Campers work to discover the most efficient wind turbine.
Image credit - Katie Flier
GVSU camp teaches renewable energy, design thinking
Jun 26, 2019
Campers test metals in vinegar batteries.
Image credit - Katie Flier
Campers planted kale at the Sustainable Agriculture Project.
Image credit - Katie Flier
Campers created prototypes for new ways to live sustainably.
Image credit - Katie Flier
Nearly 50 students from 20 local middle schools spent four days on the Allendale Campus learning about the benefits of renewable energy and best sustainable practices during the third annual Energizing Our World summer camp.
The interactive camp was held June 17-20, with students participating in hands-on STEM activities to learn about solar, wind and hydro power. Students had the opportunity to gather information to develop and modify a prototype. Each group worked to design a self-sustaining community with limited resources.
The camp was hosted by Grand Valley's Regional Math and Science Center (RMSC) and faculty members from the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences and Brooks College of Interdisciplinary Studies.
"A core driving focus for this camp is problem solving," said Chelsea Ridge, RMSC program manager. "The environment faces a variety of challenges that will continue to change throughout the lifetime of the students. We utilized partnerships with the chemistry, geology and physics departments to offer content sessions, as well as a partnership with the Design Thinking Academy to help students develop their problem-solving skills."
Parents had the opportunity to join campers during a career fair and for the project display day.
The Michigan Space Grant Consortium and Consumers Energy sponsored the camp.
For more information, visit gvsu.edu/rmsc/energy, or contact Chelsea Ridge at (616) 331-3172 or [email protected].
Subscribe
Sign up and receive the latest Grand Valley headlines delivered to your email inbox each morning.
