Planet 4-H is part of the Go Green! Planet 4-H project where youth are learning more about green building and alternative energy by helping to build a model/"concept" community center - Planet 4-H. The architectural model is being designed using green building techniques. It is also being planned as a completely self-sustaining property. Youth are working from a program plan supplied by Mr. Campbell to incorporate wind energy, solar energy from the sun, geothermal energy from heat inside the earth, biomass from plants, which includes firewood from trees, ethanol from corn, biodiesel, and hydropower from hydroturbins.
According to Mr. Campbell, “The Sanilac County Youth involved with this project have taken a lead role in developing this program. I am very excited for them and how they have taken ownership in this project. The team members truly have a genuine interest in what they are doing. This project from the start has placed the design team in a real world situation. Though site visitation and collecting of information they were able to experience first hand involvement in the design process. With this information they were able to build a site model depicting the existing conditions. Next, the team developed several innovative design concepts that addressed the issues presented to them. They are currently working hard on finalizing their overall design and presentation.”
The 4-Her's have been studying alternative energy, and have learned that Americans get most of their energy form non-renewable energy sources, which include the fossil fuels - oil, natural gas, and coal. Nonrenewable energy sources account for 93% of all energy used in the United States (US Energy Information Administration, 3/15/10).
The chart above shows what energy sources the United States uses. Nonrenewable energy sources account for 93% of all energy used in the Nation. Biomass, the largest renewable source, accounts for over half of all renewable energy and 3.7% of total energy consumption. (Note: 53% of 7% is 3.7%.) (US Energy Information Administration, 3/15/10).
Youth expect to unveil Planet 4-H, and their design plans at the 2010 St. Clair County EarthFair, April 16-17, 2010 at Goodells Park. Aside from the model, the youth hope to display a model wind turbine, a fuel cell car, and an additional model alternative energy house.
References:
US Energy Information Administration. (2010). retrieved 3/15/10 from: http://tonto.eia.doe.gov/kids/energy.cfm?page=about_home-basics
MSU is an affirmative-action, equal-opportunity employer that is funded in part by the Sanilac County Board of Commissioners. Michigan State University Extension programs and materials are open to all without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, marital status, or family status. Issued in furtherance of Extension work in agriculture and home economics, acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Thomas G. Coon, Extension director, Michigan State University, E. Lansing, MI 48824.
References:
US Energy Information Administration. (2010). retrieved 3/15/10 from: http://tonto.eia.doe.gov/kids/energy.cfm?page=about_home-basics
MSU is an affirmative-action, equal-opportunity employer that is funded in part by the Sanilac County Board of Commissioners. Michigan State University Extension programs and materials are open to all without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, marital status, or family status. Issued in furtherance of Extension work in agriculture and home economics, acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Thomas G. Coon, Extension director, Michigan State University, E. Lansing, MI 48824.
