Energy Camp at HCC in Ruskin Gives Students A Taste of Renewable Energy

TAMPA, Fla. - July 8, 2013 - PRLog -- FLATE (Florida Advanced Technological Education Center), the National Science Foundation Center of excellence in high-tech manufacturing, in conjunction with Hillsborough Community College South Shore campus, Florida Energy Systems Consortium and the University of South Florida, is organizing its third, annual summer energy camp.

The camp will be held July 8-11 at HCC’s-South Shore Campus in Ruskin, FL. During the camp, 30 students from Beth Shields Middle School in Ruskin, FL and Pierce Middle School in Tampa, currently enrolled in Hillsborough County’s AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) program will participate in fun, yet challenging, hands-on activities to make real-life connections to world of renewable energy. Students will engage in a variety of projects that will introduce them to energy concepts including fossil fuels, their environmental impact, and the science of electricity generation. They will also learn about solar cells, solar thermal energy, wind energy, environmental care, fuel-cells, home efficiency and ocean energy.

Who:          30 Students from Beth Shields Middle School & Pierce Middle School.

WHAT:          Summer Energy Camp

When:          July 8-11, 2013 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

WHERE:          HCC-Ruskin Campus, Second Floor Community Room 201

Highlights of Daily Activities

Day 1:          Fossil fuel lab (Green house gas emissions, work vs. power, generators) constructing simple motors

Day 2:          TECO tour & discussion of photovoltaic cells

Day 3:          Create solar cookers; windmill generators; fuel cell car activity; hydrogen power discussion

Day 4:          Hydroelectric and tidal power discussion; use kill-a-watt device; power house kit for green energy and energy efficiency

EDITOR’S NOTE: Nina Stokes, camp manager will be available for interviews. Opportunity for photo and video coverage will also be available.