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New tool unveiled to help kids learn about energy – Metro US

New tool unveiled to help kids learn about energy

The wheels on the bus were moving yesterday and so were the gears in the young minds that got to experience Alberta’s first mobile energy classroom.

ATCO’s interactive Energy Education Mobile is meant to engage children as they learn about energy in Alberta and the initial response from Grade 4 students was almost electric.

“I think it’s really cool,” said Mackenzie Clarke, 10, a Grade 4 student at Weinlos elementary. “I’m learning about solar power and lots of stuff like that.”

Clarke was one of the first students in Alberta to experience the new education mobile. She was using a touch screen computer that asks students questions about energy systems that they then answer.

Two ATCO EnergySense co-ordinators facilitate the kids’ learning experience.

They answer questions and ensure students are engaged as they interact with the various learning stations.

Minister of Alberta Energy Ron Liepert was at the legislature yesterday to help unveil the mobile learning tool. He said it’s important to educate young minds about energy in Alberta.

“We’re dealing with a segment of society (youth) that I think has the greatest ability to be influenced. They’re eager to learn,” Liepert said.

“We need to ensure that we give them the means to learn in a way that is fun for them to learn.”

The minister said the Energy Education Mobile takes care of that and ATCO should be commended for this initiative.

“Talking about electricity through a book is not very exciting,” he said.

“Here they have hands on activities that they relate to. I think it’s a fabulous initiative.”

The biodiesel-fuelled RV will travel to schools across Alberta providing students with a unique learning experience.