CIT demystifies renewable energy for regional primary students

The Canberra Institute of Technology (CIT) participated in the Australian Agriculture Centre's (AAC) virtual STEMConnect2020 program. The event promotes science, technology, engineering and maths and CIT engaged regional primary students in discovering renewable energy, considering it may be their future career path.

Global Wind Organisation Program Co-ordinator Ken Wilson prepared a virtual presentation for students focussed on wind turbine generation and its relationship to STEM and agriculture. Ken said the presentation provided the students with basic concepts and ideas making them think about the profound effect STEM has on all of us. "Think about the ability to turn on a switch and get water or power. It is so fundamental to our lives."

"Our goal was to create a mindset in students around renewables, climate change and innovation in more rural areas, also to promote science and showcase all the different forms it might present itself in terms of a future career or employment," Ken said.

"Wind power is beginning to contribute more to the base load power, and this is really good news for the young men and women looking to get into the industry.

AAC Chief Executive Officer Jo Marshall said over 800 students and teachers registered for the online event. "The AAC wanted to provide as many learning topics around science in agriculture as possible. We are developing an immersive education platform around science in agriculture to provide students who aren't able to access a hands-on educational experience at the AAC, and this virtual program is part of that process."

"Having Ken and CIT provide an educational video on wind turbine technology was important for our theme of 'the Science in AG', as it links with the emergence of wind technology and its compatibility with the agricultural industry. We are excited to be working with CIT and look forward to developing our relationship further."