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Energy
page 12 Electronic Edition: www.teachingtodaywi.com
Electronic programs Sparking interest in High-Demand Careers at
Hudson High School
ponents, the fundamentals of electricity, and rewarding.” Students work in teams to
renewable energy, and basic robotics. Stu- design and develop an original solution to a
dents in the class build and solder together valid open-ended technical problem by apply-
an AM/FM radio, practice the techniques of ing the engineering design process. Students
wiring outlets and lights, work on a renew- perform research to choose, validate, and
able energy project involving how wind justify a technical problem. After carefully
energy creates electricity, and perform simple defining the problem, teams design, build, and
robotic activities, programming small robots test their solutions while working closely with
to perform simple tasks. This is a practical, industry professionals who provide mentoring
hands on class where different tasks and proj- opportunities. Finally, student teams present
ects are emphasized. and defend their original solution to an outside
Many students then advance to the panel. The culminating event is an open house
yearlong PLTW Digital Electronics course, where students present their project and pro-
a project-based course that takes a logical, posed solutions, often including prototypes, to
systematic approach to understanding how engineers in business and industry and local
digital circuits work. This course is taught post-secondary leaders.
hands-on beginning with basic concepts, Electronics courses are popular electives.
circuit design and analysis, testing, and pro- Each course has enrollment between 25-30
totype construction. Most classroom activities students, and multiple sections are offered.
involve information on new concepts, prob- Each year, hundreds of Hudson High students
lem-solving activities using the new concepts, have an opportunity to build skills in this area.
One of the electronics engineering labs at Hudson High School
computer simulation, and circuit construction These courses build skills for high demand,
As a Project Lead the Way (PLTW) Dis- (PLTW website) (wiring). Some activities will be taken to the high wage jobs and STEM careers.
tinguished High School, Hudson High School According to Derek Sciacca, a 25-year printed and soldered circuit board stage. Stu- Hudson is located in the northwest of
is proud of its electronic programs and the teaching veteran at Hudson High and current dents also have the opportunity to earn three the state, on the St. Croix river on the border
spectrum of student opportunities. PLTW electronics teacher, “When we look at the college credits in this course. of Wisconsin and Minnesota. Hudson High
courses are described as “developing the in- courses that we offer, there are a wide variety Many students continue in the PLTW School is a public secondary school serving
demand, real-world knowledge and skills of applications for electronics, so students get pathway and choose an electronics application grades 9 through 12 with an enrollment
necessary to thrive beyond the classroom. a lot of exposure. We cater to a wide variety for the Engineering Design & Development between 1850–1900 students.
PLTW Distinguished Program recognition of interests and abilities”. Students begin capstone course taught by Dan Weiland, who
celebrates districts and schools committed with the Electricity, Electronics & robotics has also served over 20 years at Hudson. He
to helping students own their education by semester-long course. This course explores adds, “We find multiple ways to integrate
increasing student access, engagement, and the makeup of the atom, different forms of electronics into our curriculum throughout the hudsonraiders.org
achievement in their PLTW programs”. electricity, AC/DC circuits, electronic com- PLTW courses. Students find it challenging
osseo-fairchild Energy Education program
Continued from page 9
This pathway starts with an introductory NABCEP (North American Board of Certified community members. Social studies and eco-
course called “The Foundations of Electricity”. Energy Practitioners) — PV Associates exam nomics are imperative, as incentives and policies
Upon successful completion, students move into upon completion. This exam helps students are key to our sustainable future. Marketing and
our “Photovoltaics” course, where they install, become immediately employable and begin a finance are invaluable to determine the return on
maintain, gather data career in sustainable investment of a PV array. Chemistry? Physics?
from, and uninstall energy. It’s everywhere. I could really go on and on
a large-scale photo- I must mention about the advantages of energy education, but
voltaic array. Further “Energy education iS general the true highlight I’m sure you get the idea.
educational offer- education. This is no longer of the Energy Edu- Finally, I feel compelled to cut to the heart
ings in this program an ‘option’ for our educational cation Program. It of the situation: energy education IS general
included “PV and system, but rather a require- truly encompasses education. This is no longer an “option” for our
Battery Storage,” all forms of educa- educational system, but rather a requirement. If
“Alternative Energy ment. if we truly believe in a tion. Math? Check. we truly believe in a more sustainable future for
Sources,” and “Sus- more sustainable future for our The calculation of our planet and a healthier future for our loved
tainable Energy planet and a healthier future for electricity requires ones, it starts with our students now.
Integration.” These our loved ones, it starts with our all sorts of math I am passionate about helping other dis-
additional courses (especially algebra). tricts implement an energy program. If you are
allow students to students now.” English? You bet. interested in this area of curriculum, but are
understand the storage Writing technical unsure where to start, please reach out.
of energy, wind tur- manuals and follow-
bines and hydroelectric power, along with the ing product installation instructions is an integral
integration of renewable energy sources into part of installing a system. Speech? Absolutely.
today’s modern architecture. This is a 3–4 year Students are required to not only interact with www.ofsd.k12.wi.us
program, with the goal of students taking the others during installation, but also with staff and