This blog is a website to provide ongoing support to all teachers in their implementation of the Island Energy Inquiry Curriculum shared in teacher workshops throughout Hawai'i.

Friday, October 14, 2011

Island Energy Inquiry Professional Development Course for Maui County Teachers Grades 5-12


MEDB Women in Technology is pleased to announce an Island Energy Inquiry Professional Development Course for teachers grades 5-12 to be held November 11th & 12th, 2011 (lunch provided both days) & 2 online follow-up sessions in February 2012 (exact dates TBD) at the Maui Research & Technology Park Malcolm Center (limited funding available for Molokai and Lanai teacher travel).

Highlights of the course:

·    ENGAGE in the use of the Island Energy Inquiry science curriculum which focuses on energy sustainability for Hawai’i  (aligned to HCPS III and Common Core Standards)
·    RECEIVE an Island Energy Inquiry Kit as well as access to an equipment loan program (PV panels, solar thermal, wind, energy auditing, and other equipment!)
·    INTERACT with local Hawai‘i energy professionals and hear live energy presentations
·    BENEFIT from ongoing support via Island Energy Inquiry Blog & Website
·    LEARN to use our Clean Energy Hawaii STEM App via a mobile lab of iPad computers
·    EARN $200 stipend for full participation and classroom implementation

Please visit www.womenintech.com/workshops.html to register.

Download the IEI flyer for more information. 

We look forward to an enriching workshop!


Wednesday, October 5, 2011

Island Energy Inquiry Lending Library Fall 2011

As Hawaii educators are starting their 2011/2012 school year, we would like to remind Island Energy Inquiry Workshop participants that the Island Energy Inquiry Library Program (IEI-LL Program) is available to teachers who want to use hands-on tools to implement energy inquiry science in their classrooms.

To sign up for a kit, please complete the following survey:

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/8NPKXMS

Participants need to have an IEI-LL Participant Agreement on file, abide by the program's policies and procedures, and have a google or gmail account to access online shared forms.

If you have already implemented the IEI-LL tools in your classroom, please share your IEI-LL experiences and ideas here! Mahalo!

Monday, September 19, 2011

Maui Smart Grid Project

The Maui Smart Grid Project will demonstrate and evaluate new technologies that will help residents better manage and reduce energy consumption during periods of high demand, and assist Maui Electric Co. (MECO) to operate the power grid more efficiently. These technologies will also help  to restore power outages faster and integrate more renewable energy into Maui’s electricity grid. If you are interested and participating and live in the Maui Meadows please check out: http://www.mauismartgrid.com/

Resource from: http://www.mauismartgrid.com/

Wednesday, September 7, 2011

"Clean Energy: Picking up the Pace in 2011"

Hawaiian Electric Company's latest newsletter featuring updated information on new technologies, customer projects, and the status of the Hawaii Clean Energy Initiative.

 "Clean Energy: Picking up the Pace in 2011". Powerlines. Summer 2011.

Monday, August 8, 2011

Appropedia: The Sustainability Wiki


Mission: Sharing knowledge to build rich and sustainable lives.

Appropedia is the "Wikipedia" of sustainability. This internationally used site has information on all things sustainable such as detailed descriptions of the different renewable energy technologies, creative new RE inventions, and information on RE projects done all over the world. The name Appropedia comes from the idea of "Appropriate Tehnology". Below is a description of appropriate technology directly from the Appropedia website. Appropedia is a great place to share information and collaborate with others on renewable energy. It's a wiki so it is free to sign up and would be a perfect place to post projects you may have done with your students.

Appropriate technology (AT) is technology that is designed with special consideration to the context of its use - including environmental, ethical, cultural, social, political, and economical aspects of the community it is intended for. With these goals in mind, AT proponents claim their methods require fewer resources, are easier to maintain, and have less of an impact on the environment compared to techniques from mainstream technology, which they contend is wasteful and environmentally polluting.

The term is usually used to describe simple technologies proponents consider suitable for use in developing nations or less developed rural areas of industrialized nations. This form of "appropriate technology" usually prefers labor-intensive solutions over capital-intensive ones, although labor-saving devices are also used where this does not mean high capital or maintenance cost. In practice, appropriate technology is often something described as using the simplest level of technology that can effectively achieve the intended purpose in a particular location. In industrialized nations, the term appropriate technology takes a different meaning, often referring to engineering that takes special consideration of its social and environmental ramifications.



