FPL Energy, LLC, a subsidiary of FPL Group (NYSE:FPL), today announced a partnership with the KidWind Project to bring the science of wind energy into classrooms throughout Texas.
The goal of this innovative project is to introduce teachers to the benefits and wonders of wind power through hands-on science activities which are challenging, engaging and address state and federal science and technology standards. Teachers will be able to take what they learn in hands-on workshops into their classrooms thereby exposing hundreds, if not thousands of students to wind energy.
The initial workshops will be held for teachers in the Abilene, Jim Ned and Wylie School Districts in early December. Thus far, more than 70 teachers have registered to participate in one of the workshops. After the initial workshops in December, FPL Energy anticipates taking the KidWind Project to other school districts throughout Texas where it currently owns and operates wind farms.
“FPL Energy is a strong believer in supporting educational opportunities for our children. Through KidWind we hope to enhance the knowledge and understanding of teachers and students alike of this very important clean energy source,” said Eric Silagy, vice president, Texas Region, FPL Energy.
Michael Arquin, founder and managing director of KidWind, said, “We are excited to work with FPL Energy and to add Texas to our nationwide program. We are looking forward to introducing teachers in Texas to the elegance of wind power through hands-on science activities and help Texas schools become important resources for students, and the general public, to learn about and see wind energy in action.”
Through the KidWind Project, FPL Energy will be sponsoring a series of one-day workshops that will introduce teachers to a variety of topics in wind energy and technology. The workshops are split between lecture and hands-on lessons related to wind energy and technology. Teachers will also be provided with classroom materials and a comprehensive curriculum package so that they can bring the lessons learned in the workshop back to their students.
A highlight of each workshop is a tour of an FPL Energy wind farm. “The opportunity for teachers to go on a tour of an actual wind farm will be a huge hit and will definitely help teachers understand the scale and promise of this renewable resource,” Arquin said.
FPL Energy is a leading competitive energy supplier utilizing clean fuels such as natural gas, wind, solar, hydroelectric and nuclear to generate electricity. It is the nation’s leader in wind energy, with 48 wind facilities in operation in 15 states. It is a subsidiary of FPL Group, (NYSE:FPL) one of the nation’s largest providers of electricity-related services with annual revenues of more than $12 billion. FPL Group’s principal subsidiary is Florida Power & Light Company, one of the nation’s largest electric utilities, serving 4.4 million customer accounts in Florida. Additional information is available at www.FPLEnergy.com, www.FPLGroup.com and www.FPL.com.
The KidWind Project is a team of teachers, students, engineers and practitioners exploring the science behind wind energy in classrooms around the US. Since 2003 KidWind has introduced thousands of teachers and students all over the US to the elegance of wind power through hands-on science activities and teacher workshops. Additional information is available at www.KidWind.org.
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