Anuqa: Wind. Saa: Sun. Two sources of great energy, capable of generating power for whole cities. On June 4, 13 campers from Cook Inlet Tribal Council’s (CITC) Anuqa::Saa Energy of the Wind and Sun Camp visited CIRI to learn how wind power is harnessed by CIRI’s Fire Island Wind project.
“On Monday, we designed windmill blades to lift loads of screws, so today we got to use what we learned from that to design turbine blades,” said camper Lisa Paton, who participated in a mini-challenge concocted by CIRI employees. After learning about the development of Fire Island Wind, teams of campers competed to see who could devise the most effective turbine rotor blades for capturing wind power.
The five-day camp introduces students to the ways energy from the wind and sun can be tangibly seen as power output through activities like solar-powered car races.
“CITC seeks to promote science, technology, engineering and mathematics education that’s relevant to us as Alaska Native people,” explained CITC Schoolyard Academic Instructor Krystalynn Scott.
“Partnering with CITC is such a great way to engage Alaska Native youth,” said Suzanne Gibson, CIRI senior director of energy development. “Today, we plant the seeds of interest with hands-on learning about CIRI’s work. It cultivates a curiosity that could take hold and help prepare some of these kids to be tomorrow’s leaders.”
