We want to share with you, our fans, highlights on the Going Green with Technology Summer Camp from the Patriots Technology Center.
From Thurman Jones of the Patriots Technology Training Center:
We wrapped up our summer activities and wanted to share with you our “Going Green with Technology Summer Camp” experience. Our summer camp would not have been a success without the support of our sponsors and partners. To all of them, we would like to say THANK YOU! Our sponsors/partners are as follows:
- U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), Office of Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy/Melody Bell/ Shawn Mason
- U.S. Department of Energy, Department of the Environment
- Justice, Melinda Downing
- U.S. Department of Energy, National Nuclear Security Association, Malika Hobbs
- U.S. Department of Agriculture, Kenneth Johnson
- NAVSEA /Thomas Palathra/Walter Pannick, Heather Zdobysz
- NAVY/LCDR Robin Lemon-Soape Mirant/Misty Allen/Wayne Hale
- Johnson Controls /John Cavanaugh, Janet Hatch, Jenell Brimhall
- Shell Hydrogen, Karen Kruger
- NBC-WRC TV/Mark Whitaker/Enid Doggett
- Clean Air Partners, Jessica Davis
- IT Computer Wiz Kids, Gerard Cooper
- DNA Extraction, Marty Pollock
- U.S. Army, Deanna Tyler
Kickoff Day:
Carti Harris kicked off the camp with instructions on Idvd, Imovie, Keynote, Iphoto, Glogster and online blogging. The campers were exposed to web 2.0 applications. From this exposure the students were able to utilize their acquired skills to enhance educational projects throughout their tenure as students. This knowledge also places them on the cutting edge of technology. The applications that were taught align with the Maryland Multi-Media Interns Technology standards. These tools came in handy when the students prepared for their “Going Green” research projects. Senovia McLaughlin and Janell King, along with four interns, Brandon Joseph, Daniel Cooper, Lance Williams, and Sahara Lindsey assisted in the coordination and implementation of the camp’s activities.
Here is a video from a past event:
NBC Studios Visit:
On their first field trip, the camper visited NBC studios in Washington, D.C. The students were welcomed by Mark Whitaker, Chief of Washington Bureau, NBC News. They then were treated to a behind the scenes look at broadcasting in its finest lead by Phalley Lambert and Alonzo Ray. They were greeted by local celebrities such as Mac McGarry (It’s Academic), news anchors Barbara Hairston, Pat Lawson Muse, and Jim Handly along with weatherman Tom Kieran. The students were escorted to the different control booths and taught some of the logistics of broadcast journalism. They were also made privy to the robotics used to operate the camera and other equipment needed to produce a quality program
The highlight of the trip came when the students were allowed to signoff on air at the end of the 12:00 noon news broadcast. The students were inspired when they were able to see the benefit of pursuing a career in the STEM field up close.
IT Computer Wiz Kids Workshop:
In an IT Computer Wiz Kids workshop lead by Gerard Cooper, students received instructions on building the ultimate gaming computer.
Going Green Research Project:
Research was initiated on the “Going Green Research Project” and captains were selected to head teams that were given “renewable energy sources” on topics such as vehicles, solar, wind, geothermal, biomass, environmental justice, and nuclear. These teams developed a list of fascinating questions for the various DOE Program Managers to discuss and answer during a DOE on-site interviewing session coordinated by Shawn Mason of EERE.
Here is a video from a previous event
Shell Hydrogen Visitors Center
The Shell Hydrogen Visitors Center was the destination of the second field trip. The students were given a tour of the facility, a full-service gas station. It is the only one of its kind in our area that provides fuel for hydrogen cars which are not yet for sale to the public. The students learned about hydrogen fuel and the future of our oil supplies and were given a chance to “test ride” in a real hydrogen fuel car prototype from General Motors. To wrap up the day at Shell Hydrogen and what the future holds for the automobile industry, students watched “Back to the Future.”
DNA Lecture
Marty Pollock came to talk about DNA and described in great detail the ins and outs of DNA. He had the students do an experiment to see what actual DNA looks like. Each of the student’s DNA samples were put into test tubes for further examination.
