PATHWAY CONNECTION

The Offshore Wind Awareness Experiences Pilots project was designed to expose high school students and educators to career opportunities within the offshore wind and renewable energy industry. Implemented across multiple high schools, the program provided hands-on learning experiences, professional development for teachers, and interactive activities to engage students in the growing field of renewable energy.

Participating schools implemented different components of the Offshore Wind Awareness Experiences Pilots, engaging students in various hands-on activities:

• Follow the Photon Game – Students examined the energy pathway of electricity generated by offshore wind turbines and compared it to fossil fuel-based energy.
• Preparing for a Career in the Offshore Wind Industry – A 10-day program where students learned about the unique experiences of offshore wind farm workers, required training, and safety measures. Activities included the “Do as I Say” simulation, where students acted as offshore wind engineers, performing tasks while relying on verbal instructions.
• Beach Town, USA: A Town Hall Debate – A mock debate where students took on different stakeholder roles (wind farm developers, environmentalists, conservationists, and fossil fuel workers) to discuss the pros and cons of offshore wind projects.

Across all participating high schools, students gained valuable insight into offshore wind energy careers, renewable energy technologies, and sustainability practices. Educators enhanced their ability to teach these concepts through tailored professional development. The program also addressed engagement challenges by adapting activities based on student feedback.

Moving forward, schools plan to expand curriculum integration, increase participation in summer programs, and continue refining the activities to ensure accessibility and effectiveness for diverse student populations.