re-Tech Program Instructors Paul Maopolski and Pat Killian are enthusiastic about their many innovative projects to challenge students to create new approaches and work “with what you have available.” “Ninth and 10th grade students who are not quite making it in high school – and sometimes are on the verge of dropping out – come to the half-day program to get a taste of all different tech programs,” Donna Hemmer, Director of Communications, explained. “This year we’re integrating STEM programs. The whole program is based on sustainability and renewable energy.” STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math. The innovative, exciting projects Pre-Tech is working on include a biogas energy generator utilizing cow manure; hydroponic farming; windmill energy; and next year, building a car that runs on air compression. The instructors explained how they use different scenarios to teach the young people how to adapt when things don’t work out as planned. “We use real-life scenarios,” Killian explained. “My job is to introduce the
SULLIVAN COUNTY DEMOCRAT
APRIL, 2014
Teaching cutting-edge skills for both life and work Pre-Tech Instructor Pat Killian shows off part of the windmill project.
STEM initiative to the Pre-Tech program that was developed by Mr. Maopolski over the last three years. There’s a perfect fit, because everything he does, we extend it a little bit, and it goes into the STEM program, building projects that teach con-
cepts, engineering, and math.” Killian explained the use of a hydroponic device. “We pump the water through the pipe on top of the tank,” he explained, “and there are 10 holes on top of the pipe where you plant bar-
ley for fodder. It takes seven days from seed to fodder for livestock, rabbits, chickens, and other animals.” Another project was the biogas generator that was built with cow manure and water. “It produces methane that can be used to generate energy,” Killian said. “We had to adapt to use smaller pipes, because the previous one didn’t work. We failed this system twice, but each time we sat down and brainstormed, and came up with this design. “Killington Ski Resort is run on 300,000 gallons of cow manure per year,” he continued. “They feed it to their natural gas system to power the ski lifts, etc.” The manure is supplied by the BOCES Animal Science program in Jeffersonville. “We work with whatever you’ve got,” he concluded. “It teaches sustainability.” Next year, they want to convert a car to run on air. “The French Peugeot are making ... cars that run on hybrid gasoline-air power. They use compressed air tanks to power a hydraulic motor under the hood. You can also take a
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