Green Energy Stories: Kathy's story

Summary

Kathy Jackson, a passionate educator, shares her journey from growing up in Oklahoma’s oil and gas industry to advocating for renewable energy. After reflecting on her grandfather’s lessons about environmental mindfulness, Kathy founded KidWind, a program that empowers students to explore and understand renewable energy. Through partnerships with organizations like Enel Green Power, KidWind provides resources to educators, helping them teach the next generation about wind energy and sustainability. This initiative is growing rapidly across Oklahoma, inspiring young people to envision a future in the renewable energy industry.

Takeaways

• 😀 The speaker's family has a long history in the oil and gas industry in southern Oklahoma.
• 🌱 The speaker felt a shift in perspective after the passing of her grandfather, who taught her about environmental responsibility.
• 🌾 The speaker felt a deep connection to the Oklahoma land and a growing sense of responsibility for its future.
• 💡 The speaker decided to introduce KidWind to Oklahoma as a way to inspire the next generation about renewable energy.
• 🔋 KidWind is an educational program that focuses on teaching young people about renewable energy and helping them see future opportunities in the field.
• 🌍 The speaker aims to empower students to become agents of change for the environment and energy sustainability.
• 👩‍🏫 Kathy Jackson, the speaker, teaches KidWind, a STEM-based curriculum focused on renewable energy education.
• 💨 The program includes lessons about wind energy, such as the mechanics of wind turbines, including parts like the gearbox and hub.
• 🤝 The speaker collaborates with partners like Enel Green Power to bring renewable energy education to Oklahoma classrooms.
• 🏫 Educators, such as Kim Fehring, are embracing renewable energy education, reaching tens of thousands of students in Oklahoma.
• 🔄 Enel Green Power and organizations like KidWind are committed to professional development for educators, ensuring renewable energy topics are taught across Oklahoma schools.

Q & A

What was the turning point for Kathy Jackson in her career in the energy sector?

Kathy Jackson's turning point came when she was visiting her grandparents' farm on the day of her grandfather's funeral. Reflecting on her grandfather's lessons about environmental responsibility, she felt a deep sense of responsibility to the land where she was raised and was inspired to make a change toward renewable energy.

How did Kathy Jackson decide to contribute to renewable energy education?

Kathy decided to contribute to renewable energy education by introducing KidWind, an educational curriculum that focuses on teaching young people about renewable energy. She wanted to inspire students to see a future for themselves in the renewable energy industry and empower them to become agents of change.

What is KidWind and how does it help students?

KidWind is a STEM-based educational program that teaches students about renewable energy, particularly wind energy. It encourages students to explore the growing renewable energy sector and empowers them to think critically about their role in shaping the future of energy.

What is one of the most important parts of a wind turbine, as mentioned in the script?

One of the most important parts of a wind turbine is its base, which includes a gearbox inside the hub of the turbine.

How did Kathy Jackson find that educators were seeking tools for teaching renewable energy?

Kathy Jackson discovered that educators across Oklahoma were seeking resources and tools to help them teach about the changing energy landscape. KidWind, with its focus on renewable energy, naturally fit as a solution to meet this need.

Who is Kim Fehring, and how does she exemplify the role of educators in renewable energy education?

Kim Fehring is an educator in Oklahoma who represents the hundreds of teachers across the state who have embraced renewable energy education. She, along with other educators, is helping to bring renewable energy topics into the classroom for thousands of students.

What role does Enel Green Power play in renewable energy education in Oklahoma?

Enel Green Power partners with programs like KidWind to support renewable energy education in Oklahoma. They are committed to introducing students to wind energy through professional development seminars for educators, helping to expand the understanding of renewable energy in schools.

What is the significance of the growth of renewable energy in Oklahoma?

Renewable energy, particularly wind energy, is experiencing rapid growth in Oklahoma. This shift is significant because it reflects the state's evolving energy landscape and the increasing importance of sustainable energy sources in shaping the future of the region and the world.

How does the KidWind program align with Oklahoma's energy transition?

The KidWind program aligns with Oklahoma's energy transition by educating the next generation about renewable energy technologies, such as wind power. It fosters awareness and prepares students to be part of the growing renewable energy industry, supporting the state's move toward more sustainable energy sources.

What is Kathy Jackson's broader mission with KidWind and renewable energy education?

Kathy Jackson's broader mission is to inspire young people to see renewable energy as a viable and important career path. She wants to empower students to actively engage with and contribute to the future of the renewable energy industry, ultimately helping to create a more sustainable future for Oklahoma and beyond.