Renewable and Alternative Energy

The wonder of natural power.

Do you like being learning about alternative energy sources or wonder where your energy comes from? Pennsylvania 4-H offers a wide variety of renewable and alternative energy projects to pique your interest! Choose from biofuels, the power of wind, and woody biomass projects to guide you through fun and interesting activities in energy!

Biofuels and Fuel for Thought Curriculums

Youth who participate in the biofuels or Fuel for Thought projects will explore the production and applications of biofuels and how they can be a reliable source of renewable energy.  These project offers advanced knowledge and education for youth who would like to explore careers in alternative energy.

Learn about:

• Alternative Energy
• Renewable Energy
• Wind Energy
• Biofuels
• Biomass

Participant outcomes:

• Develop knowledge on alternative energy and its benefits
• Become knowledgeable about the production and collection of alternative energy sources
• Use energy more responsibly
• Discover problem solving strategies using the Scientific Method

Youth interested in renewable and alternative energy can explore careers like:

• Environmental Engineer
• Alternative Energy Specialists
• Scientist
• Environmental Educator
• Surveyor
• Energy Representative

Projects:

The Power of Wind

• Youth Guide
• Facilitators Guide

Biofuels

• Learn about the usefulness of biofuels and how they are developed. 

4-H Fuel for Thought

• Youth Guide:  Learn about biomass and biofuels in a variety of hands-on activities that teach using inquiry based learning and the scientific method.
• Facilitators Guide:  This guide will help adult leaders to facilitate activities and learn along with the youth involved.

Cloverbud Outdoor Opportunity: Nature Start

What’s Nature Start? Nature Start is a new grassroots initiative for youth, sponsored by Pennsylvania 4-H. It is different from anything 4-H has ever done before. Nature Start involves locally-based groups for youth ages 5-10. These may be family, neighborhood, or community based, or they may be preexisting groups from schools, child care centers, homeschoolers, after-school programs and others. Nature Start groups will be organized and facilitated by adult volunteers (“Nature Start Mentors”). Youth involved in these groups will participate in monthly “gatherings” to increase their awareness and knowledge of the natural world, gain interest in spending time outside, and demonstrate improved mental and physical health as a result of spending more time outdoors exploring nature. Nature Start is for all youth, regardless of where they live –- cities, towns, suburbs, and rural areas. There’s a piece of nature in every Pennsylvania community.

The bottom line: Nature Start youth have FUN while connecting with nature.

Explore more programs and events

• Forestry and Wildlife Field Day