Duke WRITE Camp Features Energy Initiative
Instead of relaxing on summer break, sixteen students chose to research and learn about energy challenges at Duke University. On June 18-22, 2012, the Duke Writing Research Integrating Technological Engagement (WRITE) for College program featured the Duke University Energy Initiative at its inaugural interactive research and writing camp for high school students.
During this week-long session, 16 high school students participated in an energy themed session on researching and finding solutions to current energy challenges. Duke WRITE for College Instructors John Stadler and Brian McDonald assisted students as they conducted interviews, captured video footage, and created projects focused on topics in energy and sustainability.
Energy Initiative Director Dr. Richard Newell opened the camp with a discussion on current energy challenges and discussed the structure and goals of the Energy Initiative at Duke. Newell said that energy is a world commodity and it plays an important part in understanding foreign relations, world economics, and the technology boom. He explained that the Energy Initiative's role would be to focus on education, research and engagement at Duke.
During the week, Duke WRITE for College students participated in field trips to the Duke Smart Home near central campus and the Duke University Chiller Plant on west campus. The students were especially impressed with the Smart Home and its emphasis on sustainable living. Students interacted with Duke campus energy and sustainability experts including Sustainable Outreach Coordinator, Casey Roe, the Director of the Duke Smart Home, Jim Gaston and Facilities Energy Manager, Steve Palumbo.
At the end of the week, students used digital stories to present group research projects created during the program. Stadler said, "The creativity and energy of our campers was really inspiring--especially in the heat!" Stadler was also happy with the "dedication and hard work" of the campers. A particularly innovative project on renewable energy involved both peer interviews and animations created with dry erase markers.
Student research projects covered topics including residential sustainability practices, student engagement programs at Duke University, and photovoltaic technology. After completing the camp, some students said they were impressed with the in-depth nature of the research. Other students even expressed an interest in pursuing environmental science programs at college.
About Duke WRITE for College
Duke WRITE for College is a new program designed to better prepare today's high school students for tomorrow's college classrooms. Born from the common complaint that too few students enter college with a firm grasp of how to effectively compose academic writing at an advanced publication level, Duke WRITE hopes to bridge the gap between high school and collegiate writing expectations. In addition to familiarizing themselves with the basics of MLA and Chicago style citation, our students learn how to assess, evaluate, manage and use information from multiple sources while attaining a better understanding of Fair Use and Intellectual Property Rights. The Duke WRITE for College Program is organized by Duke University Continuing Studies.
The Duke University Energy Initiative would like to thank the Duke WRITE Program and the instructors for the opportunity to partner for this summer session.