K-12 Offshore Wind Programs
Offered by the School of Professional Development, the Office of Economic Development and the Center for Teaching and Learning in Community
Offshore Wind for Kids
The School of Professional Development partnered with the New York Power Authority (NYPA) and a hands-on STEM-education provider, WhyMaker, to repurpose the content for K-12 audiences. “Offshore Wind for Kids” was developed in three distinct age tiers (elementary, middle, and high school) for appropriate conveying of topics such as “what is wind power,” “how does a wind turbine work,” “can a windmill float,” and “how does the power get to my house.”
After the short video lectures and animations (of an increasing length and depth relative to the audience), students then build a mock windmill that floats in a pool of water.
Schools within a designated underserved community can have their windmill kits and content provided and facilitated NYPA’s environmental justice unit and a Stony Brook University representative. Those outside underserved communities can purchase the kits and/or collaborate with Stony Brook University for necessary grant funding.
Learn More About Offshore Wind
If you would like to receive more information about future events and programs or to talk to someone about bringing offshore wind programming to your organization, please leave your contact information below.
Teacher and Student Tours
Students and teachers can schedule to tour the two New York State-designated Centers of Excellence (CoE): the Advanced Energy Research & Technology Center (AERTC) and the Center of Excellence in Wireless and Information Technology (CEWIT). Within the two centers, students can learn about wind-related technology, such as transmission modeling, grid integration, battery storage, and hydrogen cogeneration.
Additionally, attendees can experience advanced technologies in these disciplines via artificial intelligence (AI), virtual reality, and machine learning.
Members of the New York State Master Teacher Program attended a building tour in February, and subsequent field trips have taken place for individual high schools. During the tours, students also learn from external industry partners about career pathways and educational opportunities within the expanding offshore wind workforce.
Photo: Student using VR gear to simulate climbing up a wind turbine.
Teacher and Educational Leader Incentives
K-12 educators who contribute offshore wind curriculum, instructional hours, or project facilitation may be eligible for Continuing Teacher and Leader Education (CTLE) credits. Through the School of Professional Development’s Center for Teaching and Learning in Community (CTLC), CTLE credits can be awarded for offshore wind-related participation.
Additionally, members of the New York State Master Teacher program can use similar engagements towards that professional development hours requirements. Subsequent certificates and microcredentials for teaching offshore wind programming are currently in development for the K-12 community.