“Power UP” Provides Energy Education Resources to Teachers and Students...continued Educating them now in a way that they can identify with is the best way to get their attention.”
working with CO-PI Julie Martinez with the Vis Center, Rodney Andrews, and others from the Vis Center.
“Power UP” was funded by the Kentucky Energy and Environment Cabinet through coal education funds.
“It’s important that we begin addressing the energy questions that face our state today,” said Martinez. “This project allowed us the exciting opportunity to present key energy facts in a fresh, multimedia format that will prove to be a
CAER researcher Courtney Fisk was principal investigator on the project,
great resource for Kentucky’s high school teachers.” For more information, visit the website at www.powerupky.org. The app can be downloaded for free on iTunes and the videos can be found on the YouTube page.
The short videos (around 2 minutes each) explain these topics in a fun way: • • • • • • •
Energy 101 (http://www.powerupky.org/energy_101.php) Energy Sources (http://www.powerupky.org/energy_sources.php) From Rock to Electron (http://www.powerupky.org/rock_to_electron.php) Energy Use and Conservation (http://www.powerupky.org/energy_use_conservation.php) Water and Energy (http://www.powerupky.org/water_energy.php) Carbon Dioxide Capture and Storage (http://www.powerupky.org/carbon_capture_storage.php) Coal By-Products and their use (http://www.powerupky.org/coal_products.php)
Western Kentucky High School Students Learn about Energy from CAER Scientists Electricity isn’t magic — it’s science. And on Thursday, Nov. 1, high school students from Union and Henderson County, along with students from the Earle C. Clements Job Corps Academy, learned just what allows them to use their iPhones, hair dryers, and other muchbeloved electrical appliances. This interactive energy seminar featured researchers from the CAER and was part of the fourth annual Energy Week, sponsored by Plugged In-The Northwest Kentucky Energy Initiative.
ing of how coal, a resource familiar to students from these counties, and its byproducts, are used by utilities and industries. We also want to share the research we are performing at UK.”
Sarah Mardon, Western Kentucky energy coordinator for CAER, helped organize the event.
They also discussed how algae are being developed to capture carbon dioxide from power plants, and how algae biomass can be used in several ways.
“We are excited to host the seminar for high school students for the second year in a row,” she said. “It is important to further develop the students’ understand-
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CAER researchers Jack Groppo and Robby Pace showed approximately 150 students the important role that minerals, such as coal, play in their lives. They demonstrated how coal is used to make electricity and how technology is used to capture and recycle the ash that results from burning coal.
Afterward, the students viewed and learned about solar panels and wind turbines installed on the Job Corps site.
“We are very excited to host this educational event for local high school students and our Job Corps students,” said Job Corps Business and Community Liaison Nyra Syers-Ford. “The Job Corps Academy solar panels and wind turbine, which power our material handling warehouse, are a highlight for students interested in alternative energy. This is our second year and we hope to continue and grow this great event.” Plugged In-The Northwest Kentucky Energy Initiative’s goal is to support the region’s energy producers, help develop work force training opportunities and educate students about energy-related fields. It also promotes northwest Kentucky as a potential leader in energy technology and innovation. “With numerous students from across continued on page 7