2011 Renewable Energy Challenge and Festival
The Who:
High Tech Kids: The Minnesota nonprofit that coordinates team registration, resources, volunteer information,
training and administers the challenge. www.hightechkids.org
Sarah Bonvallet: Office Manager, sarah@hightechkids.org, 612.781.2203
Registration/scheduling
Holly Mezera: Executive Director, holly@hightechkids.org, 612.781.2203
Training/volunteers
Steve Vrchota: Program Committee Volunteer, svrchota@grenergy.com
Challenge/Judging questions
KidWind Project: St Paul based company providing all the building and training materials for coaches.
www.kidwind.org
Michael Arquin: Founder, Director, micheal@kidwind.org
Leonardo’s Basement: The Minneapolis and St Paul nonprofit that will plan and guide project-building activities for
teams and visitors on the day of the challenge. www.leonardosbasement.org
Steve Jevning: Founder, Executive Director, stevej@leonardosbasement.org, 612-824-4394
Training Event:
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Mandatory Coaches’ Training: You will receive instructions and your wind and solar building kits.
Tuesday, March 1, 2011 held at Leonardo’s Basement at Griggs Park, 7-9pm.
1188 W. Hubbard Avenue
St. Paul, MN
Coach Open House:
Saturday, April 2, 2011, 9am – 2 pm
KidWind, 800 Transfer Road, Suite 30B, St. Paul, MN 55116
Resources for the Challenge:
Lesson Plans: ://learn.kidwind.org/windwise/curriculum
We recommend starting with the following lesson plans available for free download from the above address:
• How Does a Windmill Work?
• How Does a Generator Work?
• Which Blades are Best?
• How Can I Design Better Blades?
Challenge Rules: ://learn.kidwind.org/sites/default/files/user_files/RULES_2011_1.pdf
Judging Sheet: ://learn.kidwind.org/sites/default/files/user_files/JUDGING_2011.pdf
Renewable Energy Challenge & Festival: May 2011
Location: To be determined
The Challenge is centered around an 8-week student design and build season in which teams construct small wind
turbines and solar powered boats. Team scores will be derived from the energy output score and design and
documentation scores. A debate forum for extra credit points will also take place, along with solar boat races for a
separate award!
Our Festival will be a public celebration of renewable energy, innovation and project building! Leonardo’s Basement
will plan and guide project-building activities on the day of the challenge. Everyone, including team members, will have
a chance to work on individual and group projects that bring renewable energy to life for imaginative problem solvers
of all ages.