Between reality shows and social media, kids are saturated with information that does not often inspire them with constructive ways to showcase their real talents. With school curriculum a hot topic of debate, getting kids excited and inspired to learn is front and center to the conversation we need to be having across our state and our country.
According to the U.S. Department of Education, it’s more important than ever for our youth to be equipped with the knowledge and skills to solve tough problems, gather and evaluate evidence, and make sense of information. “These are the types of skills that students learn by studying science, technology, engineering, and math—subjects collectively known as STEM.”
“Yet today, few American students pursue expertise in STEM fields—and we have an inadequate pipeline of teachers skilled in those subjects” — even though 90% of those Americans polled said they believed skills in science creates opportunities for a successful career.
That got my business partner and I thinking. You see, we work in energy and think it is not only exciting, but an industry that will employ our kids, yours and ours, with quality, high-paying jobs in the future. The only problem – how do we get them to see what is really happening and where STEM careers exist? I mean – you know grown-ups. We’re busy and sometimes to our kids, we’re boring (though at this juncture, my kids are of the age where they still think I’m cool.) We don’t have to be though. So we asked some companies if they’d be willing to showcase the things that got their engineers, scientists, geologists and others excited about the work they do. Not the boring or mundane day-to-day paperwork, but the cool things that inspire kids in STEM who might be interested in learning more about their fields.
Energy Day is Born
What we started was Energy Day. But wait, what the heck is Energy Day?
Well, for starters, it’s a free family event that began in Houston eight years ago. Instead of the book work that students typically think of, we started showcasing what it meant to have a job in the energy industry through fun experiments, tactile and interactive exhibits, and different ways to look at science, engineering, technology, and math subjects. Since then, Energy Day has become one of the premiere energy-focused family festivals in Houston, drawing in close to 27,000 kids, family members and teachers in 2017.
Energy Day offers free fun for the whole family and is particularly valuable for K-12 students, their parents, and educators. Additionally, the festival has music, food, contests, and opportunities to interact with industry experts that can help get your kids inspired to learn. And, did I tell you – it’s free?
Consumer Energy Education Foundation (CEEF) and Consumer Energy Alliance (CEA) serve as the principal organizers of the Energy Day Festival which will be held Saturday, September 22 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at East High School in Denver!
If you’ve never been a part of Energy Day – we invite you to come check it out. And if you’re still skeptical, here’s a little sample of last year’s event.
If anything, it’s a great way to spend time with your kids – outside together – learning something new.
Andrew Browning
Author: Mile High Mamas
