Re-Energy
Become a Renewable Energy Engineer
VIDEO PREVIEW
Watch the Re-Energy Intro Video
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Introduction
In the Re-Energy program, learners of all ages learn about renewable energy, the different sources of renewable energy and explore the
co-benefits and trade-offs of using comparable renewable energy systems. In this engaging STEAM program, learners become renewable energy engineers by using detailed construction plans to build their own working models of electric vehicles, energy storage systems, solar ovens, solar cars, wind turbines, hydroelectric generators, and biogas generators. Learners can also make use of related links and backgrounders to explore each renewable energy technology in depth. Re-Energy is a proud recipient of the 2017 UL Innovation Education Award!
co-benefits and trade-offs of using comparable renewable energy systems. In this engaging STEAM program, learners become renewable energy engineers by using detailed construction plans to build their own working models of electric vehicles, energy storage systems, solar ovens, solar cars, wind turbines, hydroelectric generators, and biogas generators. Learners can also make use of related links and backgrounders to explore each renewable energy technology in depth. Re-Energy is a proud recipient of the 2017 UL Innovation Education Award!
RELEVANT TOPICS
Renewable energy; renewable systems; renewable technologies; solar; solar oven; solar car; solar PV; wind; biogas; biomass; electric vehicles; electricity storage; batteries; biology; physics; chemistry; environmental conservation; sustainable development goals; sustainability; climate change; Canadian climate policy; climate action;
PROGRAM OBJECTIVES
- Discover the fundamental principles of biology, chemistry and physics
- See the application of science and technology to some of today's most important environmental issues
- Enjoy the challenge of building working models.
Take the Re-Energy Challenge
In this engaging STEAM challenge, learners will get to build one of the following: a wind turbine, solar oven, solar car, hydroelectric generator, biogas generator, electric vehicle or energy storage. This will help them deepen their learning about renewable energy technologies. The grand prize for the winning class is $1,000, the second prize is $500 and the third prize is $250.
Registration for the 2021-2022 challenge is open.
Registration for the 2021-2022 challenge is open.
Re-Energy Program Activities
Below are program activities grouped by topics. Feel free to do any of the resources on their own, or, bundle them together to take action and register for the Re-Energy Challenge.
Re-Energy Program Activity Quick Links
Length of Time: 3 hours
Monitoring Ecosystems
This activity provides two important activity modes, the first being a background reading, the second, an exercise in summarizing and analyzing environmental data. The backgrounder provides essential foundational knowledge about the main topic (environmental monitoring). The activity that follows tests learners’ comprehension of the ideas in the backgrounder and allows them to apply this understanding using a realistic example
Length of Time: 1.5 hours to build + 3 weeks to observe
Ecosystem in a Bottle
This activity encourages learners to observe an ecosystem by having them observe and investigate a class bottle biosphere. The investigation will allow students to make connections between the bottle and the Earth as a whole unit and ecosystem. The lesson is not dependent upon success in creating a thriving bottle, as a dying bottle may create more discussion than a successful one.
Length of Time: 2.5 hours
Ecosystem Benefits
The watershed activity challenges learners to visualize and ecosystem through a special representation, namely a map. By examining information about a local or familiar landmark, this activity also enables learners to transfer their theoretical understanding of ecosystem services and benefits to the real world in which they live.
Length of Time: 1 hour
Energy Flows
Learners will be re-enacting energy flow through a simplified ecosystem by assuming roles, moving around, and passing cards from person to person. This will reinforce several important ideas in ecology in a way that will appeal to learners who respond well to physical interactivity
Length of Time: 1 hour
The Carbon Cycle
Learners are introduced to terminology along with background information on the carbon cycle, then they will read a story about the life of a carbon atom as it is passed from one form to another.
Length of Time: 1 hour
The Nitrogen Cycle
This activity provides an introduction to terminology along with background information, then provides practice activities in which students identify some transformations that occur in the “lifetimes” of nitrogen molecules.
Length of Time: 1 hour
The Water Cycle
This activity provides an introduction to terminology along with background information, then provides practice activities in which learners identify some transformations that occur in the “lifetimes” of water molecules.
Length of Time: 1 hours
Relationships and Interactions
Learners will learn about the potential types of relationships that may be found in communities. Using the Species cards, they will sort information into various types of groups.
Length of Time: 1.5 hours
Natural Disturbances
This activity is designed to give a quick overview of the central topic, disturbance in ecosystems.
Length of Time: 3 hours
Enough is Enough
This activity is designed to help learners quickly grasp several key concepts related to ecological populations.
Length of Time: 1.5 hours
Succession
Once learners are acquainted with a variety of types of ecosystems and the general factors of which they are composed, both biotic and abiotic, this activity will provide the opportunity to predict what may happen should the conditions in an area change.
