Overview
MMPA’s Energy Education Program demonstrates the Agency’s commitment to support the communities we serve. Since the program was launched in 2010, it has reached nearly 20,000 elementary and high school students in MMPA member communities and project host communities.
Elementary Program
This unique educational experience consists of curriculum aligned with Minnesota 4th grade Science Standards and provides students with the opportunity to learn about renewable and non-renewable energy sources, electricity, and personal electricity use.
Participating schools receive a copy of the Energy Education Workbook and the opportunity to host an in-school assembly or attend the Faribault Energy Park (FEP) Tour Event. Both in-school assemblies and FEP Tour Event are provide in partnership with the Science Museum of Minnesota.
Since 2021, the Elementary Program also includes a virtual option consisting of three 30-minute online modules: Module #1 “Turn the Crank” An Introduction to Energy and Electricity, Module #2 Sources of Energy, and Module #3 Personal Energy Use.
In addition, our Energy Education Program includes online resources (Teaching Tools for Educators) and the Hometown Solar Grant Program.
FEP Tour Event
A key component of the Energy Education Program is the FEP Tour Event which is held annually in May. Students get an in-person view of the FEP control room, steam turbine, and on-site wind turbine and solar array. During the tour, students rotate through educational stations located throughout the facility and its wetlands park. Stations include hands-on activities and cover topics including sources of energy, how electricity is generated, and energy conservation.
For more information about Faribault Energy Park, click here.
In-School Assembly
For schools not easily accessible to FEP, the Agency offers an in-school education assembly, developed and presented by MMPA in partnership with the Science Museum of Minnesota. These educational events help bring interactive energy learning opportunities to more students throughout our member communities.
High School Progam
In 2018, the Agency launched a new high school program. This program encourages students to deepen their understanding of complex energy topics and provides insight into various energy-focused career opportunities. Hosted at MMPA’s Shakopee Energy Park, Faribault Energy Park and local high schools’ students participated in activities that included: interactive presentations, hands-on learning activities, a facility tour, and a career panel. With support from the MMPA member utilities and Avant Energy, MMPA’s management partner, students were able to meet the people behind their power and learn about a wide variety of jobs in the energy industry.