Energy
The Wisconsin K-12 Energy Education Program (KEEP) was created to improve and increase energy literacy in Wisconsin's K-12 schools through teacher education. KEEP is the product of an innovative public private partnership between educators and energy professionals. The Wisconsin Center for Environmental Education (WCEE) launched this effort in 1995.
The need for energy education is clear when we understand that some households spend more than 20 percent of their budget on heating their homes and fueling cars. Energy issues in the news emphasize the importance of energy education. Our society needs individuals with the knowledge, skills, and attitudes that will allow them to use energy resources wisely.
Energy education must be an integral part of the school curriculum to produce energy literate citizens. The Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction recognizes the need for energy education and includes objectives related to energy concepts in the Wisconsin Model Academic Standards for Science. KEEP provides frameworks and support systems for a sequential and comprehensive approach to energy education in schools.
KEEP Initiatives
- University-accredited courses on energy education, renewable energy, and school building efficiency
- Activity guides and teaching resources including a comprehensive website, teaching aids, field trip and guest speaker ideas, and more
- Contests for students
- Funding opportunities for teachers
- Networking opportunities for teachers
Energy Education Specialists within the WCEE are available to assist educators/schools in identifying how energy education fits into their curriculum and culture.