Full-Tilt Education: The story of the Solar Tilt Kit

There is a lot of excitement around solar energy education and the trend of schools installing solar PV to stabilize utility bills and reduce their carbon footprint. With inspiration from colleagues and several teachers who presented or attended the 2021 webinar series Solar Dashboard Technology for K-12 Classrooms, we drafted ideas for a classroom-ready solar kit and companion lessons.

It did not take long to realize that designing and making the solar tilt units would present an excellent opportunity for a high school tech ed student to apply classroom knowledge to a real world challenge. Jacob Smith, a junior at Marathon High School, and student of John Vanderwyst and Justin Paetzel took on the challenge!

Explore, Access and Use: Solar Tilt Kit

See it for yourself: Solar Tilt Kit at WTEA

Are you attending the Wisconsin Technology Education Association (WTEA) Conference?

• See the Solar Tilt Kit and try it out for yourself! One of the units will be on display in the WTEA Project Showcase

• Learn more about KEEP by attending our session from 11:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. Friday, March 10, 2023. Dave Luety (Parkview HS) will co-present with KEEP staff and a Focus on Energy Advisor.

Happening Soon: Green Team Mini-Grant Info Session

Interested in applying for a Green Team Mini-Grant? Learn more about the process at KEEP's Green Team Mini-Grant Info Session at 4 p.m. Monday, February 27.

This free, informal gathering is a collaboration space for Wisconsin K-12 students starting or leading Green Teams and other environmentally focused groups in their school. Students can learn more about KEEP’s Green Team Mini-Grant program and speak with students who have already begun the work of making change at their schools. 

Come with questions, to share your own project ideas, or just to be inspired through spending time with other students dedicated to sustainable action. The session recording will not be published, in order to protect student privacy.

The Green Team Mini-Grant is an opportunity for any committed group of WI K-12 students to apply to receive $300-$700 for a project that has the goal of reducing the carbon footprint of their school community. Students begin by contacting KEEP to share their project idea via email or an idea form any time before March 13.

Energy Educator of the Year: Nominations Now Open!

Do you know an educator who champions energy education and efficiency efforts in your K-12 community?

Nominate them for the Energy Educator of the Year Award which recognizes and rewards exemplary educators who have made energy education a priority in their teaching and outreach initiatives. Awardees serve as role models and empower students, teachers and community members to adopt energy-saving behaviors and participate in energy solutions. 

Nominate yourself or others now through April 10, 2023.

Save the dates! July 17-19, 2023

KEEP has been selected as a Cohort Leader for Climate Generation’s Summer Institute. 

Regional cohort day on July 19 is led by KEEP and DPI educators.

KEEP is sponsoring a minimum of 20 Wisconsin K-12 educators to attend this virtual conference for free ($250 value). 

Registration opens in March!

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The KEEP program is funded with generous support by Alliant Energy, Madison Gas and Electric, We Energies, Wisconsin Public Service, WPPI Energy, and Xcel Energy. 

Published February 2023