Friday, July 29, 2011

Haleakala Solar is installing what will be the largest commercial PV power generation system in Maui County

AAAA - Rent-A-Space in Honokowai, Maui will be builiding a 600-kilowatt rooftop system. It will be the largest commercial photovoltaic power system in Maui County. Construction will begin in September 2011. To read more see link from Pacific Business News http://bit.ly/qHdxNG

Sunday, July 24, 2011

Another Successful Summer Camp

This past week Central Maui Complex celebrated their annual professional development summer camp for teachers. The Island Energy Inquiry curriculum was a content piece highlighted through this three day event. Teachers from all over Maui were given an opportunity to interact with the curriculum as well as incorporated into their unit planning for the upcoming school year. Teachers were also given the opportunity to schedule follow up sessions at their school site, were more hands on sessions will be conducted. All and all a great three days of planning, building, collaborating and productivity.

Friday, July 22, 2011

Punahou Summer Lab School

Educator's Energy Exchange group focused on sustainable energy curriculum development for DOE schools. The sessions went extremely well and the teachers all left with materials to implement the curriculum in their own classrooms. Overall, the things we learned from this experience is that the teachers valued the opportunity to try the lessons on their own, collaborate with teachers from other schools, and get ideas on how they can expand their own knowledge of the content.

Next year, the Lab School will continue this practice with more sustainability issues. If anyone is interested, please contact Punahou School.

Monday, July 11, 2011

Island Energy Inquiry Leadership Seminar




Educators from all over the islands gathered here at our MEDB Lab in Kihei, Maui to learn about and participate in activities related to renewable energy, in hopes of adding these activities to their current curriculum. The Island Energy Inquiry program is led by Diana Papini-Warren, a project manager for Women in Technology and MEDB. This is a compilation of pictures taken by the IEI leaders during the workshop this past June. Each participant was lent their own personal Ipod Touch to take pictures of various renewable energy activities throughout the day. They completed a couple of wind turbine projects and also a solar power activity. Mahalo to Eliza Akana, Ignacio Arcas, Gentry Hirohata, Pam Kohara, Holly Lee, J. Mitchell, Debby Tisdell, and Karen Umeda for participating.

Pam Kohara, IEI Leader


Eliza Akana, IEI Leader

Thursday, June 30, 2011

Thursday, June 16, 2011

Island Energy Kit Materials - Where to Buy



Wondering where to buy energy inquiry materials for your classroom?

Here is a list of vendors with contact info and links to their websites.
IEI Vendor List

Friday, June 3, 2011

Hawaii Energy, Toshiba Lighting the Future for Small Business and Non Profits

Small business and nonprofit organizations will soon receive LED lamps at no cost to themselves. Through participation in Hawaii Energy’s Lighting the Future offering, these organizations will save energy and money while helping Hawai’i to reduce its dependence on imported oil.

“Hawaii Energy is investing in small business and nonprofit energy efficiency with our Lighting the Future offering” said Ray Starling, Hawaii Energy program manager. “This is an exciting opportunity for participants to realize energy savings by making a change to energy efficient LED lighting. We encourage all who qualify to apply!”

Hawaii Energy hopes Lighting the Future will encourage energy conservation and efficiency measures throughout the small business and nonprofit communities. The offering is aimed at providing small businesses and nonprofits exposure to energy-saving LED lighting technology. This offer will be available while supplies last.

Interested small businesses and nonprofits are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.

Through a competitive bidding process, Hawaii Energy selected Toshiba as its partner in providing this offering to qualifying Hawai’i applicants. In its bid, Toshiba provided competitive pricing and a “buy one, get one free” promotional opportunity.

Participants must agree to install the LED lamps prior to June 30, 2011.

Qualifications:
In order to qualify your organization will be a:

1. Small business on an electric utility rate schedule that begins with the letter “G”, for General Service.

2. Nonprofit organization classified as a 501(c) on an electric utility rate schedule that begins with “G” or “J”.

3. For small businesses and nonprofits that do not pay for electricity directly, please call 521-2189 for more information on qualifications and how to apply.

4. Hawaii, Lanai, Maui, Molokai or Oahu commercial electric utility customers.

To find your electric rate schedule look at your electric utility bill or contact Hawaii Energy.

