Beth Shields Middle School Students Get Hands-On Exploration of Renewable Energy Technologies

June 17, 2011 - PRLog -- FLATE (Florida Advanced Technological Education Center), the NSF (National Science Foundation) Center for excellence in high-tech manufacturing, in conjunction with the Hillsborough Community College South Shore campus, is organizing its first ever summer energy camp for students and Hillsborough County high school teachers. The camp will take place June 20-23 from 9-3 p.m. at HCC-South Shore Campus in Ruskin, FL, and is made possible through a grant from NSF. During the camp, 25 students from Beth Shields Middle School in Ruskin, currently enrolled in Hillsborough County’s AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) program, will learn many aspects of renewable energy technologies.

In day one, students will engage in hands-on activities that will introduce them to energy concepts including fossil fuels, its environmental impact, and the science of electricity generation. Hands-on activities will continue through days two, three and four where they will learn about solar cells, solar thermal, wind energy, environmental care, fuel-cells, home efficiency and ocean energy. The program is funded through FLATE and FESC (Florida Energy Systems Consortium) a consortium of Florida universities established by the Florida Legislature, and is part of a network of energy-related camps that are being offered simultaneously at Tallahassee Community college, and Florida State College at Jacksonville. A professional development energy camp for Hillsborough County high school teachers will also be offered concurrently at the same location.

Dr. Marilyn Barger, executive director of FLATE says the Center’s partnership with FESC is part of a statewide initiative to support industries in the existing and emerging energy sectors by defining the knowledge and skills required for their technician workforce. Since 2009, FLATE has been working with community colleges across Florida to define curriculum standards for alternative energy that support industry needs. “With the industry support of the FESC Advisory Committee and their community outreach programs for energy efficiency, FLATE’s partnerships with the Florida Department of Education, and the Banner Centers for Energy, Alternative Energy, Manufacturing and Construction we hope to build a comprehensive and cohesive educational and industry pathway for Florida’s new energy workforce” Barger said.

For more information on the energy camp contact Jorge Monreal, project manager for FESC and lead camp instructor at 813.259.6587/monreal@fl-at.org. For information on FESC contact Dr. Marilyn Barger at 813.259.6578/barger@fl-ate.org.

FLATE is a National Science Foundation Regional Center of Excellence, committed to ensuring Florida has a well prepared workforce for advanced and emerging technologies. Created in 2004, FLATE is one of 39 Advanced Technological Education Centers in the United States funded by the National Science Foundation focused on improving science, technology, engineering, and mathematics education and training to meet the needs of American advanced technology industries. For more information visit www.fl-ate.org

FESC is a consortium of 11 Florida Universities legislatively created in 2008. The Consortium was charged to ‘perform research and development on innovative energy systems that  lead to alternative energy strategies, improved energy efficiencies, and expanded economic development for the state.’ The FESC-FLATE partnership defines FLATE as FESC’s Core Facility for community college technical workforce education development and deployment throughout the state. For more information visit www.fl-ate.org/projects/fesc, or www.floridaenergy.ufl.edu.