Overview: Energy powers our global economy, supports our well-being, and ties into pressing sustainability issues such as global climate change. Energy is also a fundamental cross-cutting concept in science and science education that bridges disciplines. It is integral to understanding phenomena in chemistry, biology, physics, earth sciences and engineering. The Energy Institute for Educators provides the opportunity for educators to engage with cutting-edge energy research at UW-Madison, and gain practical tools and materials for teaching students fundamentals of energy and sustainable energy systems. The theme for the 2016 program is Energy, sustainability and climate change: Bridging contemporary science and engineering with classroom learning. 

Institute Learning Goals:

• Explain and apply the crosscutting concept of "Energy and matter: Flows, cycles and conservation" both in energy systems and classroom instruction
• Engage with contemporary energy-related research, and researchers, at UW-Madison and the WEI, and learn about related key challenges in science and engineering
• Understand the interplay between energy systems and sustainability, especially climate change
• Explore education materials that relate to energy, climate and sustainability, for use in your classroom and teaching

Join us and enjoy:

• Dynamic interactions with UW energy researchers, educators and fellow teachers
• Tours of numerous energy laboratories and field sites, and discussions with corresponding faculty and researchers
• Active engagement with materials for teaching energy concepts
• Time for reflection and collaboration with colleagues
• Support for the adaptation of education materials and teaching tools for your students

2016 Institute Details (August 9-11, 2016):

• Program designed for Wisconsin educators of grades 6 – 12, and introductory undergraduate, technical and community colleges.
• $300 stipend for each participant and take home classroom materials
• Teams of 2-4 educators (teachers, curriculum coordinators, etc) are encouraged, but not required.
• Educators from throughout Wisconsin are encouraged to apply
• Participants are expected to use classroom materials from the Institute during the 2016-2017 school year.
• Graduate credit available through UW-Madison.
• Participants expected to cover food, lodging and travel costs. Afforable houising options available on campus for $17/night.