Piedmont IB Middle and Ranson IB Middle Schools teach students the international baccalaureate curriculum in conjunction with NC ELA and CTE standards. All IB programs aim to develop internationally minded people who recognize their common humanity and shared guardianship of the planet and help to create a better and more peaceful world. Moreover, this renewable energy career project teaches students the urgency and importance of learning about future careers to help the earth.
Grade Level: 6-8
Content: English Language Arts (ELA), Career Technology Education (CTE)
ABOUT THE AUTHORS
Wyounda Horton is a middle school ELA teacher at Piedmont IB School in Charlotte. She earned her B.A. in Middle Grades Education from UNC-Charlotte. During her first years in the classroom, she was awarded the Optimist Hall Leadership Award, for her service and program creation. In 2022 she received the Extra Yard for Teachers Award from UNC-Charlotte Athletics for her leadership as a mentor for beginning teachers. She has been a beginning teacher mentor for five years, and a Charlotte Teachers Institute Fellow (CTI) for the past two years (22’-24’). Ms. Horton serves as a Bosch B.E.S.T Grant Champion, after receiving her Bosch Teacher Grant Award in 2021. Horton is pursuing her National Board Certification and recently presented at The North Carolina Association for Middle Level Educators (NCMLE) 2024 Inspire Conference. She leads her PLC at Piedmont, presents at monthly staff meetings, and runs programs like the school Spelling Bee. Ms. Horton is a true NC teacher leader.
Elijah Watson is a National Board Certified Career and Technical Education teacher at Ranson IB Middle School in Charlotte. Watson was awarded Teacher of the Year during the 2021-2022 school year. In addition, he received the Our Children’s Hero Award presented by the Black Child Development Institute – Charlotte (2022). Watson earned an M.B.A. from Strayer University and a B.A. in Finance from Morehouse College. In 2008, former Charlotte Mayor Pat McCrory recognized Elijah with the “Charlotte Mentor of the Year Award” for his involvement in the S.T.A.R.S. Academy. He was also awarded the Bank of America’s “Local Hero” Neighborhood Excellence Initiative (2011), the Presidential Service Award by the Morehouse College National Alumni Association (2010), and the North Carolina Medallion Award for Outstanding Volunteer Service (2008).
- Essential Questions
- Time Needed
- Standards
- Activity
- Wrap Up and Action
- Resources
- About the Fellowship
- Student Pages
Essential Questions
What do my interests, attitudes, and values say about my future career choice?
How is my personality and learning style connected to my future career choice?
What are the skills and abilities I need to have for my future career choice?
Time Needed
Time to prepare and set up materials: 2 Days
Time to facilitate the activity: 3 weeks
Time to wrap up/review: 2 days
Standards
The list of Standards is located here.
Activity
Part 1–Career Exploration: Resources
- Students learn about their personal and transferable skills to help with future career choices
- Introductory video about renewable energy and teacher discusses renewable energy
- Students learn about the renewable energy jobs of the future
Part 2–Renewable Energy Career Project (Slide Deck to be presented using Shark Tank Format): Resources
- Students are introduced to the renewable energy career research project template
- Students select and start researching their renewable energy career
- Students start their Renewable Energy Google Slide presentation and start preparing their Shark Tank three-minute pitch
Part 3–Renewable Energy Essay: Resources
- Students start preparing their renewable energy essay
- Students write and edit their essay
- Students join the renewable energy essay competition
Wrap Up and Action
Teachers will assess students’ knowledge of the activity by participating in the Shark Tank competition and submitting their renewable energy essays.
Resources
Part 1 Resources:
- 2.03 Personal and Transferable Skills.pptx
- What is renewable energy?
- The BEST Paying Jobs In Renewable Energy
- Explore Clean Energy Careers
- 14 Renewable Energy Careers (And How To Start in the Field)
- STEPs4GROWTH
- NC Clean Energy
- NC Careers
Part 2 Resources:
Part 3 Resources:
About the Fellowship
The most beneficial aspects of our internships were learning about Siemens Energy and shadowing Siemens managers. We enjoyed learning from the Siemens training department employees and the multiple tours. In addition, we had the pleasure of shadowing and learning from sixteen Siemens managers. They taught us about digitalization, project management, engineering, human resources, etc. All managers shared different management styles and the need for a well-rounded education.
In addition, we learned that Siemens’ generators, gas, and steam turbines power over 30% of the world. One insight we had this summer was the importance of creating a teamwork atmosphere in a high-pressure work environment. Every manager we spoke with at Siemens stressed the need for collaboration and good communication.
Student Pages
Download a PDF of the student pages.