On Saturday, May 22, the Monona Grove School District will heat up the high school with its first ever Energy and Sustainability Fair from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. With fun exhibits and eye-opening presentations from a mix of students and experts, this free fair gives parents, families, students, and community members of all ages much to discover.

Learn about new technologies that are helping move the world to renewable energy. Get the details on how the school district’s energy improvements are saving taxpayers from losing money to energy expenses. Find out what Permaculture is and how it can restore natural systems and improve your property. Find out what projections about peak oil will mean for our future. These and many more subjects will help you begin or ramp up your move toward a sustainable future.

Want to get into the energy? You can try “pedal power” to run a variety of lights and appliances, sample apple crisp made in a solar oven, challenge electricity to a cream-whipping duel, walk through the MG&E solar trailer to see photovoltaics in action, and more.

Students have created art and educational posters, will do demonstrations and staff booths to share all kinds information, and the Global Impact Class will even put the proper air in your tires!

Why focus on energy? Says Garret Suen, a Post-Doctoral Research Associate at the Currie Lab Great Lakes Bioenergy Research Center at UW-Madison who will speak on biofuels and leaf-cutter ant research, “As scientists researching in this area, we often think about the energy balance in the systems that we study, and how Nature has come up with innovative ways to maintain that delicate balance. I think society is no different in the sense that we are part of that balance, and our growing needs for energy require us to think about how we use energy.”

And what about sustainability? From attending the fair, people can take away “a better understanding of all the parts that go into play into leading a truly sustainable life and the knowledge that they have the power to bring about real change,” says Zach Ferdinand, who will present on Permaculture.

The most rewarding aspect of moving toward sustainability “is achieving results,” adds student Justin Bloesch. “It is invigorating to know that I can make a difference and do make a difference.” He will speak on peak oil.

As part of the fair, poetry will be presented by students from the high school English classes, and a musical will be performed by the Winnequah third and fourth graders at 1:00. “Assignment: Earth, What Kids Can Do to Save the Planet” features pop, rock, rap, and Broadway styles.

Organizers of the Energy and Sustainability Fair are the Monona Grove Energy and Sustainability Education Subcommittee, Energy and Sustainability (Core) Committee, High School Global Impact class, and the High School Environmental Club, with assistance from a number of community members, Alliant Energy, and MG&E.

After the fair, local bands Checkerboard Regalia, Space Hardware, and Recluse Under Fire perform from 3 to 6 p.m. (Admission is $3 for this extra program, with proceeds benefiting the Monona Grove Environmental Club.)

More details can be found at www.mononagrove.org/faculty/mgsd_energy/energyfair.cfm, and you can keep reading below for the lists of exhibitors and schedule of presenters.

Energy and Sustainability Fair Exhibits

Geothermal at Glacial Drumlin. A detailed explanation of the most amazing renewable/carbon free method for heating and cooling buildings in the Midwest.

Vermiculture Exhibit. Winnequah School Soaring Earth Environmental Club Members. Did you know Charles Darwin’s last scientific monograph was written about worms?  Why would a world-renowned scientist who had discovered the most important theory of all time waste his time on worms?  It’s because worms are terribly important to all life on earth!  In this exhibit we will learn how worms can help us turn kitchen garbage into garden treasure.

The Natural Step Monona is a local grassroots organization spreading the message of sustainability and building community in the process. Fueled by possibilities, determined to make progress, and practicing ongoing dialogue and action toward creating a livable future, they are people making a difference. Learn the four basic principles of sustainability, see how your neighbors have taken steps toward a better future, and make your own “leaf pledge” to take steps and make a difference, too.

Energy Upgrades in the MG School District: McKinstry Corporation. In 2006, High School student Logan Bliss asked a simple question, “How much energy do we waste at our school just by leaving lights on when no one is around and computers on when they are not in use?” His answer startled the School Board into action, and last year our district signed a contract with the McKinstry Corporation to help us reduce our energy use.  The program has been wildly successful so far, and the McKinstry Corp would like to let the community know all about its efforts.

Members of the City of Monona Sustainability Committee will share handouts about the upcoming Green Monona Tour on June 13.

Energy savings tips: Alliant Energy. As a power provider to some of our district’s buildings, Alliant wants the community to know what everyone can be doing to rein in energy use.

Energy savings tips: MG&E. As a power provider to some of our district’s buildings, MG&E wants the community to know what everyone can be doing to rein in energy use.

