Alternative energy powers inquisitive minds
Students from Green Valley Elementary School learned about renewable energy during a visit to Appalachian State University. The university's Wind Applications Center provides tours to school groups to the various renewable energy projects on campus.
Local school groups often tour the various renewable energy
projects at Appalachian State University.
The tours are conducted by Appalachian's
Wind Applications Center, which is part of the Department of Technology's Energy Center. Stops
include the university's wind turbine near the Broyhill Inn and Conference Center, the biodiesel
processing facility off State Farm Road, the energy efficient model dwelling located on Rivers
Street and the photovoltaic array in front of Raley Hall.
The students also see how
solar thermal panels are tested in the Department of Technology. And they can make their own
electricity to light a light bulb by pedaling a bike that's connected to a generator.
Students learn why alternative and renewable energy is good for the environment and how the
technology plays an increasingly large part of consumers' energy use, a spokesperson for the center
said.
For more information about the tours, e-mail (wind@appstate.edu) or call (828)
262-7333.
