Alberta emerald youth grant
sustainability through stem
Amanda and Julie are the kinds of educators who love what they do and harness their passion for STEM education to empower the next generation to solve some of our biggest problems. Using their “spark” for space exploration and environmental stewardship they inspire sustainable ideas and technologies that will first better life here on Earth.
Their projects include themes of:
Environmental monitoring
Sustainable agriculture and soil science
Net-zero vs zero-emissions solutions
Energy efficiency through automation
Emission reduction technologies
Solar energy innovations
They are deserving of this award because they directly impact the young people of Alberta and will inspire future (and current) change-makers and innovators to continue meaningful innovations in our province.
2021/22 & 2022/23- Guided by the sun
Energy solutions for earth and beyond!
For the past two years, École Champs Vallée School grade 9 students were given a project, sponsored by the Alberta Emerald Foundation called "Guided by the Sun: Exploring solutions for energy efficiency on Earth and for space exploration utilizing automation, solar technologies and inspired by Indigenous ways of knowing."
Students combined knowledge from their space, environmental chemistry and electricity units to code automated Micro;bit systems for space exploration that would ultimately improve life on Earth. Their goals varied from increasing energy efficiency through automation, monitoring and improving upon their environment, using radio controls, and even deploying solar technologies to power automated robotics including a Canadarm III and Lunar rover.
To bring this project full circle, students participated in an Indigenous land-based field trip where they will explore Indigenous art in the Edmonton River valley, play Métis games and sit by the fire and hear nature stories from a local Cree Elder.
Resources available here
2020/21 - Environmental monitoring at home
Distance Learning Environmental Monitoring at Home.
Right now we are in a global pandemic and I am teaching a group of kids who are learning from home. They need all the connection and inspiration I can find for them and a way to feel like they are making a difference in a time when many feel helpless. The environmental problems we are studying in school are concerning them, now more than ever. If I can provide projects that help them figure even a small part of it out and share that knowledge with others, I feel that will make a lasting impact.
I want to enrich my A+ For Energy project with Inside Education and my colleague Julie Arsenault, so that my Distance Learning students can participate from home. Thanks to the Alberta Emerald Foundation Youth Grant we will have students design and make energy-efficient space colonies by coding Micro;bits automated systems. Students will develop environmental monitoring stations, automated habitats, and so much more.
We love space exploration and it is the "SPARK" for so much of what we do. That being said it is our fervent belief that it is irresponsible to colonize other planets or the moon unless we have first solved the energy and environmental issues on Earth. We hope that space exploration will be a driving force into a "greener" future.
Kits are ready to go home and be used by kids!
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