KEEP On Going
Wisconsin K-12 Energy Education Program Newsletter
FALL 2010 | VOL. 11 NO 2
In this issue:
KEEP’s First Energy Video
Contest.. ......................................1
KEEP Staff Corner.........................2
Family Consumer Science
Teachers Get Energized .............3
In the Spotlight - Alec Linde.........4
Energy Career Panel.....................4
2010-2012 Pedal Power Hosts
Selected .....................................5
KEEP’s First Energy Video Contest!
With the continued success of the annual energy bookmark contest for 5th, 6th, and 7th
grade students, KEEP thought it was time to let high school students show us what they
can do. In partnership with Focus on Energy and Wisconsin Public Service, KEEP will
challenge high school students from around Wisconsin to create a short (up to 2 minute)
Five Wisconsin Educators Travel
to Taiwan to Share Energy
video that explores community businesses and homes that are currently using renewable
energy or to look at potential ways their community could use renewable energy.
Education Curriculum.................5
Resource Review - PowerHouse ..6
KEEP received a donation from Wisconsin Public Service to support the contest.
Consequently, this has allowed KEEP to contract with SchoolTube to host the contest
Program Review - Facing the
Future ..........................................6
videos. SchoolTube is a media sharing Web site designed for K-12 teachers to use in their
classrooms. Teams will upload their videos onto the Web site and all the videos can be
The Bright Idea Fundraiser Begins
viewed there. Submissions will be accepted from October 13 to December 13, 2010.
this Fall ..........................................6
Beginning January 10, 2011 Wisconsin residents can vote on their favorite video through
the KEEP Web site.
ALNC, Growing Power, and Trees
for Tomorrow Funded to Help
There will be three winning videos; a judge’s favorite, a community favorite, and an overall
KEEP............................................7
winner. An iPod shuffle or iPod Nano will go to each winning team member. The teacher
Expose your Students to Real-life
who advises each winning team will also receive an iPod Nano and a year membership to
Energy Issues and
the Midwest Renewable Energy Association. Winning teams will be invited to the annual
Opportunities. .............................7
Energy Awards Ceremony held on April 27th, 2011. Visit the KEEP Web site and go to
Student Involvement and click on Video Contest to learn more.
Innovative Educator Grant
Program Open.............................7
Let’s make this first year a success!
Calendar of Events .......................8
KEEP On Going
Wisconsin K-12 Energy Education Program Newsletter
Page 1
KEEP Staff
Jennie Lane
Director
Beth Beimel
Program Assistant
Jamie Mollica
Program Specialist
KEEP Staff Corner Melissa Says Goodbye
Melissa Rickert
School Energy Education Specialist
Sara Windjue
Energy Education Specialist
It’s hard to believe that it was over four years ago that I got off a plane, returned home from my
Peace Corps experience in the Philippines, and interviewed for the Outreach Specialist position at
KEEP.
Carrie Bea Ziolkowski
Program Coordinator
2010 KEEP Advisory
Committee Participants
With that said, it is time for me to make another career change - I will be leaving KEEP at the end of
September. I have accepted a position as an Energy Manager for CESA 10 and will soon be working
with schools across the state to help them manage their energy use, focusing on the human
Dan Beighley
Wisconsin Public Service
Maggie Bishop
Trees for Tomorrow
behavior aspect of energy efficiency.
Andrew Burch
Alliant Energy
As I reflect back at my time with KEEP, I can’t help but smile. It has been an absolute treat working
with my colleagues at the Wisconsin Center for Environmental Education, UWSP, KEEP
stakeholders, and energy professionals around the state.
I am grateful for the opportunities I’ve had to contribute to the field of environmental education,
especially energy education, over the last few years. I have enjoyed helping people learn what KEEP
is and all that it has to offer to educators in Wisconsin.
Kathe Crowley Conn
Aldo Leopold Nature Center
Randy Champeau (chair)
Wisconsin Center for Environmental
Education
Bonnie Duchac
Family and Consumer Science
Teacher (retired)
Julie Fitzgerald
Fond du Lac School District
I hope that school energy education continues to be a strong component of KEEP in the future. I
value the opportunity I had to enhance the existing School Building Energy Efficiency Education
course and develop the Energy and Your School activity guide. I foresee more and more school
districts participating in the school energy education initiatives that KEEP offers. I hope the School
Energy Policy and Education Plan grants will be embraced by many schools across the state and as
a result, students will increase their energy literacy by using their school building itself as an
exciting way to learn about energy conservation and energy
efficiency.