MG&E Solar Trailer. How cool is solar energy? What can it do? Step into the Solar Trailer and see for yourself!

MG&E Energy Bike. How much energy does it take to turn on a blender?  How many revolutions (of a bicycle pedal, that is) does it take to turn on a light bulb? Climb aboard the MG&E Energy Bike and see for yourself!

Focus on Energy works with eligible Wisconsin residents and businesses to install cost effective energy efficiency and renewable energy projects. Focus information, resources and financial incentives help to implement projects that otherwise would not be completed, or to complete projects sooner than scheduled.

Climate Change: 101. Taking you to school on global warming. MGHS Global Impact Class. One hundred percent of climate scientists agree human-caused global warming is real, happening now, and poised to disrupt, if not destroy, human civilization in the next 100 years. Yet only 36% of Americans believe humans are causing climate change. To raise awareness and set the record straight, take the Climate Change tour through our 100-poster exhibit on what we know about global warming.

Reduce/reuse/recycle: MGHS Environmental Club. This exhibit offers lots of practical tips on how you can reduce your consumption of all kinds of materials, reuse materials that used to be seen as trash, and recycle almost everything else that used to go in the garbage.

Food and Sustainability: MGHS Environmental Club. Fact Number 1: More than 25% of America’s carbon emissions come from our agricultural and food systems. Fact Number 2: The way we eat today is making us sick and lowering our life expectancy. Fact Number 3: It’s incredibly easy to begin eating more sustainably.  This exhibit will show you how!

LED Lighting: Bob Everhardt. What’s better for the environment than a compact fluorescent light bulb? A light-emitting-diode (LED) bulb.

The End of Cheap Stuff? Madison Peak Oil Group. It may seem like everything costs too much these days, but think about it…a radio made from parts manufactured in China, assembled in Thailand, packaged in Argentina and sold in Madison for $15.00?  How is that possible? A packet of energy able to push a car up a thirty mile-long hill in 25 minutes—for less than three bucks? What’s up with that? Well, believe it or not, it’s all been brought to you by cheap oil. And once half the oil is gone, the other half is harder to get and therefore more expensive. Learn what we can expect as we shift from a cheap-energy economy to whatever comes next.

Alternative Energy: MGHS Science classes. You know the line-up—wind power, solar power, biofuels. But what are the pros and cons of each? Where will we see them come into play? This poster display explains it all!

Carbon-O-Meter. Adjust the dial of the giant carbonometer, and calculate the weight of carbon you burn while traveling by car to your favorite destination. Then try your hand at lifting that weight. (Sure hope you have a fuel efficient car!)

Environmental Library Items: MG School District IMC.  What resources are we making available to our students in this district?

What’s green in your kitchen? Sue Vogt. Check out this collage of kitchen “gadgets”, and think about how you use energy in your kitchen. Considering technologies both past and future, what four kitchen gadgets could you not survive without? Test your muscles against a hand-held electric mixer by taking on the “whipping cream challenge”.

Solar oven: Linda Olson. It’s fun and easy to bake with the sun. You’ll be beaming as you watch these solar ovens in action.  Smell and taste the mouth-watering apple crisp and gingerbread that are worth waiting for.  (Visit the Green Kitchen display to add whipped cream.)

Steps to greener living: EnAct. Useful tips on how to reduce your water consumption, drive less, eat better and waste less.

How to get around with out owning your own vehicle: Community Car. You’ve all heard of ride-sharing and car-pooling. The next step might be car-sharing—an excellent way to have the wheels you need only when you really need ‘em.

Tire Inflation Booth: MG Global Impact Class. If every car on earth had its tires properly inflated we could save millions of tons of Co2 emissions per year. Stop by our booth and we’ll run out to your car, check the tires and you’ll leave the Fair properly inflated. We’ll also leave you a note explaining how much money, energy and waste you’ll save if you keep your tires properly inflated—all for free!

What’s your carbon footprint? MG Global Impact Class. Answer a few questions and we’ll fill you in on how much CO2 your household emits per year. Then to put it into perspective, we’ll explain how much typical families in other nations emit.

Local sustainability treasure, the Aldo Leopold Nature Center will be on hand to share information about their summer programs and green building design. Check out the hands-on energy activities for kids and families!

