Energy Department Holds STEM Educator Energy Institute

Delaware Tech energy department faculty worked with the Center for Renewable Energy Advanced Technological Education (CREATE) and the National Science Foundation to host a STEM Educator Energy Institute this summer on the College’s Terry Campus in Dover.

The professional development workshop, focused on building automation, energy efficiency, and solar photovoltaics, was attended by 11 participants comprised of middle school and high school teachers as well as several college instructors. Through a series of lectures and hands-on activities, attendees learned some best practices on how to teach new technologies and gain experience with industry tools.

“It is important to share with teachers in the community the most effective and engaging ways to teach sustainable energy principles to their students,” said Dr. Jennifer Clemons, energy technologies department chair. “In addition, the teachers can also help spread the word about the high-paying, in-demand careers in the energy sector. Many students are unaware of the wide range of jobs in the energy sector, and the skill sets required.”

Attending educators received a variety of resources, including lesson plans and equipment for hands-on labs, to help incorporate energy-focused lessons into their classrooms.

“Through a CREATE grant, in addition to a $600 stipend, participants received up to $1,200 in equipment to implement lessons,” said Clemons. “We understand that school budgets may be tight, so it was great we were able to present them with items in hand that they can use.”

Learn more about Delaware Tech's renewable energy solar program.

PHOTOS: TOP: Individuals attending the College’s STEM Educator Energy Institute collect voltage and current data from a solar panel. BOTTOM: High school teachers Tara Wells (left) and Karla Wells use a pyranometer to measure the amount of occurring solar irradiance.