Working in teams, students research energy sources. Each team member takes a different perspective. One looks at engineering aspects; another examines benefits to people, to the planet; another checks out historical aspects; and someone looks at cost factors and limitations. The students are 9th and 10th graders in the Integrated Science class at Vancouver School of Arts and Academics (VSAA).
In this class of 35 students, everyone has a tool—a laptop computer, an iPad, or an iPod—at her or his fingertips. Tools are checked out on a first-come basis, and students choose based on their task. Laptops with keyboards are handier for writing; iPads and iPods are more portable. All have Wi-Fi connections to the Internet.
For the team studying wind energy, Ciara Wells looked at costs—not just the cost of building wind turbines, but also the cost to people and the environment. She found pros and cons. “Working on the turbines is a fairly dangerous job,” she said. “But this could become a successful industry.”
Down the hall, another team focused on geothermal energy systems. Stuart Jackson examined costs and benefits. “It’s incredibly efficient compared with other energy sources. You can usually harness one megawatt per acre,” he said.
Nik Lane was working on engineering aspects. “There are two ways to harvest geothermal energy,” he explained. “One system uses underground pipes and funnels heated water to the surface; another uses steam to spin magnets in a coil of wires.”
After researching and writing, each team developed a visual presentation to be shown before the class. Students had flexibility in their choice of tools and software. “They can use whatever fits their style,” said teacher Ken Winkley.
The tools and access to materials have changed Integrated Science classes dramatically at VSAA. “These classes didn’t work this way last year. If you wanted to have a research project at the high school level, it was really limited,” said Winkley. Teachers vie for time in the school’s technology lab, which has 30 computers. Often, those computers are used for testing. “Now students have access to online journals and articles, as well as materials from school libraries and district resources,” he added.
These students know their generation must find solutions to energy needs, to jobs and economic stability, and to a livable planet. With information at their fingertips, they’re expanding their knowledge and their ability to make wise decisions. The future—
powered by them—looks hopeful.
