Photos provided
It’s spring and summer storm season, and students had the opportunity to learn about weather and see a “tornado in a box” as educators brought lessons to life in Fishers last week.
The Duke Energy/IUPUI Mobile Science Lab visited Hamilton East Public Library, 5 Municipal Drive, Fishers, on June 15. Local students met and learned from WRTV meteorologist Kevin Gregory and Samuel Ansaldi from IUPUI in hands-on demonstrations.
The mobile lab is equipped with working solar panels and a wind turbine to demonstrate how renewable power works. IUPUI educators use interactive technology tools from the lab to bring lessons to life. The aim is to encourage more students to pursue careers in science, math, engineering and technology.
About Duke Energy and its foundation
Duke Energy Indiana’s operations provide about 6,800 megawatts of owned electric capacity to approximately 820,000 customers in a 23,000-square-mile service area, making it the state’s largest electric supplier.
Each year, through the Duke Energy Foundation, the company dedicates a portion of its shareholder earnings to charitable organizations and educational institutions statewide, investing in areas where they can have the greatest impact. By investing in this project, the foundation has funded two of its highest priorities: education and science.
About the Center for Earth and Environmental Science at IUPUI
The IUPUI Center for Earth and Environmental Science (CEES), established in 1997, is an interdisciplinary academic center with three core missions: applied research addressing environmental issues of concern to local communities, public service through translation of research to inform decision-making, and environmental science education
Discovering the Science of the Environment (DSE), the center’s signature education initiative, promotes experiential science learning in K-12 schools throughout Central Indiana. The DSE program provides education modules aligned with Indiana state standards for science teaching and state-of-the-art technology to help deliver an interactive, inquiry-based education experience. Supported by a mobile science unit, the DSE program serves an estimated 3,000 students annually. Through the DSE program, CEES aims to increase environmental awareness and appreciation, enhance science teaching in Indiana schools, and spark interest among students in STEM careers.
With the grant from the Duke Energy Foundation, CEES is expanding its educational offerings to include modules on renewable energy, as well as topics related to the energy of natural phenomena (storms and natural disasters).
To learn more about CEES, or to arrange for the mobile lab or a scientist to visit your school, visit the center’s webpage. You can also follow CEES on Facebook or contact the center at cees@iupui.edu.