Although it’s sad to leave, I don’t plan to go too far. I will
remain in the Stevens Point area and will continue my
relationship with KEEP by becoming an Adjunct Faculty
member for the program. Thank you, KEEP staff, for a
wonderful working environment, lots of laughs, and inspiring
me to pursue the field of energy education. I will miss you all
Lisa Fox
Wisconsin Energy Conservation
Corporation, Focus on Energy
Sarah Gilbert
LEAF, WI K-12 Forestry Education
Program
Jim Jenson
Community Education Coordinator
Madison Gas & Electric
Sara Krauskopf
Great Lakes Bioenergy Research
Center
Kathy Kuntz
Wisconsin Energy Conservation
Corporation, Focus on Energy
Jim Price
Growing Power
Charlie Schneider
CESA 10, Focus on Energy
dearly!
~ Melissa Rickert
KEEP On Going
Wisconsin K-12 Energy Education Program Newsletter
Page 2
Family Consumer
Science Teachers
Get Energized
KEEP has been working with Family Consumer Science (FCS)
submitted without an energy focus will be disqualified. Grant
teachers in Wisconsin for several years now and are excited to
applications are due to KEEP November 29, 2010. Contact Carrie
announce programs that we have developed along with up and
Ziolkowski at cziolkow@uwsp.edu to receive a copy of the application
coming resources designed especially for FCS teachers!
materials.
Wisconsin Family Consumer Educators’ Conference
Growing Power
This year’s WFCE conference was held in Eau Claire, WI at the Plaza
Another new addition to KEEP’s FCS programs is sponsorship to
Hotel on August 8 to 11. KEEP was honored to be a part of this
attend the Growing Power conference on September 10-12 in
conference in several facets. We hosted a pre-conference workshop
Milwaukee, WI. Four teachers attended through KEEP. The
which offered the teachers a chance to tour three very different sites
accommodations for two nights, conference registration, mileage,
that have incorporated energy efficiency and renewable energy
and funds to pay for a substitute teacher for the Friday of the
measures into their home, land, or facility. Ten teachers participated
conference were paid for by KEEP. The teachers attending will be
in the tours. KEEP also held two sessions during the conference. In
working with KEEP to assess the effectiveness of sponsoring teachers
the sessions teachers were provided with an energy efficiency activity
to attend this conference, and others, in the coming years.
that they can use in their classes. The sessions offered the teachers
a chance to talk about energy issues and have their energy questions
Energy Resource Grants
answered by KEEP staff! KEEP sponsored a special drawing item for
For the second year, KEEP and Focus on Energy partnered to sponsor
the Awards Banquet. Veronica Campbell of Clintonville School District
Energy Resource Grants for FCS teachers in Wisconsin public and
won the Sun Oven, worth over $250!
private schools. The grants are for up to $1,000 and available for
teachers to purchase energy resources for their classrooms. To be
Family Consumer Science Curriculum Development
awarded the funds the teachers must fill out an online application.
KEEP is currently in the process of developing an Energy Curriculum
The teachers must show how they plan to use the resources
designed for Family Consumer Science teachers. The activities will be
purchased with the funds to increase and improve energy education
designed to meet the FCS subject areas and will be correlated to FCS
in their classrooms.
standards. Activities are in draft form and will go through content
review and classroom pilot before the curriculum is completed and
2010/2011 Energy Resource Grant Recipients
made available for FCS teachers. FCS teachers have been involved in
• Tiffani Rolten/Carol Banaszynski, Wisconsin Heights Middle/High
the development of the curriculum and KEEP hopes that they will
School
continue to help us by piloting activities to ensure they are suitable
• Delaine Stendahl, Whitehall High School
for the FCS classroom.
• Shelia Kroseberg, Waupaca Middle School
• Trude Mihalovich Pletcher, South Milwaukee High School
FCCLA Chapter Grants
• Shirley Hueckman, Prentice High School
KEEP is excited to have partnered with FCCLA to offer five Chapter
• Julie Cross, Poynette High School
Grants of up to $250 for projects that are energy-related. The Energy
• Sue Stutz, Jack Young Middle School
Focus Project emphasis must be related to energy efficiency, energy
• Janet Felthous, Horlick High School
conservation, and/or renewable energy issues. Projects with a focus
• Todd Knepfel, Almond Bancroft Schools
on conserving energy in the home, school, and/or community will be
given priority. Transportation projects will not be funded. Grants
KEEP On Going
Wisconsin K-12 Energy Education Program Newsletter
Page 3
In the Spotlight - Alec Linde
Energy Career
Panel
For the past four years, KEEP has
coordinated an Energy Career Panel
for the Central Wisconsin
Environmental Station Natural
Resources Career Camp. High
school students from around
Wisconsin attend this camp to get
Let us introduce Alec Linde, Owner of HomeSafe Building Performance, Inc., a company that
an idea about the different types of
provides complete building performance consulting including energy efficiency, moisture/mold
careers they might pursue in the
problems, ventilation, drainage, and building comfort. Why is Alec In the Spotlight? Because he
natural resources field, including
has given a lot of his time and energy to benefit KEEP and environmental education in general.
energy resource management.