Application Process:
Download the application online at www.hawaiienergy.com.

1. The form must be filled out accurately prior to submission.

2. After submission, applicants will receive a letter of confirmation or contact from a Hawaii Energy representative.

3. Qualifying applicants will receive directions to pick-up locations, many located throughout the state.

Please see Lighting the Future flyer for additional information and FAQs.

For more information, please visit http://www.hawaiienergy.com/.

Hawaii Energy, a ratepayer-funded conservation and efficiency program administered by SAIC under contract with the Hawaii Public Utilities Commission, serves the islands of Hawaii, Lanai, Molokai, and Oahu.

Tuesday, May 24, 2011

Energy Kit Materials - Where to Order...! What to Buy...!

Aloha Teachers,



Some of you have been asking where to order Energy Kit supplies for your schools. Below is list of some of standard kit items we purchase. We get most of our supplies from Kidwind.org – which was founded by a teacher BTW!



Prices fluctuate and shipping costs are not included on the attached sheets, so check their website and/or call to recheck everything. They are very helpful. They take Purchase Orders or credit cards. You can order directly from their website, however, I find it helpful to call and talk to a person. Re shipping, they can email or fax you a Quote with Estimated Shipping costs, then send an invoice with the exact shipping cost after the order is filled.



Kidwind – Tel. 1-877-917-0079 http://www.kidwind.org/



They are located in Minnesota so it’s a 5 or 6 hour time difference, depending on Daylight Savings Time.



If you find any other great vendors or kit items, please share!
Good luck!
Shannon



Basic Turbine Plus* - Windmill (*A newer model of the PVC Wind turbine we used to order)
http://www.kidwind.org/xcart/product.php?productid=38



5 Volt Solar Panels*
$13 each; $55 5-pack; $115 10-pack
http://www.kidwind.org/xcart/product.php?productid=56






Green Science Solar Science Kit*
$12.25 each
http://www.kidwind.org/xcart/product.php?productid=157



Solar Thermal Kit* (for Lending Library)
$50.00 each
http://www.kidwind.org/xcart/product.php?productid=109

Extra Blade Materials*:
Balsa Wood Blades
100 Balsa Sheets for $80.00
http://www.kidwind.org/xcart/product.php?productid=23



Plastic Cardboard Blades (white)
100 Sheets for $60.00
http://www.kidwind.org/xcart/product.php?productid=29



1/4" Wood dowels
200 Dowels for $15.00
http://www.kidwind.org/xcart/product.php?productid=18



**Prices do not include shipping. Also, prices may fluctuate and models may change. Check website or call vendor for current info.



Tuesday, May 10, 2011

Diana Warren on Bytemarks Cafe Wed. 5/11!





Clean Energy iPad App will be offered FREE! Wed. and Thurs. in celebration of this event




What: Radio Interview: Women in Technology's Diana Papini Warren on Bytemarks Cafe, Hawaii's premiere radio show and technology-related matters.



When: Wednesday, May 11, 5:00-6:00 pm



Where: KIPO Radio 89.3 or Maui KIPM – 89.7.

Hosts Burt Lum and Ryan Ozawa will talk to Diana about the Clean Energy iPad App and Island Energy Inquiry teaching in the State of Hawaii. Farrington High School teacher, Diana Tom-Ogata, will also appear!

SPECIAL OFFER: The Clean Energy iPad App will be available for download FREE! all day Wednesday 5/10 and Thursday 5/11 in honor of this exciting event.

Go to: iTunes: http://bit.ly/CleanEnergyHawaii

Podcasts available at http://www.bytemarkscafe.org/

Friday, May 6, 2011

Island Energy Inquiry Leadership Seminar

An Energy Inquiry Event for Education Professionals

With Science Teacher PD Facilitation Responsibilites


DATES: 6/6, 6/21, 7/19, 8/23 (Hybrid Course)
FACE to FACE: Monday 6/6/11 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m

Malcolm Training Center on the Island of Maui*
MEDB, 1305 North Holopono Street, Suite 5 Kihei, HI 96753
*Travel Stipends Available


ONLINE: 6/21, 7/19, 8/23 3 Tuesdays 4:00 - 5:30 p.m.

Public & Private School Education Professionals Encourged to Apply




***Apply online Today****
Deadline - May 15, 2011



For more information contact Diana Papini Warren at diana@medb.org or 808-270-6804

Monday, April 25, 2011

Clean Energy iPad App Available Now - Only $1.99!