Length of Time: 1.5 hours
Sensible Science
This activity gives learners knowledge as to how to plan, analyze, and troubleshoot their scientific investigations by giving them some experience whereby they practice their analytical skills on a variety of recorded experiments.
Length of Time: 1.5 hours
Making Good Decisions
This activity will utilize personal thoughts and points of view to construct meaning and knowledge through taking on the role of another person.
Length of Time: 1.5 hours
Our Ecological Footprint
This activity will help learners become aware of the interconnectedness of personal lifestyle and its impact on the environment.
Length of Time: 1.5 hours
Creating Change
Learners will investigate and consider a variety of actions that may have an impact on the environment.
Length of Time: 45 - 60 minutes
Meet the Co-Author
Complete a guided reading of Sila and the Land with the co-author Ariana Roundpoint and explore the creative process that went into writing this book with co-author Ariana Roundpoint.
Length of Time: 45 - 60 minutes
Choices and Consequences
Learners will be able to identify positive and negative consequences of different choices, while understanding that small choices can have large consequences.
Length of Time: 2 - 4 hours
Climate Justice and Action Through Art
Learners are provided an opportunity to create art, think critically about elements of art, and connect art to a local and global context. The activities can be done in multiple sessions, but need to be done together.
Solar Energy
Length of Time: 3 hours
Monitoring Ecosystems
This activity provides two important activity modes, the first being a background reading, the second, an exercise in summarizing and analyzing environmental data. The backgrounder provides essential foundational knowledge about the main topic (environmental monitoring). The activity that follows tests learners’ comprehension of the ideas in the backgrounder and allows them to apply this understanding using a realistic example
Length of Time: 1.5 hours to build + 3 weeks to observe
Ecosystem in a Bottle
This activity encourages learners to observe an ecosystem by having them observe and investigate a class bottle biosphere. The investigation will allow students to make connections between the bottle and the Earth as a whole unit and ecosystem. The lesson is not dependent upon success in creating a thriving bottle, as a dying bottle may create more discussion than a successful one.
Length of Time: 2.5 hours
Ecosystem Benefits
The watershed activity challenges learners to visualize and ecosystem through a special representation, namely a map. By examining information about a local or familiar landmark, this activity also enables learners to transfer their theoretical understanding of ecosystem services and benefits to the real world in which they live.
Length of Time: 1 hour
Energy Flows
Learners will be re-enacting energy flow through a simplified ecosystem by assuming roles, moving around, and passing cards from person to person. This will reinforce several important ideas in ecology in a way that will appeal to learners who respond well to physical interactivity
Length of Time: 1 hour
The Carbon Cycle
Learners are introduced to terminology along with background information on the carbon cycle, then they will read a story about the life of a carbon atom as it is passed from one form to another.
Length of Time: 1 hour
The Nitrogen Cycle
This activity provides an introduction to terminology along with background information, then provides practice activities in which students identify some transformations that occur in the “lifetimes” of nitrogen molecules.
Length of Time: 1 hour
The Water Cycle
This activity provides an introduction to terminology along with background information, then provides practice activities in which learners identify some transformations that occur in the “lifetimes” of water molecules.
Length of Time: 1 hours
Relationships and Interactions
Learners will learn about the potential types of relationships that may be found in communities. Using the Species cards, they will sort information into various types of groups.
Length of Time: 1.5 hours
Natural Disturbances
This activity is designed to give a quick overview of the central topic, disturbance in ecosystems.
Length of Time: 3 hours
Enough is Enough
This activity is designed to help learners quickly grasp several key concepts related to ecological populations.
Length of Time: 1.5 hours
Succession
Once learners are acquainted with a variety of types of ecosystems and the general factors of which they are composed, both biotic and abiotic, this activity will provide the opportunity to predict what may happen should the conditions in an area change.
Length of Time: 1.5 hours
Sensible Science
This activity gives learners knowledge as to how to plan, analyze, and troubleshoot their scientific investigations by giving them some experience whereby they practice their analytical skills on a variety of recorded experiments.
Length of Time: 1.5 hours
Making Good Decisions
This activity will utilize personal thoughts and points of view to construct meaning and knowledge through taking on the role of another person.
Length of Time: 1.5 hours
Our Ecological Footprint
This activity will help learners become aware of the interconnectedness of personal lifestyle and its impact on the environment.
Length of Time: 1.5 hours
Creating Change
Learners will investigate and consider a variety of actions that may have an impact on the environment.
Length of Time: 45 - 60 minutes
Meet the Co-Author
Complete a guided reading of Sila and the Land with the co-author Ariana Roundpoint and explore the creative process that went into writing this book with co-author Ariana Roundpoint.
Length of Time: 45 - 60 minutes
Choices and Consequences
Learners will be able to identify positive and negative consequences of different choices, while understanding that small choices can have large consequences.
