The Science of Sustainable Energy

Learn about wind, geothermal, hydroelectric, and solar power! If you like learning by doing and have an interest in science and engineering, this institute will be a fun, exciting, and challenging experience!

A desire to reverse the trend of worsening air pollution and increasing global temperatures is causing many people to consider clean, renewable sources of energy as viable alternatives to burning fossil fuels and nuclear power. Many sustainable sources of energy exist and the technology to exploit these energy sources is readily available. It is up to US to figure out which alternatives are the best, and how to integrate them into our society.

Creating, building, and testing

In our state-of-the-art laboratories and using the fields, forests, and wetlands of the beautiful KUA campus, students will be challenged to:

  • Build a working model of a hydroelectric power plant and test how various parameters affect its function;
  • Investigate the basic thermodynamics needed to understand geothermal energy;
  • Explore the basic physics of photovoltaic cells and electric circuits and build and test our own solar panel arrays; and
  • Construct a wind turbine and test its power output as a function of several wind parameters!

It is likely that the energy-generating devices we create will remain in service and supplement local energy needs.

Active learning

Visit local power plants, wind farms, wood chip plants, and MORE to meet with people who are working to make sustainable energy a reality.

If you are good at working with your hands and want to learn some basic scientific and engineering principles of sustainable energy, the EE Just Energy Institute is for you!

Apply now and receive "early admission discounts!"

Students to tackle Global Warming in 2007! Students applying to our 2007 Environmental Leadership programs will explore the effects of global warming on local industries - agriculture, tourism, manufacturing, fishing, and more - through field trips, work with local experts and hands-on research! More 2007 Student Institute information.


ALL EDUCATORS attending any E.E. Just Institute are eligible to receive graduate credit!

KUA is a 2006 recipient for the National Association of Independent School's “Leading Edge Award” for Environmental Sustainability! Read more!

Read today's top environmental stories!