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Summer Academic Enrichment Eligible Programs


Program Info
Program: Green Energy
Sponsoring Organization: Wolf Ridge Environmental Learning Center

Main Contact
Name: Jenny Bushmaker
Title: Ms.
Address: 6282 Cranberry Road
Finland, MN 55603
Phone: (218) 353-7414
Email: Jenny.bushmaker@wolf-ridge.org
Web Site:
https://www.wolf-ridge.org
Curricular area: Science
Grades Served: 3 , 4

Goals

Our teaching philosophy is simple: learning happens best when one experiences it. Lives it. Breathes it. Hands-on activities combined with an unbelievably beautiful campus make our living laboratory the kind of educational experience you can’t get anywhere else.

The Green Energy Program was created for those campers with a high interest in developing their environmental science knowledge and skills, as well as, their outdoor adventure and recreation skills. The goals and objectives for the Green Energy program are; • To describe the various forms of energy • To explain how one form of energy can be transformed into another • To distinguish between kinetic and potential energy • To explore how fossil fuels formed from heat and pressure • To explain how the different types of fossil fuels are mined and used • To explain how biomass contains energy that can be used to generate electricity • To demonstrate how wind turbines are used to generate electricity • To relate the advantages and disadvantages of wind energy • To differentiate between active and passive solar energy • To relate the advantages and disadvantages of solar energy • To explore the advantages and disadvantages of hydroelectric energy • To investigate the advantages and disadvantages of geothermal energy • To comprehend how the use of some resources, such as fossil fuels, has an effect on the environment • To explain what is meant by carbon footprint • To explore the consequences of the current balance of renewable and nonrenewable energy resources used • To investigate promising future renewable energy technologies • Understand that all living and non-living components of an environment interact with one another to form an ecosystem • Understand that humans have a great ability to alter natural systems • Gain an appreciation of their natural surroundings and take an active role in the conservation and stewardship of our environment. • Understand that a complex natural system is


Activities

The Green Energy Program explores the science of ecosystems, plus relationships between people and their environment. We encourage participants to consider how their values and behaviors can influence and ultimately impact the world around them. Our curriculum and activities provide hands-on, memorable experiences that involve the whole person and address multiple learning styles.

We choose curricular content based on the local, natural and cultural history of Minnesota, as well as broader environmental issues. Science-based classes provide opportunities to learn more about our planet and how it works; cultural history classes give a glimpse of the way our predecessors interacted with local ecosystems to create a life for themselves; current event classes help us to understand emerging issues; personal growth and team-building classes develop skills for meeting personal and group challenges; and outdoor skill classes help students discover ways to keep learning about their environments for a lifetime.

In the Green Energy Program, participants will use inventive and creative activities to incorporate science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) to explore the world of renewable energy. Using hands-on activities, they will build electronic components to light up camp at night, power a radio or computer using manual power, cook meals with a solar powered oven and design and build their own small sailboat to harness wind power. Participants will also investigate how Wolf Ridge uses renewable energy. At the end of the week, participants will work in groups to apply the knowledge of renewable energy to design a sustainable campsite. They will consider the electrical power, hot water, appliances, costs, and environmental and social impacts. Courses and activities for the Green Energy Program include; • Explore renewable energy in action by visiting areas at Wolf Ridge that are powered using alternative fuels • Experiment with designing a rechargeable battery


Program Dates

August 4 – 10, 2019 August 11 – 17, 2019



Can students reside on campus? Yes

Can students commute to campus? No

Can students take online classes?


Estimated residential cost per student
Tuition: $113
Fees: $83
Books: $0
Supplies: $156
Room/Board: $274
Transportation: $175