“Energy at Work” Seminars Offered for State Teachers

With the pending retirement of those from the BabyBoomer generation, the Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration industry is experiencing a shortage of skilled, service professional.  National data suggests while the talent supply is dwindling, the demand for skilled professionals continues to grow in the areas of engineering, production, distribution and HVACR Service. 

In an effort to help strengthen the “talent-pool for tomorrow” and to build a stronger relationship between the HVACR industry and education, Johnson Controls together with the National Foundation for Energy Education and Oklahoma’s CareerTech System is sponsoring two innovative workshops for technology education teachers and industry professionals.  The intent of this interactive, day-long workshop is two-fold:

• Provide technology educators with an “energy-charged vehicle” that helps to get kids excited and engaged in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math -based curriculum
• Show how STEM curriculum has real-world applicability in the HVACR industry

Workshop sponsors will consider the event a success provided teachers utilize the provided curriculum in the classroom and students begin exploring career options in the HVAC industry. 

Two workshops are scheduled to accommodate teachers from around the state:

• Tuesday, Oct. 30 at Moore Norman Technology Center’s Franklin Road Campus located at 4701 12th Ave NW in Norman .
• Friday, Nov. 2 at Tulsa Technology Center’s Lemley Campus located at 3420 S. Memorial Drive in Tulsa .

Both workshops feature Gerald (Jerry) Katz (a.k.a. Mr. Energy), who will deliver sections of the NFEE “Matter in Motion” curriculum.  Each workshop covers concepts such as structure of matter, kinetic molecular theory, temperature, thermal expansion, heat transfer methods and phase changes.

Interactive demonstrations will include releasing hidden heat that exists in all liquids, igniting cotton fibers with compressed air, and making liquid rise from the heat of their own hands. Attendees will leave the session with all the needed tools for exceptional in-class demonstrations, including the teacher manual, three instructional DVDs, and a reproducible student booklet.  Additionally, workshop attendees will have the opportunity to meet with business and industry leaders over lunch to gain additional perspective industry successes, challenges and career opportunities. 

For more information or to register for the “Energy at Work” seminars in Oklahoma, visit, http://www.okcareertech.org/teched/

Posted Sept 5, 2007

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