Environmental Art Projects From Taylor Prairie

• Green Grocery Bags. Taylor Prairie Students spread the environmental message by decorating grocery bags that were used at the Cottage Grove Piggly Wiggly during Earth Week.
• Energy Art Posters. First Graders at Taylor Prairie used art to spread the importance of saving energy at school and at home.Trash Free Tuesday. Students in Mrs. May’s first grade class held a Trash Free Tuesday during Earth Week. View the pictures of how they turned trash into art treasures.
• Exploring Endangered Animals. Students in Mrs. Bradt’s class studied the reasons that animals can become endangered and what they can do about it. Come see examples of their research and the bulletin board they created to spread their message.

Energy and Sustainability Fair Presentations

Schedule

Session 1 10:00-11:00
Extreme Makeover: World Edition – Building a Sustainable Future
Heather Gates, The Natural Step Monona
Room IMC

Monona Grove – Energy Performance Contract Overview
Nathan Nygaard and James Rognstad, McKinstry Corporation
Room 183

How to Build a Better Window
Ross Depaola
Room 165

Session 2 11:15-12:15
Who Said That Ant Can’t? Looking at Innovative Ways to Produce Biofuels
Garret Suen PhD & Frank Aylward, UW-Madison Currie Lab
Room IMC

Permaculture and Community Resiliency
Zach Ferdinand
Room 165

Session 3 12:30-1:30
Eat Fresh, Eat Local, Eat Fast
Sandye Adams
Room 170

Peak Oil
Justin Bloesch and Ross DePaola
Room IMC

Session 4 1:45-2:45
Starting a Community Garden – Act Locally to Think Globally
Aaron Adams
Room 183

Dane County Energy Initiatives
Robin Schmidt
Room IMC

Special Presentation 1:00
“Assignment: Earth, What Kids Can Do to Save the Planet”
Winnequah third and fourth graders
Musical presentation with pop, rock, rap, and Broadway styles.

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Descriptions

Extreme Makeover: World Edition – Building a Sustainable Future
Heather Gates, The Natural Step Monona
To move toward sustainability, we must start with a solid framework – a shared understanding and language of sustainability. Learn:
1. The root causes of “un-sustainability;”
2. A robust, science-based definition of sustainability and systems;
3. A widely-used strategic framework for how to “get there;” and
4. The Big-C Community bonus.

Monona Grove – Energy Performance Contract Overview
Nathan Nygaard, and James Rognstad
Monona Grove School District is working With McKinstry Inc. in implementing an energy plan for the district. This presentation will discuss the Energy Performance Contract process, the process that Monona Grove went through and the results.

How to Build a Better Window
Ross Depaola
Windows are a large portion of building energy use. This session will focus on how tools and technology is being used to create better windows.

Who Said That Ant Can’t? Looking at Innovative Ways to Produce Biofuels
Garret Suen PhD & Frank Aylward  UW-Madison Currie Lab
Learn about the latest research from Great Lakes Bioenergy Research Center (GLBRC) and their efforts to address sustainability issues affecting our planet.  The research center is focusing on developing new, more efficient methods for converting the cellulose in plant material into ethanol or other biofuels that serve as a substitute for gasoline.  Leaf Cutter Ants are just one species that may make this possible.

Permaculture and Community Resiliency
Zach Ferdinand
Permaculture is the practice of designing human systems using patterns found in healthy ecosystems.  Areas include food production, building design and community resiliency.

Eat Fresh, Eat Local, Eat Fast
Sandye Adams
We will explore fast and easy dinner recipes that use fresh and local produce. We also discuss ways to preserve garden summer harvests for use in the winter when fresh local produce is not available. We will also make our own meal that will include pizza, soup, and salad.

The Future of Oil Resources
Justin Bloesch and Ross DePaola
Explore what our dependency on oil resources means for our economic and social future and where we can go from here.

Starting a Community Garden  – Act Locally to Think Globally
Aaron Adams
A community garden is a way to bring together local communities to appreciate the experience of growing fresh organic produce for the home and also serving the community by donating produce to local food banks. The Columbus Community Garden is in its second year and is continuing to grow and expand.

Dane County Energy Initiatives
Robin Schmidt
This program will highlight some of Dane County’s initiatives to improve energy efficiency and sustainability.  Installation of geo-thermal heating and cooling systems, the potential for digesters to generate power, remove phosphorus and keep pollutants out of our waters, and other initiatives will all be discussed.

Whew!