Environmental Justice Team Teaches Every Brentwood Fifth Grader About Offshore Wind Energy

With several offshore wind projects in development on Long Island, NYPA is incorporating the technology into its STEM programs statewide.

The Brentwood students learned about renewable resources and how offshore wind energy works. They had the opportunity to work as structural engineers anddo a hands-on activitythat involved building and testing floating offshore wind turbine platform prototypes with test tubes, marbles, weights, tape, and other materials.

Environmental Justice Program ManagerAlexandra DeRosaexplained the importance of the program. “We were able to connect with and educate these students about offshore wind energy,” she said. “One day, they’ll also be part of the workforce, and hopefully our program contributed to their interest in STEM and energy careers. We will equip each school with an Offshore Wind Kit, so teachers can continue teaching students about this in future years.”

EJ collaborated with the Stony Brook University School of Professional Development at Stony Brook Universityand curriculum specialist WhyMaker to create the curriculum and activity.

For more photos from the event, check out the Flickr album.