schools – The Energy Chronicle

EnergyWhiz Energizes Students in Hydrogen and Solar

Sherri Shields Awards, Press Release May 28, 2015May 29, 2015EnergyWhiz, K-12, renewable energy, schools 1 Comment

By Sherri Shields
May 28, 2015

It’s a growing phenomenon in Florida! From the Panhandle to the Keys, EnergyWhiz is drawing in students fascinated with renewable energy technology.

EnergyWhiz – a venue for students to demonstrate their science, technology, engineering, art, and math capabilities through hands-on, energy-focused projects and activities.

EnergyWhiz, which includes six separate competitions, is a venue for students in grades fourth through 12^th to demonstrate their science, technology, engineering, art and mathematics capabilities through hands-on, energy-focused competitions. At this year’s 13^th annual event on May 2, more than 650 energized students from across Florida converged at the University of Central Florida’s FSEC in Cocoa to showcase their renewable energy projects and participate in the competitions. “We like making things run on the sun,” said Conner Dale, a student from Edgewood Junior Senior High. “It’s fun to interact with other students from across the state,” added Raydn Hall.

Tallahassee, Gainesville and Orlando hosted smaller EnergyWhiz Expos this year, leading up to the major EnergyWhiz event. “In an effort to reach more students, we’re encouraging teachers across Florida to host regional EnergyWhiz Expos, and then the winners of the expos will advance to the state level and compete at FSEC,” said Susan Schleith, K-12 education director at FSEC.

Students with red clown noses and neon colored wigs stand around contraption while judges look on. — Team Welcome to the Carnival from Milwee Middle School in Longwood earns the WOW! Award in the Hydrogen Challenge. *Photo: Sherri Shields*

Solar Power Systems Educate Students, Reduce Costs for Schools and Provide Emergency Power

Sherri Shields Energy News, Press Release July 14, 2011E-Shelter, emergency shelter, PV, schools, solar electricity, SunSmart 7 Comments

COCOA, July 14, 2011 – Nearly 100 Florida schools will be soaking up solar rays to power their buildings this fall thanks to the Florida Solar Energy Center (FSEC).

FSEC, a University of Central Florida research institute, is providing each school with a 10-kilowatt, solar photovoltaic (PV) system valued at more than $80,000. These systems allow schools to capture the sun’s rays and turn them into energy to help reduce electricity costs, and they also serve as generators during a power outage. Installation of the systems – under way now – will reduce energy costs by up to $1,500 a year and decrease greenhouse gas emissions.

The photovoltaic system at Oak Hammock Middle School in Ft. Myers is near completion.

UCF Issues Invitation to Bid to Install Solar Systems at Shelter Schools

Sherri Shields Press Release May 21, 2010contractors, E-Shelter, emergency shelter, installers, schools, solar, solar systems, stimulus funds, SunSmart 0 Comment

COCOA, May 21, 2010 – The University of Central Florida (UCF) has issued an Invitation to Bid for solar and electrical contractors who are interested in installing 10-kilowatt photovoltaic (PV) systems at selected emergency shelter schools across the state. Bids are due to UCF by June 18 at 2 p.m.

As part of the SunSmart Schools Emergency Shelter (E-Shelter) program, administered by UCF’s Florida Solar Energy Center (FSEC), 90 public schools in Florida will each receive a PV system with battery backup. The grant money for the $10 million state program came from federal economic stimulus funds. Read more

EnergyWhiz Olympics on May 3 at the Florida Solar Energy Center

Sherri Shields Press Release April 25, 2008Energy Innovations, EnergyWhiz Olympics, Hydrogen Sprint, hydrogne, Junior Solar Spring, schools

Cocoa, Fla. – Hundreds of students from more than 60 schools across Florida will participate in the sixth-annual EnergyWhiz Olympics at the Florida Solar Energy Center (FSEC) in Cocoa. This year’s event will be held on Saturday, May 3, from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m.

The EnergyWhiz Olympics, sponsored by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, highlights the science and engineering skills of middle school and high school students as they participate in activities related to the real-world issue of energy.

“This event provides students with a great opportunity to develop and show off their engineering skills and their knowledge of emerging energy concepts,” said Susan Schleith, project manager for the EnergyWhiz Olympics. “Each year we have more schools participating, and it’s great to know that students are taking a real interest in alternative energy.” Read more