Here are just a few ways Alec has contributed:
This year’s panelists were Julie
• provided presentations, acted as a session host, and reviewed exhibits at the annual
High School Conference on the Environment;
• was the professional content reviewer for the Renewable Energy in Building Science
Conceptual Framework;
Brazeau, Electrician and
Photovoltaic (PV) Site Assessor and
Installer; Thomas Brown,
Environmentally-responsive
• works with students in Merrill who are building a Wisconsin ENERGY STAR Home, providing
Architect; Alec Linde, Residential
consulting services and testing of the house, while educating the students about energy
Energy Efficiency Consultant,
efficient home building;
HomeSafe Building Performance;
• volunteered at multiple Wisconsin Electrathon events;
Matt Vrazel, Energy Efficiency
• judged the Solar Building Design event at the Solar Olympics student competition;
Technician Instructor, Mid-State
• introduced a group of Family Consumer Science teachers to a home energy audit during a
Technical College.
KEEP course; and
• participated on an energy career panel at four consecutive summer camps held at the Central
Wisconsin Environmental Station (see sidebar).
The panelists discussed their education and training, what they like
and don’t like about their jobs, and
Alec has been a Building Performance Consultant since 2002. He has an M.S. degree in Plant
showed some of the tools they use
Protection from the University of Arizona in Tucson, AZ.
on the job. Students were encouraged to ask questions. We thank
On a day-to-day basis, Alec’s main focus is helping homeowners
the panelists for taking the time to
improve the energy efficiency and comfort of their home. By
talk to students about their careers.
performing a range of diagnostic tests on the home, including a
Careers in energy are challenging,
blower door test, thermal imaging, and combustion appliance
rewarding, and encouraged. You
safety testing, he is able to understand exactly how a home is
can encourage your students to
working and provide recommendations for improvements. Energy
pursue energy careers, too.
efficiency is very important to Alec, and he has recently
accepted a position to help teach Introductory Energy Efficiency
Click here for more information on
at Mid-State Technical College in Wisconsin Rapids. Another new
energy careers.
venture Alec will be pursuing is the role of Special Projects
Coordinator in Brillion for the iCanConserve project, a community-wide effort in energy conservation and cost control. Good luck
with these exciting new endeavors Alec, and thank you for giving
so much to KEEP!
KEEP On Going
Wisconsin K-12 Energy Education Program Newsletter
Page 4
2010-2012
Pedal Power
Hosts Selected
Now that KEEP’s first successful
Pedal Power host cycle has come to
an end, the next Pedal Power hosts
have been chosen. The new hosts will
Five Wisconsin Educators Travel to Taiwan to
Share Energy Education Curriculum
have the units for two years (20102012) and can use them to educate
about energy production, use, and
conservation. Whether in a classroom
or at an educational site, participants
will get to test their energy level and
see if they can power items like
incandescent light bulbs, CFLs, LEDs,
a fan, radio, or even a hair dryer. By
pedaling a stationary bike which
powers a generator that in turn
powers these items, students learn
the importance of turning off
electrical appliances when not in use.
A photovoltaic (PV) panel is also
available to demonstrate the
potential of renewable energy.
The Pedal Power units are available
for check out through the new hosts.
2010-2012 Hosts
Milwaukee: Bradley Technology and
Trade School
The Wisconsin K-12 Energy Education Program (KEEP) at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point
(UWSP) College of Natural Resources is going global.
Carrie Ziolkowski, program coordinator for KEEP, and five Wisconsin teachers returned from a
professional exchange in Taiwan in August where they led portions of energy education workshops in
three different Taiwanese counties. At each of the workshops, Ziolkowski presented on KEEP’s
approach to and research on energy education. While on the trip the Wisconsin teachers gave
presentations on how they teach about energy education in their classrooms. Each of the participants also presented a hands-on activity from the KEEP Activity Guide during one of the workshops.
The five teachers who were selected to go on the trip to Taiwan have worked with KEEP on a variety
of projects ranging from taking at least three KEEP graduate courses, participating in student
involvement projects, and assisting with the development of new programs.
