Introduction to renewable energy generation and smart consumption through hands-on stations and activities.
The Energizing Lab consists of three sessions in which students are guided through an experiential learning program focused on the energy grid of New Brunswick, renewable energy opportunities of today (and tomorrow), and energy efficiency.
Goal: provide a hands-on learning experience to inspire smart energy habits and prepare youth for a more sustainable energy future
Themes:
- Energy Literacy
- Climate Literacy
- STEAM skills
- Career Planning
Program Breakdown
Session 1: Activity during which the class works in teams to generate electricity using different small hands-on stations (i.e. hydro, wind, solar, nuclear, coal and oil) and receive energy units for it. They then distribute these units through a grid system to supply buildings requiring different levels of energy at the end. This session explores the pros and cons of renewable and non-renewable resources, energy production capacity based on type of fuel, the time-of-day factor, and energy requirement based on the type of building.
A – Hydroelectric Dam: generate hydroelectricity using water and equipment provided.
B – Wind Turbine: generate electricity from wind by blowing air on a small windmill model using a manual air blower.
C – Thermal Power Plants (nuclear and fossil fuels): generate electricity from a small model of a steam thermal power plant.
D – PV Solar panel: generate electricity from a small electric solar module using a lamp as a source of light.
E – Last resource fossil fuels: if running out of time to gather enough energy units for the buildings, students have the option to go get more from an extra station called the “Peaking Fossil Fuels Power Plant”.
Session 2: Introduction to energy forms and conversion, electricity production in New Brunswick and current challenges through discussion about the activity of session 1. The Gaia Program facilitator leads an interactive debriefing session. Ending the session with two stations: a bicycle generator and an energy efficiency interactive station.
Session 3: This last session, led by the teacher (with the help of a lesson plan provided by Gaia), is designed to answer questions like “What did we learn?” and “What is the role of humans in this story?” Students have the opportunity to share their thoughts on climate change and energy based on their experience with the first two sessions. A trivia game will be used to encourage participation.
Program Resources