Workshops to focus on energy education in the classroom

Workshop provider Hawaii Energy recently paid a visit to KS Kapālama for its Microgrid Challenge. Above, KS Sustainability Manager Amy Brinker (fourth from left) and other challenge representatives watch as a device demonstrates the energy difference between lighting a CFL and and an LED bulb.

Feb. 9, 2016

Contributed by Leanne Okamoto

Attention Maui and Hawaiʻi island teachers! Register today for free energy workshops to learn how to integrate energy education into K-12 curriculum. The two February sessions are being presented by Hawaii Energy and the National Energy Education Development (NEED) Project.

“We are inviting all private and public teachers in Hawaiʻi to participate in these workshops that will provide teachers with tools and training to integrate energy education into their classrooms,” said Chelsea Harder, a transformational program specialist at Hawaii Energy.

“Those who attend are eligible to receive a hands-on classroom kit valued at over $300 and reimbursement for substitute costs for attending the full-day workshop.”

The workshops are slated for Tuesday, Feb. 23 at the Maui Arts and Cultural Center in Kahului; and Thursday, Feb. 25 at the ʻImiloa Astronomy Center in Hilo. Kamehameha Schools is in collaboration with Hawaii Energy, to offer an additional workshop on Oʻahu in April. (Details to come.)

“Sustainability is inherently place-based,” said KS Sustainability Manager Amy Brinker of KS’ ʻĀina Engagement Division. “It is the framework that teaches students to be resilient and think about their world and the impacts they can have on it from a Hawaiian perspective.

“Whether the lesson is indoors, outdoors, about math or science, sustainability has the breadth and depth to connect everything together seamlessly.”

The State of Hawaii recently adopted the Hawaii Clean Energy Initiative to achieve 100 percent clean energy by 2045. Currently, more organizations and governments are starting to set aggressive clean energy goals.

“The world is watching us as a leader for this type of massive energy transformation,” said Brinker.

“Hawaiʻi’s kumu have a unique, time-sensitive opportunity to learn and teach this information so that our haumāna are beautifully positioned to be alakaʻi (leaders); initially in their own schools and homes, but also as they begin careers in the local and global community.”

Spots are filling up fast. To register for the workshop, visit the Hawaii Energy website. Registration must be completed at least seven days before the workshop.

Hawaii Energy is the ratepayer-funded energy conservation and efficiency program for Hawaii, Honolulu and Maui counties under the direction of the Hawaii Public Utilities Commission. In addition to educational and training opportunities, Hawaii Energy offers a wide range of rebates to residents and businesses to help reduce their energy use and electricity costs.

NEED is a leading provider of energy education programs across the nation, including teacher-tested educational materials, evaluation techniques and professional development correlated to Hawaiʻi science content and performance standards.

Free Energy Education Workshops for K-12 Teachers

Public and private teachers are welcome to attend the workshops that will provide teachers with tools and training to integrate energy education into their classroom. Sign up today for one of the following workshops:

KAHULUI
Maui Arts & Cultural Center
Feb. 23
8:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m

HILO
ʻImiloa Astronomy Center
Feb. 25.
8:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.

To register visit the Hawaii Energy website. Registration must be completed at least seven days before the workshop.

Hawaii Energy and the National Energy Education Development (NEED) Project are presenting energy workshops for classroom teachers (K-12) in Hawaii.