The teachers selected were:
•
Michael Aprill, Random Lake High School, Random Lake
•
Jackie Cebertowicz, Edgewood Elementary School, South Milwaukee
•
Doug Dimmer, Homestead High School, Mequon
•
Karen Wise, Lake Wissota State Park, Chippewa Falls
•
Kevin Zimmerman, Shoreland Lutheran High School, Somers
The trip was organized by Earth Passengers in Taipei, who have hosted KEEP in their country on
three other occasions since 2006. This international opportunity was sponsored by the Global
Environmental Teachings (GET) Program and the Wisconsin Center for Environmental Education.
Mishicot: Mishicot School District
Baraboo: Sauk County Land
Conservation Department
“These teacher exchanges give Taiwanese educators an opportunity to learn about energy education
through hands-on workshops while Wisconsin teachers
gain valuable cultural experiences and learn how energy is
For more information on how to
borrow a Pedal Power Unit visit the
KEEP Web site, go to the Resources
page, click on Hands-on Resource
Lending Program, and then Pedal
Power Host Program.
KEEP On Going
taught in Taiwan’s schools,” said Ziolkowski. The trip
included three workshops for Taiwanese educators, a tour
of five schools, a trip to Taroko National Park, tours
through different counties, and several interpretive tours
through historical sites and cities.
Taiwan Teacher Exchange Program Participants (left to right):
Doug Dimmer, Karen Wise, Kevin Zimmerman, Carrie
Ziolkowski, Mike Aprill, Jackie Cebertowicz
Wisconsin K-12 Energy Education Program Newsletter
Page 5
The Bright Idea
Fundraiser
Begins This Fall
In a continued partnership with the
ENERGY STAR® Program and Focus
on Energy , KEEP will be coordinating
its 9th Bright Idea Fundraiser. Over
Resource Review - PowerHouse
the years, students have sold thousands of CFLs and LED lights to their
Alliant Energy’s PowerHouse is an award-winning educational program designed to help you
friends, families and communities
improve the energy efficiency, safety, and comfort of your home. Available as DVDs, these
saving them money, raising funds for
half-hour segments demonstrate easy do-it-yourself projects and explore how making changes to
their schools and preventing millions
existing homes, or incorporating specific technologies into new homes, will save energy and make
of pounds of CO2 from entering the
our homes safer and more comfortable. Topics range from Indoor Air Quality and Energy Efficient
atmosphere. This fundraiser
Lighting to Choosing a Garage Door and Metal Roofing Options. A list of all segments can be found
educates student about energy
on the PowerHouse Web site at www.powerhousetv.com.
efficiency and is an important
component of energy education
These videos are a great supplemental resource for classes
students receive in Wisconsin.
dealing with energy efficiency in the home. The DVDs are easy to
navigate and are the perfect length for a class. To borrow a set,
During the 2010/2011 school year
visit the Wisconsin Center for Environmental Education Resources Library Web site at
students can earn $2 for each CFL or
www.uwsp.edu/cnr/wcee/library/index.htm.
LED light string they sell. There are
seven products to choose from: 13
watt (60 watt equivalent); 19 watt
Program Review - Facing the Future
(75 watt equivalent); 23 watt (100
watt equivalent); 3 way CFL bulbs;
Facing the Future is a program that provides educators with the tools and resources they need to
and multi-colored or white LED
ignite students’ interest in complex global issues while helping them achieve academically. The
holiday lights.
program’s mission is to engage students in learning by making academics relevant to their lives.
The tools and resources empower students to think critically, develop a global perspective, and
Visit the KEEP Web site, choose the
participate in positive solutions for a sustainable future.
Student Involvement page and click
on Bright Idea Fundraiser to read the
The Facing the Future programming is designed to help students
guidelines and register your class,
• Understand global issues and sustainability showing the connections among population,
school, or club. The fundraiser
environment, consumption, poverty, conflict, and other global issues;
begins this month and space is limited, so sign up today!
• Develop a global perspective;
• Learn critical thinking skills; and
• Be inspired to take personal action.
The Facing the Future Web site has additional information on their professional development
opportunities and the downloadable curriculums for various grade levels! Find out more at
www.facingthefuture.org/Default.aspx.
