continue within your activity group: 1) test a solar cell, or 2) test a wind turbine as directed.
• Lunch
• Solar Energy Seminar (223, S105) – Seth Darling, Center for Nanoscale Materials
• Short break
• Intra-group 1 & 2 discussion & preparation for Day 3 plenary presentation (L119 or instructional lab space)
• Before you depart: indicate your duo team, title and presentation order for Day 3 - see sign-up sheet

Day 3 -

• Please submit deliverables through the course of the day
• Group 1 & 2 plenary presentations and discussion of respective activities
• Present duo lesson plan drafts - allow for discussion and feedback
• Lunch
• Finish presentation of duo lesson plan drafts – wrap up discussion
• Teaching/networking follow-up; Closing remarks
• Evaluation; Course credit and/or CPDUs
• Departure

To qualify for this program you must be hold a valid state teaching certificate for 6, 7, 8, or 9th grades. Your teaching load at your school for the 2011-12 academic year must be at least 50% STEM classes. Note: there is no stipend for participating in this workshop.

Registration will resume once the date is announced

For more information contact: Lou Harnisch  630-252-6925,  lharnisch@anl.gov