"Power UP" Provides Resources to Kentucky Teachers and Students

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Oct. 8, 2012) — The University of Kentucky Center for Applied Energy Research (CAER) and the UK Center for Visualization and Virtual Environments (Vis Center) have worked together to develop an iPad app and website dedicated to energy education called "Power UP." The app and website are specifically designed for high school teachers throughout the Commonwealth to use in their curriculum, as well as to serve as a resource for students who want to learn more about energy usage.

"Today's teenagers will be the future leaders of our state," said Rodney Andrews, director of CAER. "In their lifetimes, they are going to see dramatic changes in our energy infrastructure. Educating them now in a way that they can identify with is the best way to get their attention."

"Power UP" was funded by the Kentucky Energy and Environment Cabinet through coal education funds.

"It is important that we make certain that the young people of Kentucky understand the energy needs and opportunities for energy resources," said Energy and Environment Cabinet Secretary Len Peters. "By providing grant money for this project, I believe teachers and their students will begin having those discussions and, hopefully, become the energy research leaders of tomorrow.”

"Power UP" comes at an important time for students today, as it creates educational tools using media formats that are native to them. It also teaches them about today's important energy issues which will undoubtedly play a role in the energy issues of the future.

CAER researcher Courtney Fisk served as principal investigator on the project, working with co-PI Julie Martinez with the Vis Center, CAER director Rodney Andrews, and others from the Vis Center.

"It's important that we begin addressing the energy questions that face our state today," said Martinez. "This project allowed us the exciting opportunity to present key energy facts in a fresh, multimedia format that will hopefully prove to be a great resource for Kentucky's high school teachers."

The app and website include a series of seven videos, teaching points, and information about energy topics, including coal by-products.  Many teachers are using iPads in their classrooms and are excited to use "Power UP" through this new medium.

For more information, visit the website at www.powerupky.org. The app can be downloaded for free on iTunes and the videos can be found on the YouTube page.