KEEP On Going
Wisconsin K-12 Energy Education Program Newsletter
Page 6
ALNC, Growing
Power, and Trees
for Tomorrow
Funded to Help
KEEP
Aldo Leopold Nature Center (ALNC) of
Monona, Growing Power in
Expose Your Students to Real-life Energy
Issues and Opportunities
Milwaukee, and Trees for Tomorrow in
Eagle River have all been awarded
Instead of teaching about energy using a textbook, why not take your students on a field trip? Visit
grants through the Office of Energy
a wind farm to discuss the benefits and barriers of using renewable energy. Connect with energy
Independence (OEI) to develop clean
experts in your area who will visit your classroom to demonstrate energy concepts and introduce
energy outreach and education
your students to careers in the energy field. Contact information for community resources such as
programs. They are also charged to
energy professionals and organizations are just a few clicks away! KEEP staff researches field trip
collaborate with KEEP and to assist
and guest speaker ideas and posts contact information on the Web site. Locate the field trip and
us in achieving our mission to
guest speaker list online at www.uwsp.edu/keep under Resources. Click on your CESA for a list of
increase and improve energy literacy.
energy experts and opportunities in your area.
The $900,000 grants for the three
Examples: Discover a Bed and Breakfast in
organizations were awarded through
southern Wisconsin showcasing residential
OEI’s Recovery Act’s Energy Efficiency
energy efficiency and renewable energy
and Conservation Block Grant
systems (see CESA 1). Or, explore a dairy farm
program. The Aldo Leopold Center will
to learn about electricity production using cow
develop curriculum and hands-on
waste (see CESA 5). Perhaps you’d rather have
programs focused on the
the professional come to you! Invite an energy
environmental impact of energy effi-
auditor to your school who will provide
ciency and clean energy. Growing
information about reducing energy costs and
Power will work with local schools to
increasing the safety and comfort of your
teach the value of urban agriculture.
school (multiple CESA’s).
Trees for Tomorrow will develop a
program on sustainable forestry and
KEEP's Web site arms you with information to
the development of woody biomass.
enhance your energy classroom lessons and
connect you to the community.
KEEP looks forward to working with
Do you know of a great site to visit or a speaker?
Let us know and we will add it to the Web site.
these organizations and learning how
they will help teachers improve
student energy literacy.
Innovative Educator Grant Program Open
Wisconsin Public Service is once again supporting middle and high school educators in their service
territory with the Innovative Educator Grant Program. The grant program funds projects in the areas
of science, technology, engineering, or math (up to $1,000). The deadline for proposals is November
1, 2010. Applications are available online at www.wisconsinpublicservice.com (select Helping the
Community).
KEEP On Going
Wisconsin K-12 Energy Education Program Newsletter
Page 7
2010 High School
Conference on the
Environment
Our Wonderful Waters:
Challenges and Opportunities for
Wisconsin's Students
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Dreyfus University Center
UW-Stevens Point
Calendar of Events
Stevens Point, WI
For additional events, visit the KEEP Web site and click on Events Calendar.
October – ENERGY AWARENESS MONTH
6, 8, & 13: NRES 734 course in Arcadia
12, 16 & 21: NRES 730 course in Ashwaubenon
Announcing 2011
Energy Educator of the
Year Awards
13: Energy Video Contest open for submissions
KEEP is proud to be launching the
17 & 18: Electrathon and Supermileage Fall Preview Event at Dells Raceway Park, Wisconsin Dells
third year of the Energy Educator of
22 – Nov. 21: NRES 731 Biomass Energy Education Online course
24 – 26: Green Schools National Conference in Minneapolis, MN
28, Nov. 4 & 11: NRES 734 course in Brown Deer
28 & 29: WAEE Fall Conference in Wisconsin Dells
28 & 29: WEAC Conference in Madison
the Year award. This award
recognizes one formal educator and
one nonformal educator who take
the extra step to improve energy
literacy in Wisconsin. Winners
receive $1,000 plus $250 worth of
educational resources.
November
1, 4, & 6: NRES 732 for K-4 teachers in Milwaukee
2, 4, 9 & 11: NRES 734 course in Wausau
For more information on the
program and how to nominate
someone or yourself, visit
5: UWSP STEM Career Day
5 – 7: NRES 730 course in Richland Center
12 – 14: NRES 730 for Tech. Ed. teachers in Appleton (FVTC)
www.uwsp.edu/cnr/wcee/keep/Net
working/index.htm. The deadline for
the 2011 Energy Educator of the
12 – 14: NRES 732 course in Shawano
Year Awards is February 21, 2011.
17: Wisconsin High School Conference on the Environment, Stevens Point
December
3 – 4: NRES 731 Electrathon Course/Workshop in Ashwaubenon
13: Energy Education Bookmark entries due to the KEEP office
13: Energy Video Contest submissions due
January
15 – 29: Energy Video Contest Open to public for voting
19 – 21: Wisconsin State Education Convention, Alliant Energy Center,
Milwaukee
February
21: Energy Educator of the Year nominations deadline
KEEP On Going
Wisconsin K-12 Energy Education Program Newsletter
Page 8