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Frequently asked questions

Below are answers to some frequently asked questions about Energy Education in the Classroom at Great River Energy. If you do not find the answers you are looking for here, please feel free to email lbuffington@grenergy.com

Q. Will all of the materials I receive be geared for Wisconsin or will they be applicable to Minnesota as well?

A. While the course materials were developed for Wisconsin, most of the material can be easily applied to Minnesota. The feedback we have received from Minnesota teachers about our materials has been very positive.

Q. Why does Great River Energy provide scholarships?

A. As a not-for-profit cooperative, Great River Energy follows the seven cooperative principles. Great River Energy demonstrates its commitment to the communities we serve by providing educational and training opportunities for area teachers.

Q. Do I need to pack lunches?

A. No. Great River Energy will provide a morning snack and lunch both days of the course.

Q. Where should I park?

A. You can park in the lot at Great River Energy.

Q. My school is served by the city utility but the surrounding area is served by one of Great River Energy’s member cooperatives. Can I receive the scholarship?

A. Yes. Great River Energy will provide scholarships for up to 20 teachers who live or teach in an area served by one of Great River Energy’s member cooperatives. If the school is served by a municipal utility, teachers can still receive the scholarship as long as there are students whose parents are served by one of Great River Energy’s members.

Q. Are the materials mainly for science teachers?

A. The activities developed by KEEP were designed to be utilized across the curriculum. Every subject from art to zoology can incorporate energy into lessons in some way or another. The guide includes a cross-reference chart that shows which activities fit best into the following subject areas: arts (art, dance, drama, music), english/language arts, health, living (FACS, technical education, agricultural education), math, physical education, science (environmental, life, earth and physical), and social studies (geography, history, global studies, economics and government.) The living and science areas have the most activities, but each subject area has at least four pertinent activities.

Q. How can the course be applicable to K-12 teachers? Is there one age group the course is best for?

A. The KEEP Activity Guide has 44 activities separated into four different themes. Some are for K-4 students, some are for middle school (5-8 grades), and others are geared for 9-12 grades. Many of the activities can be adapted for other grade levels. There is also an elementary supplement for K-4 teachers available as a free download on the KEEP website.

Q. Do I need to attend the whole class?

A. To receive graduate credit, you must attend the entire class. If an unavoidable conflict arises, you will need to discuss make-up work with the instructor.

Q. Can I use this graduate credit for relicensure?

A. You should contact your employer to see if University of Wisconsin credit satisfies your relicensure requirements.

Q. If I do not need the graduate credit, do I still need to pay for the course or materials?

A. You do not need to take the course for credit; however, the cost to you still will be $100 to cover course materials and administrative fees to KEEP.