Length of Time: 2 - 4 hours
Climate Justice and Action Through Art
Learners are provided an opportunity to create art, think critically about elements of art, and connect art to a local and global context. The activities can be done in multiple sessions, but need to be done together.
Electric Vehicles
Length of Time: 3 hours
Monitoring Ecosystems
This activity provides two important activity modes, the first being a background reading, the second, an exercise in summarizing and analyzing environmental data. The backgrounder provides essential foundational knowledge about the main topic (environmental monitoring). The activity that follows tests learners’ comprehension of the ideas in the backgrounder and allows them to apply this understanding using a realistic example
Length of Time: 1.5 hours to build + 3 weeks to observe
Ecosystem in a Bottle
This activity encourages learners to observe an ecosystem by having them observe and investigate a class bottle biosphere. The investigation will allow students to make connections between the bottle and the Earth as a whole unit and ecosystem. The lesson is not dependent upon success in creating a thriving bottle, as a dying bottle may create more discussion than a successful one.
Length of Time: 2.5 hours
Ecosystem Benefits
The watershed activity challenges learners to visualize and ecosystem through a special representation, namely a map. By examining information about a local or familiar landmark, this activity also enables learners to transfer their theoretical understanding of ecosystem services and benefits to the real world in which they live.
Length of Time: 1 hour
Energy Flows
Learners will be re-enacting energy flow through a simplified ecosystem by assuming roles, moving around, and passing cards from person to person. This will reinforce several important ideas in ecology in a way that will appeal to learners who respond well to physical interactivity
Length of Time: 1 hour
The Carbon Cycle
Learners are introduced to terminology along with background information on the carbon cycle, then they will read a story about the life of a carbon atom as it is passed from one form to another.
Length of Time: 1 hour
The Nitrogen Cycle
This activity provides an introduction to terminology along with background information, then provides practice activities in which students identify some transformations that occur in the “lifetimes” of nitrogen molecules.
Length of Time: 1 hour
The Water Cycle
This activity provides an introduction to terminology along with background information, then provides practice activities in which learners identify some transformations that occur in the “lifetimes” of water molecules.
Length of Time: 1 hours
Relationships and Interactions
Learners will learn about the potential types of relationships that may be found in communities. Using the Species cards, they will sort information into various types of groups.
Length of Time: 1.5 hours
Natural Disturbances
This activity is designed to give a quick overview of the central topic, disturbance in ecosystems.
Length of Time: 3 hours
Enough is Enough
This activity is designed to help learners quickly grasp several key concepts related to ecological populations.
Length of Time: 1.5 hours
Succession
Once learners are acquainted with a variety of types of ecosystems and the general factors of which they are composed, both biotic and abiotic, this activity will provide the opportunity to predict what may happen should the conditions in an area change.
Length of Time: 1.5 hours
Sensible Science
This activity gives learners knowledge as to how to plan, analyze, and troubleshoot their scientific investigations by giving them some experience whereby they practice their analytical skills on a variety of recorded experiments.
Length of Time: 1.5 hours
Making Good Decisions
This activity will utilize personal thoughts and points of view to construct meaning and knowledge through taking on the role of another person.
Length of Time: 1.5 hours
Our Ecological Footprint
This activity will help learners become aware of the interconnectedness of personal lifestyle and its impact on the environment.
Length of Time: 1.5 hours
Creating Change
Learners will investigate and consider a variety of actions that may have an impact on the environment.
Length of Time: 45 - 60 minutes
Meet the Co-Author
Complete a guided reading of Sila and the Land with the co-author Ariana Roundpoint and explore the creative process that went into writing this book with co-author Ariana Roundpoint.
Length of Time: 45 - 60 minutes
Choices and Consequences
Learners will be able to identify positive and negative consequences of different choices, while understanding that small choices can have large consequences.
Length of Time: 2 - 4 hours
Climate Justice and Action Through Art
Learners are provided an opportunity to create art, think critically about elements of art, and connect art to a local and global context. The activities can be done in multiple sessions, but need to be done together.
Wind Energy
Length of Time: 3 hours
Monitoring Ecosystems
This activity provides two important activity modes, the first being a background reading, the second, an exercise in summarizing and analyzing environmental data. The backgrounder provides essential foundational knowledge about the main topic (environmental monitoring). The activity that follows tests learners’ comprehension of the ideas in the backgrounder and allows them to apply this understanding using a realistic example
Length of Time: 1.5 hours to build + 3 weeks to observe
Ecosystem in a Bottle
This activity encourages learners to observe an ecosystem by having them observe and investigate a class bottle biosphere. The investigation will allow students to make connections between the bottle and the Earth as a whole unit and ecosystem. The lesson is not dependent upon success in creating a thriving bottle, as a dying bottle may create more discussion than a successful one.
