Hands-on
Resource Lending Program
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| About KEEP |
Professional
Development |
Resources |
Student
Involvement |
Networking |
Funding Opportunities |
| Lending Program |
KEEP's Hands-on Resources are available to loan to Wisconsin educators free of charge through the Wisconsin Center for Environmental Education (WCEE) Resource Library at the University of Wisconsin - Stevens Point (UWSP).
Items can be checked out for a period of up to 4 weeks. If you would like to check out any of KEEP's Hands-on Resources, please contact the WCEE at wcee@uwsp.edu or 715.346.4150.
Hands-on Resources can be picked up/dropped off at the WCEE Resource Library at UWSP between
7:45 AM and 4:30 PM Monday - Thursday,
and 7:45 AM-3:00 PM Friday,
excluding legal holidays.
| Energy Trunk |
The KEEP Energy Education Trunks are full of educational resources available for Wisconsin KEEP teachers to rent. The Trunks were developed with the middle school student in mind, specifically grades 5-7. They contain materials for FIVE popular KEEP activities (Station Break, Circuit Circus, The Cost of Using Energy, At Watt Rate, and Diminishing Returns) as well as energy education VIDEOS and HANDS-ON RESOURCES. Click here to learn more about the contents of the trunk and where you can get one. THIS ITEM CANNOT BE SHIPPED. YOU MUST PICK IT UP AND DROP IT OFF.
Energy Trunk Lending Policy Agreement (PDF)
| Hand-crank Generator |
The
hand-crank generator is a great tool to learn the difference
between an incandescent light bulb and a compact fluorescent
light bulb (CFL). Use your cranking power to discover how
much energy it takes to light up two different light bulbs.
As you crank, a generator transforms your muscle power into
electrical energy. SHIPPABLE ITEM.
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KEEP purchased the hand-crank generator from:
Creative Design Associates
Austin H. Munson IDSA
President
Product Development
Industrial Design
5227 Cty Hwy M
Waunakee, WI 53597-9139
Phone: 608.831.4269
Fax 608.831.8832
With both the hand crank and the Pedal Power unit below, students might ask why is it harder to turn the crank (or pedal the bike) to light the incandescent light bulb than the CFL. A simplified answer is provided below (talk to a physics teacher for a more scientific answer).
Hand-crank Generator Lending Policy Agreement (PDF)
| Pedal Power |
The Pedal Power is a tool that you can use in your
classroom to teach about energy production, use, and
conservation. Students can actually ride a stationary bike
to power a generator, which in turn powers incandescent
light bulbs, compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs),
light emitting diodes (LEDs), a TV, a hair dryer, a radio, a fan,
and more. There is also a photovoltaic (PV) panel that can
be used instead of a generator. This activity will teach
students how much energy it takes to power these common
electrical conveniences we use everyday and how important
it is to turn them off when not in use (or not use them at
all). THIS ITEM CANNOT BE SHIPPED.
YOU MUST PICK IT UP AND DROP IT OFF.
Pedal Power Lending Policy Agreement (PDF)
To learn more about the Pedal Power, click here.
Students might ask why is it harder to turn the crank (or pedal the bike) to light the incandescent light bulb than the CFL. A simplified answer is provided below (talk to a physics teacher for a more scientific answer).
The crank is harder to turn (and the
bike harder to pedal) because there is more resistance with the
incandescent bulb. A traditional incandescent light bulb is lit by
heating up a tiny filament. This is done by forcing the current (the
electrons) through tinier and tinier wires until essentially a traffic
jam is created which causes friction and thus heat. The crank feels the
resistance to this “push” of the current. CFL tubes are coated with
fluorescent materials (called phosphors) that emit light when they are
electrically stimulated. The chemical reaction requires less energy and
there is less friction (less resistance in the electrical wire) and the
crank is easier to turn.
| Pedal Power Host Program |
In addition to the Pedal Power unit at the KEEP office in Stevens Point, there are three Pedal Power Hosts for the 2010-11 and 2011-12 academic years. These hosts may be contacted to sub-lease Pedal Power in their county and surrounding counties within Wisconsin:
- Bradley Technology and Trade School, Milwaukee, WI
- Mishicot School District, Mishicot, WI
- Sauk County Land Conservation Department, Baraboo, WI
To contact one of these Pedal Power Hosts click here.
| Radiometer |
The original radiometer was invented by Sir
William Crookes in the mid-nineteenth century. The device
was developed to measure the intensity of radiant energy or
heat. There are a number of companies that sell radiometers
that teachers and students can use to demonstrate how light
energy can be used to do work or change things.
