As part of DATMA’s “In-the-Classroom” education series, DATMA and Vineyard Wind launched a series of summer and fall workshops for both educators and youth designed to deepen understanding of offshore wind energy while sparking creativity. To learn more about our 2024 season exhibition entitled, Art of Technology: Exploring Transformative Innovations of the SouthCoast, these hands-on learning experiences brought the excitement of wind energy to both educators and students, bridging the worlds of engineering and public art in dynamic ways.
In one workshop designed for SouthCoast educators and two additional workshops designed for grades 5-8, the workshops focused on the first utility-scale offshore wind farm in the U.S. (Vineyard Wind’s groundbreaking project ), which will power over 400,000 homes while significantly reducing carbon emissions. Through these workshops, educators and students alike explored the technological innovation reshaping the SouthCoast region and were inspired to imagine their own roles in this sustainable future.
Educators Get Hands-On with Wind Energy
From July 24-26, 2024, educators from across the SouthCoast gathered for a transformative three-day workshop. Held at Bristol Community College’s Wind Power Lab, this immersive experience was designed to help teachers integrate offshore wind energy into their curriculum in innovative ways. With a focus on hands-on learning, participants explored every aspect of wind energy production, from the mechanics of turbine design to the environmental and workforce impacts of these massive structures.
The program included site visits to the Marine Commerce Terminal, where educators witnessed firsthand how offshore wind projects come to life. Interactive activities such as the “Blade Design Challenge” encouraged participants to apply engineering principles while learning how to make these concepts accessible for their students. By the end of the workshop, educators left with new tools and resources to inspire the next generation of renewable energy experts in their own classrooms.
Sam, a teacher from Dartmouth High School, noted how valuable the experience was for her students: “I gained ideas for a great field trip for my advanced engineering students!”
“The NEED resources were completely new to me. The lab stations were really engaging. I liked how each station had different levels. I will definitely pass the information and digital resources along to my colleagues. I will be able to use a lot of the information from the workshop in my classes.”
— Lisa, Roosevelt Middle School, New Bedford
Expanding the Reach: Student Workshops at Nativity Preparatory & Our Sisters’ School
Following the successful educator workshop, DATMA and Vineyard Wind extended the program directly to students, bringing the power of wind energy to the next generation of innovators. In the fall, 5th and 6th grade students from Nativity Preparatory School and Our Sisters’ School in New Bedford participated in a collaborative learning workshop that blended creativity, engineering, and environmental science.
The workshops engaged the students in understanding the practical applications of offshore wind energy and its importance to the region. But more than just learning about turbines, the students were encouraged to see the creative potential in technology. With guidance from industry experts, they took part in hands-on activities, designing their own wind turbine models while learning about the environmental impact of renewable energy.
A highlight of the student workshops was a field trip to DATMA’s Art of Technology exhibition, Bordalo II’s Plastic Rooster and Mark Reigelman’s Threshold sculptures in downtown New Bedford. The students explored the intersection of art and renewable energy, reflecting on how sustainability can be represented through both technology and artistic expression. The experience spurred thoughtful discussions about engineering and structural design and how wind energy, like art, can inspire positive change.
Empowering a Future of Renewable Energy Innovators
The workshop series proved to be an essential resource for both educators and students, fostering a deeper understanding of the importance of renewable energy. Educators gained valuable knowledge and classroom tools to engage students in STEAM-based learning, while students were introduced to a future where they can play a key role in sustainability and technology.
With programs like these, DATMA and Vineyard Wind aim to design community-centered education, sparking curiosity and innovation in the next generation of leaders who will shape the future of renewable energy on the SouthCoast.