Length of Time: 2.5 hours
Ecosystem Benefits
The watershed activity challenges learners to visualize and ecosystem through a special representation, namely a map. By examining information about a local or familiar landmark, this activity also enables learners to transfer their theoretical understanding of ecosystem services and benefits to the real world in which they live.
Length of Time: 1 hour
Energy Flows
Learners will be re-enacting energy flow through a simplified ecosystem by assuming roles, moving around, and passing cards from person to person. This will reinforce several important ideas in ecology in a way that will appeal to learners who respond well to physical interactivity
Length of Time: 1 hour
The Carbon Cycle
Learners are introduced to terminology along with background information on the carbon cycle, then they will read a story about the life of a carbon atom as it is passed from one form to another.
Length of Time: 1 hour
The Nitrogen Cycle
This activity provides an introduction to terminology along with background information, then provides practice activities in which students identify some transformations that occur in the “lifetimes” of nitrogen molecules.
Length of Time: 1 hour
The Water Cycle
This activity provides an introduction to terminology along with background information, then provides practice activities in which learners identify some transformations that occur in the “lifetimes” of water molecules.
Length of Time: 1 hours
Relationships and Interactions
Learners will learn about the potential types of relationships that may be found in communities. Using the Species cards, they will sort information into various types of groups.
Length of Time: 1.5 hours
Natural Disturbances
This activity is designed to give a quick overview of the central topic, disturbance in ecosystems.
Length of Time: 3 hours
Enough is Enough
This activity is designed to help learners quickly grasp several key concepts related to ecological populations.
Length of Time: 1.5 hours
Succession
Once learners are acquainted with a variety of types of ecosystems and the general factors of which they are composed, both biotic and abiotic, this activity will provide the opportunity to predict what may happen should the conditions in an area change.
Length of Time: 1.5 hours
Sensible Science
This activity gives learners knowledge as to how to plan, analyze, and troubleshoot their scientific investigations by giving them some experience whereby they practice their analytical skills on a variety of recorded experiments.
Length of Time: 1.5 hours
Making Good Decisions
This activity will utilize personal thoughts and points of view to construct meaning and knowledge through taking on the role of another person.
Length of Time: 1.5 hours
Our Ecological Footprint
This activity will help learners become aware of the interconnectedness of personal lifestyle and its impact on the environment.
Length of Time: 1.5 hours
Creating Change
Learners will investigate and consider a variety of actions that may have an impact on the environment.
Length of Time: 45 - 60 minutes
Meet the Co-Author
Complete a guided reading of Sila and the Land with the co-author Ariana Roundpoint and explore the creative process that went into writing this book with co-author Ariana Roundpoint.
Length of Time: 45 - 60 minutes
Choices and Consequences
Learners will be able to identify positive and negative consequences of different choices, while understanding that small choices can have large consequences.
Length of Time: 2 - 4 hours
Climate Justice and Action Through Art
Learners are provided an opportunity to create art, think critically about elements of art, and connect art to a local and global context. The activities can be done in multiple sessions, but need to be done together.
Hydro Energy
Length of Time: 3 hours
Monitoring Ecosystems
This activity provides two important activity modes, the first being a background reading, the second, an exercise in summarizing and analyzing environmental data. The backgrounder provides essential foundational knowledge about the main topic (environmental monitoring). The activity that follows tests learners’ comprehension of the ideas in the backgrounder and allows them to apply this understanding using a realistic example
Length of Time: 1.5 hours to build + 3 weeks to observe
Ecosystem in a Bottle
This activity encourages learners to observe an ecosystem by having them observe and investigate a class bottle biosphere. The investigation will allow students to make connections between the bottle and the Earth as a whole unit and ecosystem. The lesson is not dependent upon success in creating a thriving bottle, as a dying bottle may create more discussion than a successful one.
Length of Time: 2.5 hours
Ecosystem Benefits
The watershed activity challenges learners to visualize and ecosystem through a special representation, namely a map. By examining information about a local or familiar landmark, this activity also enables learners to transfer their theoretical understanding of ecosystem services and benefits to the real world in which they live.
Length of Time: 1 hour
Energy Flows
Learners will be re-enacting energy flow through a simplified ecosystem by assuming roles, moving around, and passing cards from person to person. This will reinforce several important ideas in ecology in a way that will appeal to learners who respond well to physical interactivity
Length of Time: 1 hour
The Carbon Cycle
Learners are introduced to terminology along with background information on the carbon cycle, then they will read a story about the life of a carbon atom as it is passed from one form to another.
Length of Time: 1 hour
The Nitrogen Cycle
This activity provides an introduction to terminology along with background information, then provides practice activities in which students identify some transformations that occur in the “lifetimes” of nitrogen molecules.