The 'Ins' and 'Outs' of Energy and Pollution in the
Production of Concrete, Steel, and Wood
Nick
Hylla, Learning, Experiences, & Activities in Forestry (LEAF)
Learn
how to develop a life cycle analysis to estimate the environmental
impact of various materials. We'll discuss the common energy sources and
pollutants associated with manufacturing materials and compare the
impacts of building with concrete, steel, and wood.
More than Just Flipping a Switch - A Behind-the-Scenes
Look at the Electric Power Industry
Cole
Price, Wisconsin Public Power Inc.
This
interactive session will shed light into the world of power supply
operations and what is really happening behind the scenes when you flip
a switch. Thought-provoking discussions about energy production,
transmission and consumption will allow attendees to think critically
about the future of reliable, clean, and affordable electricity.
Natural Gas Safety and You
Wisconsin Public Service
Natural
gas is the nation's fastest growing energy source, heating 61% of U.S.
households. Come to this session to learn more about natural gas
from expert gas technicians at Wisconsin Public
Service.
Old Lies and New Myths about Energy
John
Coletta, University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point
Participants in this session will learn how to decode the
misrepresentations about energy and energy resources as those resources
are portrayed in the media (mostly in advertisements) and discover how
to recognize in novels and short stories what a society built on a
sustainable energy policy would look and feel like. We'll talk about the
sustainable energy policies and lifestyles in a novel by Ernest Callenbach and
a collection of short stories by Guy Dauncey.
Path to Ground: Electric Safety
Wisconsin Public Service
Electricity is powerful and dangerous. Working with it requires
knowledge and special tools. Learn how to stay safe around electricity
from those who work with it every day!
Play the Carbon Cycle Game and Win!
Jennie
Lane,
Wisconsin K-12 Energy Education Program (KEEP)
Be among
the first to test the new online version of the carbon cycle game. While
you won't get to blow up nematodes or waste a worm, you can traverse the
energy transfers a carbon atom experiences as it cycles through an
ecosystem.
The
Steamy Side of Electricity
Wisconsin Public Service
Steam produced by
boiling water can drive turbines that rotate electrical generators.
Come to this session to learn more about how steam plants work and how
they are used in Wisconsin.
What Does It Take to Power Your World?
Greg
Hoffmann,
Wisconsin Public Power Inc.
By riding a bike
called the Pedal Power, you’ll learn why it’s so important to turn off
the lights when you leave a room. Create your own electricity and gain
an understanding of where it comes from, how it is measured, and how our
use affects power supply resources.
**teacher session**
Energize Your Classroom with the Wisconsin K-12 Energy Education Program
Sara Windjue,
Wisconsin K-12 Energy Education Program (KEEP)
The Wisconsin K-12
Energy Education Program (KEEP), a comprehensive statewide program, has
successfully reached over 2,500 teachers with its one credit, graduate
courses. Attend this session to participate in energy education
activities while learning about other opportunities that are available
to Wisconsin educators. A conceptual guide will be given to each
participant.
Energy
News
Africa to Asia: Energy Use throughout the World
Susan
Ermer, Global Environmental Teachings (GET)
If you
don’t have a vehicle, how do you get to school or work? If you have no
lamp, how do you read? If you don’t have a stove, how can you cook? This
session will make you think about energy use particularly among high
school students throughout the world.
Are We Almost Out of Oil?
Jeremy
Solin, Wisconsin Center for Environmental Education
There
has been a lot of recent discussion and predictions about "Peak Oil"
(when world oil production is at its peak). This session will explore
the concept of peak oil, discuss what it will mean in our personal lives
and to society, and explore options for addressing this issue.
The Battle of the Arrowhead-Weston Transmission Line
Tom
Kreager, Save Our Unique Lands
This
session will provide background on the proposed 210-mile high-voltage
Arrowhead-Weston transmission line from the perspective of a grassroots
organization that aims to protect the natural, social, and economic
environment of Wisconsin, while promoting efficient management of power.
Participants will discuss how this project and others like it affect
people statewide.
Biogas: Renewable Energy from Farms and Landfills
John
Katers, University of Wisconsin-Green Bay
This
session will describe how dairy farms and landfills make and use biogas.
We will talk about the biological processes involved and the
technologies used to produce renewable energy from manure and garbage.
The Clean Energy Initiative: Wisconsin's New Energy
Efficiency and Renewables Policy Direction
Daniel
Ebert, Public Service Commission of Wisconsin
Governor
Doyle's Task Force on Energy Efficiency and Renewables developed
recommendations to increase energy efficiency efforts in Wisconsin and
use of Wisconsin's homegrown renewable energy sources. The Task Force
recommendations have been drafted as legislation by State Representative
Phil Montgomery (R-Ashwaubenon) and Senator Rob Cowles (R-Green Bay) and
will make Wisconsin a leader in energy efficiency and renewables again.
This session will explore the recommendations that will set a new clean
energy policy direction for Wisconsin.
Energy Politics and the American Way of Life
Steve
Bartelt, Concerned Citizens of Stevens Point
Our
definition of economic prosperity depends on ever increasing supplies of
inexpensive energy from oil, a resource that is now in decline. Will we
be able to adapt to this change, or does capitalism - based on the need
for continuously increasing consumption - actually prevent us from
responding positively?
Environmental Challenges and Opportunities in Management
of Wisconsin's Transmission System
Jon
Keener and Matt Krumenauer, American Transmission Company
Joe
Pagliara, Natural Resources Consulting
American
Transmission Company oversees the electric transmission grid in much of
Wisconsin. Come learn how they manage the existing system and plan for
new transmission lines and substations, taking into consideration
environmental factors such as wetlands, protected species, archeological
and historic sites, and other natural features.
