Electricity and the Environment (grades 5-adult)

1.5 - 4 hour interactive presentations tailored to age group. Presentations include demonstrations showing how electricity is created, how it works, and how we use it. Arrange a presentation by contacting Fran Barhydt at Tel: (802)626-8346. Email: veep@kingcon.net

see how this program addressesVermont Standards
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Light and Shadows (grades K-4)

Background in the study of light. Science methods and content leading to developmentally appropriate learning experiences for young scientists in grades K-4.  Arranged by contacting Fran Barhydt at Tel: (802)626-8346. Email: veep@kingcon.net

Beyond Batteries and Bulbs (grades 3-8)

For teachers of grades 3-8 who have little background in electricity or who are searching for developmentally appropriate and safe hands-on experiences for their students. Guided discovery, constructivist approach to investigations and challenges such as: (1) given a battery, bulb, and wire, find as many ways as possible to make the bulb glow, (2) use your simple circuit to test and classify selected items as conductors and non-conductors. Contact Fran Barhydt at Tel: (802)626-8346. Email: veep@kingcon.net

Solar Challenge (grades 5-12)

For teachers in grades 5-12 with or without strong science/technology background. Those with a background in physics need three days of training. Teachers who do not a background in physics need five days. During the training, VEEP provides a standards-based teacher’s guide complete with assessments, samples of student work, and a student notebook. VEEP offers kits at cost, a loan of supplies and helps teachers build their own kits of supplies. VEEP provides in-class support including “The Engineer in the Classroom” residency which provides students the unique opportunity to work with a professional in the field. Contact Fran Barhydt at Tel: (802)626-8346. Email: veep@kingcon.net

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Green Schools (grades 5-12)

The Green Schools program uses the school building as a learning tool. Students first learn how electricity is made, about its impacts, about energy efficiency and why bother to save energy. Then they find and implement ways to save energy within the school, which reduces costs and environmental impact. Improvements can be behavioral (turn off the lights, computers, heat, etc., when not in use) and equipment upgrades (such as more efficient lights, automatic lighting controls, and controls to turn down soda machines on weekends) VEEP partners with Efficiency Vermont to analyze electricity efficiency options and to implement changes. Often incentives are available to help defray costs. The Green Schools program can expand to look at recycling, indoor air quality and other issues of importance to the particular school. Students evaluate the options, present proposals to school boards and administration, implement changes, and track the savings. Contact Fran Barhydt at Tel: (802)626-8346. Email: veep@kingcon.net

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Building a Solar-powered Micro Car (grades 4-8)
IN DEVELOPMENT STAGE

Hands-on, minds-on activity for students in grades 4-8. Teacher training and follow-up support. Junior Solar Sprint is a Middle School project to help students design and race a model solar car. These culminate in class races then school races, then regional and national races. Students compete in teams. Many teachers use the project but do not have their students compete beyond their own class.