Chalk Point Power Plant
The camp went off to tour the power plant in Chalk Point located in Aquasco, MD. During the tour led by Wayne Hale, the students learned that Mirant Mid-Atlantic, the owners of Chalk Point, burns more than 60 tons of coal in one month. The energy gleaned from burning the coal is enough to supply 20 million homes. The Chalk Point facility is so large that a whole train could sit inside of it. A mention of the underground tunnel that is large enough to house a dump truck should not be left out. One of the things that Mirant is most proud of is the fact that of the 100% of the coal that is burned, 99.4% of the burn off is recaptured as not to harm the environment. It was a great trip and a great experience.
Lego & Balloon: Lego Robots & Water Balloon Launches
Thomas Palathra from the NAVSEA Indian Head Division, provided staffers Walter Pannick and Heather Zdobysz, who instructed our students for a week of building and programming a Lego robot for exciting tech challenges, assembling a rocket, constructing a solar car, and participating in a water balloon and egg drop mission. Of the six competing teams, the Hotmass Team won the robotics competition for completing the most challenges. For the finale of the week’s activities, the students launched their rockets and displayed their projects. To end the wonderful day, the Prince George’s County Fire Department Engine Team #33 came out and assisted our campers in the Egg Drop Competition.
To kick-off the final week of camp, Deanna Tyler of the U.S. Army presented a workshop on solar panels. It was interesting to learn how effective the solar panels assist our troops as they defend our country. With much enthusiasm, campers were challenged to design a more natural way to power the batteries that are used by the soldiers.
Johnson Controls
We were then joined by Johnson Controls. John Cavanaugh of Johnson Controls coordinated Jenell Brimhall and Janet Hatch to facilitate a 3-day training that would certify the students as “Energy Ambassadors.” Johnson Controls is a company whose main objective is to conserve energy and find unconventional ways to create power sources. The students made their own personal wind turbines as a renewable energy source. They also made pizza box ovens designed to cook smores. The process of cooking depended on the construction of the oven and the placement under the sun’s waves. Awards were given for the construction and production of the ovens. By the end of the week, each student had complete knowledge of the renewable energy sources; solar, wind, and geothermal energy.
David Air Partners
Rebecca Davis of Clean Air Partners presented a fun-filled workshop on Air Quality. Ms. Davis provided background information on topics such as: What Makes Up Our Atmosphere, Criteria Pollutants, Air Quality Index, and Respiratory System Effects on Health. Students were split into teams and then played “Air Quality Jeopardy” utilizing the information they obtained on Air Quality. The winners received prizes.
Mini-Green STEM Conference
On our final day of camp, parents, family, friends, and the community were invited to attend a Mini-Green STEM Conference hosted by our campers. It was their time to shine and display all of the exciting projects that they participated in during the summer camp session.
Camp Conclusion
The “Going Green with Technology Summer Camp” was an invaluable experience. It exposed our students to many aspects of renewable energy and how it affects our community, the future, and the power they have to make a positive impact. By the looks on their faces, you can see for yourself that they were “happy campers”.
For more information on the technology summer camp and program, please contact the following:
Thurman D. Jones, Jr.
President
thurmanjones@hotmail.comGloria Shivers
Director of Programs
gloriashivers@hotmail.comJenise Littlejohn
NSBE Jr. Advisor
jeniselittlejohn@hotmail.comDenise Lewis
Director of Strategic Programs and Communications
lewis438@comcast.netMore green info? Also enjoy some very cool videos at sobukaTV for more emerging green news. Sobuka can also help you find a green contractor in your area. Search with your zip code and also find out which rebates you may qualify for in your area.
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Tags: Clean Air Partners, DNA Extraction, IT Computer Wiz Kids, Johnson Controls, Justice, NAVSEA, NAVY, nbc, Patriots Technology Center, Shell Hydrogen, US ARMY, US Department of Agriculture, US Department of Energy
This entry was posted on Friday, September 3rd, 2010 at 8:21 pm and is filed under Green Events. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.
Thursday, September 16, 2010
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