How We Decide Whether to Put Power Lines in Your Backyard
David
Hovde, Lee Meyerhofer, and Jayne Vanderlin, American Transmission
Company
Virtually everyone understands that Wisconsin needs new electric
transmission lines to help keep the lights on and the businesses
running. But not all of us agree on where these lines should go and how
they should get there. Come and learn more about how we provide
opportunities for all voices to be heard.
Solar Solutions
Kurt
Nelson, SOLutions
What is
renewable energy really all about? This session will fill you in and
provide an overview of current energy trends. We'll focus on solar
electric systems and will take a virtual tour of a few of them.
Wind Power
Jenny
Eigenberger, Lakeshore Technical College
We will
discuss small, medium, and large wind turbines and their applications.
We'll also talk about wind farms in Wisconsin and some of the truths and
myths associated with wind power.
The Winds of Change: The Potential of Wind Energy
Joe
Panci, Nick Meiers, and Shannon Lange, Conserve School
Can wind
energy be used to effectively supplement a school's energy needs? Find
out what two students have done to challenge their administration to
"walk the talk."
**teacher session**
Make Mine Sunny Side Up: SolarWise for Schools
Chip
Bircher, Wisconsin Public Service Community Foundation
Christine Fossen-Rades, DePere High School
The
SolarWise® for Schools program provides free solar-electric systems to
public and private high schools served by Wisconsin Public Service. Each
SolarWise school also receives a renewable energy curriculum package and
an invitation to participate in the annual Solar Olympics. Come and hear
how teachers and students are using this program to make renewable
energy come alive in their classrooms.
Energy Tools
Biodiesel: Homemade Fuel from Vegetable Oil
Josh
Stolzenburg, Midwest Renewable Energy Association
Anyone
can make their own fuel! This session will provide an overview of the
process of making biodiesel for your car from vegetable oil. We
will even make a demonstration 'blender batch.'
A Bright Idea for a Fundraiser
Carrie
Bea Ziolkowski, Wisconsin K-12 Energy Education Program (KEEP)
Traditional fundraisers have students selling candy bars and pizzas, but
now there's an opportunity to raise money, help the environment, and
educate communities at the same time. Come learn how you can join other
students in Wisconsin that are selling energy efficient compact
fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) and promoting awareness about the
environment, energy efficiency, and health.
Energy Conservation in Schools and at Home
Nathan Nygaard, Focus on Energy Schools and Government
Program
This
discussion will include facts about the electricity consumption of
lighting, computers, and machines in the school and at home and how
turning off the lights and stereo will not only save money but will keep
pollutants from entering the air we breathe. You will learn about the
impacts from both monetary and environmental points of view.
ENERGY STAR®
Qualified
Products That Save Energy and Money
Mark
Gotta, Wisconsin Energy Conservation Corporation, Focus on Energy
An
introduction to ENERGY STAR® qualified products that can be
used to reduce energy, save money on utility bills, and help to protect
the environment. Products, informational brochures, and hands-on items
will be available to all participants.
Planetlines: Getting to Know Your
Landscape
John
Francis, Planetwalk
Join in
on an interactive discussion about Planetlines, a way to learn about the
environment by combining science, art, and personal experience.
Rubbish to Riches: A Fun Way to Convert Organic Material
into Rich Compost
Marjorie
Rychlock, University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point
Learn
everything you need to know about vermicomposting (composting with
worms), from assembling and maintaining a worm bin to harvesting the
worms, and nutritious soil. Vermicomposting can be done year round and is
a great way to save energy and keep organic material out of
landfills.
Strawbale Construction in the
Midwest
Mark
Morgan, Bear Paw Construction and Design
This
session covers the history and recent renaissance of building long
lasting, low cost, fire resistant, and energy efficient homes with
strawbales. We will focus on midwestern applications.
Sustainable Food Systems: Reducing the Amount of
Non-Renewable Energy Needed to Produce and Distribute Food
Steve
Sandstrom, Sigurd Olson Environmental Institute
Our
current industrialized food production and distribution system is
heavily dependent on fossil fuels. What can we do, as consumers, to make
more responsible food choices that help reduce our use of non-renewable
energy in food production and distribution? Learn why organic, locally
grown, bulk-packed foods are a more sustainable choice.
Sustainable Living On and Off the Grid
Marguerite Ramlow, Midwest Renewable Energy Association
This
workshop will explore sustainable living and energy conservation in the
home. Sustainable energy use is good for the earth and that's good for
our future. Find out how to live with less impact on the earth's
resources. Based on the presenter's experiences in a solar powered home.
Toyota's Energy Efficient Hybrids
Wade
Bruder, Mark Motors Toyota
Enjoy
this informative presentation on Toyota’s answer to conserving our
natural resources with today’s technology of new cars and trucks. Learn
why all hybrid vehicles are not the same.
Transparent Successes with Energy Cost Savings in Schools
Oscar
Brandser, Xcel Energy
Educational facilities have unique challenges when it comes to
conserving energy and reducing energy costs. This session will show how
schools can conserve energy and save costs while providing an ever
better learing environment for students.
Wisconsin Electrathon: Learning about Alternative
Transportation
Dave
Doering, Bayfield High School and WI Electrathon Advisory Board
Check
this program out! Design and build electric vehicles at your school and
then travel to compete in races around the state with other schools.
This is a great way to learn and use technical, mechanical, team
building, communication, and other skills. Come to the workshop and bring
the information back to your school to get started today!
