Camp teaches students benefits of renewable energy

More than 40 students from 23 local middle schools learned about renewable energy during the Energizing Our World camp at Grand Valley. The three-day, interactive camp took place on the Allendale Campus June 20-22.

During the camp, presented by Grand Valley’s Regional Math and Science Center (RMSC), students participated in hands-on activities to learn about solar, wind and hydro power. From constructing their own wind turbines to testing the power of flowing water, the lessons highlighted the benefits of renewable energy, best sustainable practices and the applications of renewable energy.

“The students of today are the shepherds of tomorrow’s world,” said Kristofer Pachla, RMSC director. “Engaging them in exciting energy learning encourages them to have a positive impact on, and responsible stewardship for, their world.”

On June 21, campers participated in a field trip to tour the South Kent Landfill and Waste-to-Energy Facility to learn how trash is transformed into steam, which can then be used to provide energy.

On June 22, teams of students worked together to build and then race solar-powered cars under the Transformational Link sculpture near Zumberge Hall.

Olivia Tucker, a camp participant who will be entering 9th grade at West Catholic High School in the fall, said she most enjoyed learning about how anyone can help the environment.

"I enjoyed learning how to help the earth by using and making different kinds of energy," she said. "It was surprising learning how much energy is wasted. There is a lot of energy that comes from things like coal and petroleum that just go to waste and I feel like that is something we can fix in the future."

Grand Valley students, faculty and staff also served in a variety of roles during the three-day event, including camp counselors and activity facilitators.

Sponsors for this year’s Energizing Our World camp included Grand Valley's Brooks College of Interdisciplinary Studies, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences and Padnos College of Engineering and Computing, as well as Consumers Energy and a grant from the Michigan Space Grant Consortium.