Great for facilitating science inquiry in your classroom.

Download at iTunes: http://bit.ly/CleanEnergyHawaii


Thursday, April 21, 2011

Get the Hawaii Clean Energy Hawaii STEM iPad App Now!



Get the Hawaii Clean Energy
Hawaii STEM iPad App Now!


In Celebration of EARTH DAY and in honor of teachers, students and parents worldwide, download the Clean Energy Hawaii STEM iPad App from iTunes on April 22nd!

Press Release: http://prmac.com/release-id-22257.htm


You Tube: http://bit.ly/CleanEnergyHawaiiVideo



iTunes: http://bit.ly/CleanEnergyHawaii

Tuesday, April 19, 2011

Video Resources - Teaching Science as Inquiry, Energy, and more



Here are some video resources from UH SeaGrant on “Teaching Science as Inquiry”, solar energy and more...

Link to all videow directly at: http://www.vimeo.com/marinescience

Or by island:
Oahu: http://mse.seagrant.soest.hawaii.edu/oahu-lectures
Hawai`i Island: http://mse.seagrant.soest.hawaii.edu/hawaii-island-lectures

A good reason to recycle those energy saving Compact Flourescent Light Bulbs!




Los Angeles Times report




Unrecycled New Light Bulbs Release Mercury into the Environment http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-lightbulb-mercury-20110407,0,3406825.storyThe nation’s accelerating shift from incandescent lighting to a new generation of energy-efcient bulbs is raising an environmental concern: the release of tons of mercury every year.The most popular new bulb–the compact fluorescent light bulb, or CFL–accounts for a quarter of new bulb sales. Each contains up to 5 milligrams of mercury, a potent neurotoxin that’s on the worst-offending list of environmental contaminants.Demand for CFL bulbs is growing as government mandates for energy-efficient lighting take effect, yet only about 2% of residential consumers and one-third of businesses recycle the new bulbs, according to the Assn. of Lighting and Mercury Recyclers. As a result, U.S. landfills are releasing more than 4 tons of mercury annually into the atmosphere and storm water runoff, according to a study in the Journal of the Air and Waste Management Assn.http://ow.ly/4w2dZ

Friday, March 18, 2011

"What if... Hawaii Ran Out of Gas?"

Hawaii filmmakers tackle sustainable energy theme in short film competition




Showdown in Chinatown, a short film contest in Honolulu, chooses a sustainable energy theme for its monthly film challenge. Filmmakers have until March 18th to create films with the following elements: Powerless or empowered. What if…Hawaii ran out of gas? Line of dialogue: “Throw me the rope” Props: roller skates and a blender.

This month's contest is sponsored by Blue Planet Foundation.

Films will be shown Saturday, March 19th.
More info: http://showdowninchinatown.com/

Tuesday, March 8, 2011

Monday, February 14, 2011

Upcoming Events

Island Energy Inquiry: Professional Development Course for Teachers Grades 5-12

Registration avaiable at: http://www.womenintech.com/workshops.html
Space is Limited!

Oahu - Registration Closed
February 19 & 26, 2011

Kauai
March 14 & 15, 2011

Hawaii Island
March 18 & 19, 2011

Wednesday, January 5, 2011

Upcountry Sustainability & The Sustainable Living Institute of Maui present: Zero Waste: A Cost Effective and Sustainable Approach for Maui's Future

Jennifer Chirico will present her research on ‘Zero Waste’ and lead a discussion about its possibilities on Maui. The event will be held on January 18, 6pm to 7:30pm, at UH-Maui College, Pilina Building, in the Multi-Purpose Room. The event is free and the public is welcome.

Zero waste programs are the most cost effective ways that local communities can contribute to reducing climate change and the use of landfills, promote local sustainability, protect health, create green jobs, and maximize resources. Zero waste processes guide people in changing their practices to emulate sustainable natural cycles, and create a system where all discarded materials become resources.

Jennifer Chirico is the Executive Director of the Sustainable Living Institute of Maui at UH-Maui College. She is currently completing her PhD in Sustainability, holds a Masters in Environmental Health, and is certified in zero waste. She has been conducting sustainability research for 10 years and providing business consulting to businesses around the world for the last 15 years. For further information, call Melanie at 573-9260