HIGHLAND PARK, N.J. (April 22, 2013) - The Rutgers Nanotechnology for Clean Energy Integrative Graduate Education Research Traineeship (IGERT) Program has provided energy and electricity workshops for third graders at Bartle Elementary School, encouraging students to explore alternative power sources. The IGERT, a collaborative project between Rutgers University and Princeton University funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF), is an interdisciplinary, graduate fellowship program focusing on nanoscale energy technology development.
"The workshops introduce elementary school students to the application of electricity generation from different energy sources, focusing on wind, water and solar," said Johanna Bernstein, Program Coordinator for the IGERT. "The workshops incorporate some basic principles of engineering with demonstrations and hands-on activities in small groups. We want the students to think about where energy comes from and to learn about some sources for alternative energy."
Graduate students from the Nanotechnology for Clean Energy IGERT led workshops on energy and electricity that integrate with the Bartle Elementary's science curriculum. Approximately 120 students participated in the program.
"The workshops enable my students to apply what they have learned about energy and electricity in class and make connections to the real world," said Karen Tramposch, a third grade teacher. "Students are able to see how energy from the sun, wind, and water could be collected and transformed into power for their homes and communities. I also hope it encouraged them to realize how important it is to find earth-friendly energy alternatives so that we can protect our planet's natural resources."
After a short discussion on electricity and energy, students rotated through three energy demonstration and activity areas, which included a:
- Water power demonstration with a water wheel that generates electricity. Students observed how the speed of the water impacts electrical output and were able to build small generators with cardboard, wire and a spinning magnet that powers an LED light.
- Wind power demonstration with a fan powered electric generator that allowed the students to experiment with different rotor designs, experimenting with different lengths, shapes and speeds.
- Solar power demonstration with lights, propellers and other devices. Students measured the output of the solar cells alone and in series to see if they can get enough output to power small electrical devices.
"The workshops complement what we've taught our students, helping the children to apply what they had learned in class and also expanding their knowledge of the subject in a new and fun way," Tramposch said. "The program really made them more excited about science and, as teachers, we obviously benefit when students are enthusiastic about what they are learning. The workshops also help expand my knowledge of the topic, which benefits my students in future classes."
The Nanotechnology for Clean Energy IGERT allows its 23 trainees to participate in outreach programs such as the workshops. The graduate student program provides interdisciplinary courses in the fundamentals of energy technology, nanotechnology and energy policy. Students participate in dissertation research emphasizing nanotechnology and energy, and dynamic educational exchange between U.S. and select African institutions.
"Our program is intended to help develop tomorrow's leaders in the STEM fields - science, technology, engineering and math," said Bernstein. "Part of that development process is collaborating with like-minded professionals in other disciplines worldwide, as well as reaching out to public through programs like our workshops. We have a mutually beneficial relationship with Bartle Elementary because the school allows our trainees to bring the science we care so much about to the next generation."
About the Nanotechnology for Clean Energy IGERT
Trainees participate in a graduate multidisciplinary training program. All trainees participate in an integrated curriculum of courses, energy related dissertation research and unique opportunities for internships in industry, national laboratories and African institutions. Trainees also participate in a specially designed seminar series and additional research mentoring from an IGERT co-advisor. For more information, please visit www.energyigert.rutgers.edu/, email jrbernst@rci.rutgers.edu or call (848) 445-1557.