GVSU camp teaches renewable energy, design thinking

Nearly 50 students from 20 local middle schools spent four days on the Allendale Campus learning about the benefits of renewable energy and best sustainable practices during the third annual Energizing Our World summer camp. 

The interactive camp was held June 17-20, with students participating in hands-on STEM activities to learn about solar, wind and hydro power. Students had the opportunity to gather information to develop and modify a prototype. Each group worked to design a self-sustaining community with limited resources.

The camp was hosted by Grand Valley's Regional Math and Science Center (RMSC) and faculty members from the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences and Brooks College of Interdisciplinary Studies.

"A core driving focus for this camp is problem solving," said Chelsea Ridge, RMSC program manager. "The environment faces a variety of challenges that will continue to change throughout the lifetime of the students. We utilized partnerships with the chemistry, geology and physics departments to offer content sessions, as well as a partnership with the Design Thinking Academy to help students develop their problem-solving skills." 

Parents had the opportunity to join campers during a career fair and for the project display day.

The Michigan Space Grant Consortium and Consumers Energy sponsored the camp.

For more information, visit gvsu.edu/rmsc/energy, or contact Chelsea Ridge at (616) 331-3172 or [email protected].