What makes the radiometer work? The atmosphere inside a radiometer is a nearly perfect vacuum. More than 99 percent of the air has been removed, leaving only thousands of air molecules inside the radiometer in comparison with the trillions in the atmosphere outside it. This means that each molecule of air inside the radiometer is able to move about more freely. The opposing sides of each vane or wing of the radiometer are alternately dark and light in color. When light energy from infrared radiation strikes these wings, it transfers heat to each one, but not to the same degree. The lighter side of the wing reflects light, and the dark carbonized side absorbs light. When the freely moving air molecules inside the radiometer strike the light colored side of the wing, they take on very little energy and do not bounce off very fast. However, when the molecules strike the dark side, they take on a great deal of energy and kick away at terrific speed. This causes the vane to spin in the direction it has been kicked (away from the dark carbonized side of the wing). In other words, the temperature difference between the two sides causes the vane to move due to convection currents and momentum transfer. SHIPPABLE ITEM.
Radiometer Lending Policy Agreement (PDF)
| Sun Oven |
The Global Sun Oven is a great tool that cooks
delicious treats while students learn about the
potential of sun power. Use the Sun Oven to
spark a discussion on the possibilities and
benefits of using renewable energy, like solar
thermal energy. The oven comes with two cooking
pans. THIS ITEM CANNOT BE SHIPPED. YOU MUST
PICK IT UP AND DROP IT OFF.
Sun Oven Lending Policy Agreement (PDF)
| Watts Up? Meters |
Watt Meters (sometimes called Line Loggers) are a
tool that can be used to measure the electric usage
of appliances. By plugging an appliance into the meter and then into a socket, you can measure the actual electric use of a particular appliance. You can also try contacting your local library to see if they have a watt meter to check out. SHIPPABLE ITEM.
Watts Up? Meter Lending Policy Agreement (PDF)
Watt Meter Fact Sheet (PDF)
| Energy Bingo by Nasco |
Energy
Bingo can be played by an entire 4th-6th grade class of 30 (or in any
smaller group down to three students), for any length of time, and with any
number of winners. Enables students to learn and/or review terms and
definitions quickly and easily without tedious memorizing. Includes 30
playing cards (5" x 6"), 50 problem cards, master answer key, directions,
and plastic markers. SHIPPABLE ITEM.
To reserve email wcee@uwsp.edu or call 715.346.4854
| Energy Hogs by Adventerra Games |
A board game where kids learn how to save energy at
home, so as to pollute less, slow global warming,
and save money for trips to Disneyland and other
cool stuff! The goal of Energy Hogs is to learn to
change your daily behaviors to save energy at home.
The winner is the player who uses energy most
intelligently at home and makes the smartest
decisions about new services and products, thus
saving money and the planet. 3-4 people/teams
can play this game. SHIPPABLE ITEM. 4th grade & up.
To reserve email wcee@uwsp.edu or call 715.346.4854
| Other |
Energy Education Resource List - A list of hands-on resources recommended by KEEP
Wisconsin Center for Environmental Education (WCEE) Resource
Library
WCEE Energy Bibliography - This bibliography contains a list of
selected resources on the general topic of Energy. All materials are
available for loan at the WCEE Resources Library.
Dane County Library Resources
Below is a list of energy related publications that can be checked
out from the
Dane County Library
Service. These items were funded by
Madison Gas & Electric Company in 2008.
2008
MGE-Funded Acquisitions-Partial List (PDF)
Oil Age Poster
To request a free Oil Age Poster, go to
www.oilposter.org/ and click on School Request in the
right-hand column.
Send comments and suggestions to KEEP, energy@uwsp.edu or call 715.346.4770.
Copyright 2001 KEEP
