NEW GERMANY - New Germany Rural High School's Grade 9 class is one of just a handful in Nova Scotia implementing a renewable energy pilot program.

 "It's exciting that the teachers here have accepted the challenge of this project," said Department of Energy director Ross McLaren during the school's renewable energy day on April 19.

 The program is called The Energy Around Us.

 "It's to get people like you Grade 9 students thinking about energy in our province, the resources we have, and to think critically about how we use them and about their effect on society, the economy and the environment."

 Science, social studies and language arts teachers are expected to develop classroom activities based on books and briefings from experts, a do-it-yourself wind turbine kit and expertise and materials from the community.

 "And then in June, we'll bring representatives of your classes back together to showcase the projects you've been working on," said Mr. McLaren.

 "This program is fairly flexible, which means students can try different project formats and explore subjects that are most relevant to them," said teacher Kathryn Creaser in a recent press release.

 "The most important outcome is that students learn about renewable energy sources, which are a real part of their future."

 Nova Scotia plans to move away from coal-based energy and generate one quarter of its electricty from renewable resources by 2015.

 "As we move toward that future, it is important that we encourage students to learn more about renewables and the role they will play in our province," said Energy Minister Bill Estabrooks.

 Education Minister Marilyn More said the program will use outcomes within the existing Grade 9 curriculum.

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 "We know that students learn more effectively when they take a hands-on, minds-on approach. This program provides the tools and ideas to enable educators and students to think critically and explore sustainable development issues from all angles, including how energy influences climate change."

 Two teachers from each school board in the province were part of the planning process for the new integrated science and social studies unit, which will focus on wind, biomass, hydro, tidal, geothermal and solar power energy sources.

 "Students will be asked to look at their community and region and ask questions such as what is the abundant renewable resource in my community and what role might it play in our energy future? How do renewables affect my life? [and] Why do we need renewable energy?" said an April report from South Shore Regional School Board director of programs Steve Prest.

 "There will also be a call to action - asking students what they can do to make a difference in their communities."

posted on 05/04/10