Massachusetts Trains Teachers on Renewable Energy

Massachusetts Trains Teachers on Renewable Energy

"With prices for natural gas soaring and increased concern over global climate change, it is tremendously rewarding for us to help educate young people about economically viable and environmentally friendly alternatives to burning fossil fuels," said Rob Pratt, Director of the Renewable Energy Trust.

For Release
Contact: Chris Kealey
(508) 870-0312

SUMMER SCHOOL FOR TEACHERS TO SPUR CLEAN ENERGY EDUCATION
$190,000 Grant Supports Five Renewable Energy Content Institutes

Westborough, MA (May 27, 2004) - Massachusetts Technology Collaborative (MTC) Executive Director Mitchell Adams today announced that it will sponsor five Renewable Energy Content Institutes to train up to 150 teachers this summer. Through a continuing partnership with the Department of Education, teachers will learn innovative ways to incorporate renewable energy into science and math curricula in the fall.

"Last summer 76 teachers participated in the program, and we hope to double that number this year," said Adams. "Working with DOE and more than a dozen communities in Massachusetts, we are building the state's first "green" schools incorporating energy efficiency and renewable technologies such as wind turbines and solar panels. These content institutes are part of our integrated strategy to teach the next generation about the benefits of harnessing clean energy resources."

Topics at the training sessions include the science of energy, the impacts of energy choices, various renewable energy technologies used in electricity generation, energy use in buildings, and renewable energy for transportation. MTC administers the state's Renewable Energy Trust, which awarded a $190,000 grant that enables teachers to participate free and receive funding for new educational materials to use in classrooms next fall. The Content Institute Program was created by the Education Reform Act of 1993 to increase the number of highly qualified teachers who have competency in their subject areas.

There are still spots available for interested teachers. The sessions will be held across the state at the following locations:

- Waquoit Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve, East Falmouth, MA
June 25, July 5 - 8, July 12 - 15, 2004
Contact: Richard Lawrence, Cape and Islands Self Reliance,
(508) 457-7679

- Bridgewater State College, Bridgewater, MA
August 9 - 19, 2004
Contact: Dr. Frances Jeffries, Bridgewater State College,
(508) 531-1242

- Waltham Public Schools, Waltham, MA
July 12 - 16 & 19 - 23, 2004
Contact Brian Gravel , Tufts Center for Engineering Educational Outreach, (617) 627-2681

- Hampshire Educational Collaborative, Northampton, MA
June 26, July 6 - 9, July 12 - 15, 2004
Contact: Christopher Mason, Northeast Sustainable Energy Association, (413) 774-6051

- Fitchburg State College, Fitchburg , MA
June 4/5, 11/12, 18/19, 23-25, 2004
Contact: James Alicata, Fitchburg State College, (978) 665-3047

"With prices for natural gas soaring and increased concern over global climate change, it is tremendously rewarding for us to help educate young people about economically viable and environmentally friendly alternatives to burning fossil fuels," said Rob Pratt, Director of the Renewable Energy Trust.

The Renewable Energy Trust is an essential part of the state's strategy to reduce dependence on foreign energy sources by encouraging the use of renewable resources such as wind, solar, biomass, fuel cells and landfill gas. The Trust was created by statute in 1997 to increase the generation, consumption and awareness of clean energy technologies. For more information on the Renewable Energy Content Institutes, visit the MTC website at www.masstech.org.

For Further Information:

• www.masstech.org

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