Renewable Energy Final Day

The group worked diligently this morning to finalize our symposium presentation. Part of this process was ensuring that our wind turbines were generating energy. The group used fan power to move the turbines and monitored our output. We also discussed ways to charge a cell phone using bike power and prepped to create this mechanism.

Renewable Energy Day 5

Each person chose their favorite topic about renewable resources and did a poster for the symposium. After lunch, we worked on the charging station and bought three charging cords for Apple and two for Samsung. The charging station is working well right now! 

The charging station is up and running!

The students working hard on their final posters.

Renewable Energy Day Four

This morning we created a data table including the products we ate from all over the world and the distance they traveled. We then calculated the amount of gasoline and the greenhouse gas emission the food we eat can cause. In the afternoon, we face-timed the Director of Sustainability Innovation at Stonyfield Yogurt. We learned about how they made their food production more organic and what are some ways they are using to reuse the heat and wastewater to make the yogurt production process more sustainable. 

Exploring where our food comes from.

Learning about Stonyfield's commitment to sustainability.

Director of Sustainability Innovation at Stonyfield Yogurt Lisa Drake.

Renewable Energy Day 3

Today the renewable energy team visited the house of Mr. Peter Adams powered by solar panels. We also went to Plymouth State University to see their ice rink powered by geothermal energy. It was interesting to learn how these work and how we could make the future more sustainable. We also watched the documentary Cowspiracy to learn about the impact our diets have on energy and sustainability. 

Renewable Energy Day 2

Today was a great day spent learning about wind turbines on one of New Hampshire's two major wind farms. We followed wind technician Ken and went inside of the wind turbines at the Lempster Wind Farm. He also showed us the safety tools they wear when working on the turbine and walked us through their computerized technology. They seemed small when we were far away, but it is super tall and people can stand on the top of it too. After that, we went to Concord and had a wonderful lunch. We also visited the Concord Co-Op and researched sustainable and renewable food sources. We will use these tomorrow when we look at our carbon footprint and the role that food plays. 

Wind technician Ken. 

Inside the wind turbine.

View from below.

The group assembled!

Ken showing us inside of an out of service blade.

Safety first!

Four of the twelve wind turbines.

The downed blade.

Renewable Energy Day 1

Renewable Energy spent the day preparing for a busy week. The group kicked off our morning by watching the documentary Switch. In the afternoon we spent time with Peter Lamb who gave our group an in-depth rundown of our energy use here at New Hampton and took us down to the primary operational site in Pilalas. We concluded our day together by creating our own wind turbines. Tomorrow the group will visit a wind farm and learn about sustainability.

Renewable Energy is excited for Project Week!