FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Dec. 1, 2016
DEP TO CO-HOST 5TH ANNUAL SOLAR-ENERGY COOK-OFF COMPETITION
~Students design, build and test solar cookers in celebration of STEM education~
FORT MYERS, Fla. – The Florida Department of Environmental Protection, in collaboration with the city of Fort Myers Imaginarium Science Center, is co-hosting the 5th Annual Solar Energy Cook-Off on Saturday, Dec. 3. Students from grades K-12 will work together in teams to design and build a solar cooker, demonstrating the utility of their inventions by cooking an original dish.
"Providing students with fun and educational learning experiences about science and environmental responsibility helps inspire future protection of the state's natural resources," said John Iglehart, DEP South District director. "DEP's South District is proud to partner with the city and the Imaginarium Science Center once again for this exciting event."
Developed to provide a real-world solar-thermal challenge for elementary, middle and high school students, the competition encourages creative thinking and celebrates the importance of STEM education and hands-on learning experiences.
“The city recognizes the importance of STEM education, along
with our valued partners at DEP and the entire STEM Team of Southwest Florida," said Matt Johnson, Interim Assistant City Manager. "We are proud
that our own Imaginarium Science Center is hosting this exciting event for
students and observers engaging in explorations of energy and engineering.”
There will be awards for various grade levels and students will be judged on the design and functionality of their invention, as well as their ability to explain how their slow cooker works. Extra points will be awarded to teams that display creative use of materials such as recycled items.
The event will take place from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. on Dec. 3 at the Imaginarium Science Center and admission to the event is free. For additional information, contact Martha Avila at martha.avila@dep.state.fl.us.
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