Education is a Priority

discover renewables logoWe can build a better future for our children and encourage their interest in construction and in science by passing on our own experience. With the help of educators, Mortenson Construction’s Renewable Energy Groups developed a fun book called Catch the Wind to help children understand more about developing and using wind power. Catch the Wind ties into grade-appropriate science curriculum through exploring wind energy.


How do you Catch the Wind ?

By building a wind turbine, of course! Within the pages of this book, you will discover wind energy with Mortenson Construction and an inquisitive boy named Nels. The book is Mortenson’s effort to share its knowledge of this rapidly growing industry.

This book is a nonprofit effort courtesy of Mortenson Construction. Proceeds will be donated to nonprofit entities promoting the development and use of renewable energies.

"Catch the Wind" product details and pages

To order your copy of Catch the Wind, visit www.bookhousefulfillment.com

Ask About Our School Visit Program

Do you know students who are interested in learning about wind energy and constructing wind farms? Do you know teachers who could set aside one hour for an engaging presentation in their classroom? If so, then the Mortenson Construction “Catch the Wind” School Visit Program is perfect for you!

“Catch the Wind” and the corresponding School Visit Program, are best suited for students in grades 3-5, but we have done presentations for younger and older audiences. Our one-hour presentation may align with the following academic standards:Science Standard Categories:The Nature of Science and Engineering: The Practice of Engineering The Nature of Science and Engineering: Interactions Among Science, Engineering, Technology and SocietyPhysical Science: EnergyEarth Science: Human Interactions with Earth Systems Trades and Industry Technology Standard:Bring real-life application and science and construction career paths to a level elementary-age children can understand.

We would like to offer a visit to your school to introduce ourselves and to explain the importance of the wind farms to our economy and environment, and how we construct them. Please contact Anne Johnson at anne.johnson@mortenson.com to inquire about a visit to your school.

For teachers and students:

 

Coloring pages Crossword puzzles Flash cards
Vocabulary quiz Word searches School visit curriculum pack

 


Interested in learning more about wind energy? Check out these sites:

 Questions and Comments?

Email us at discoverrenewables@mortenson.com






Catch the Wind

To reach out to a younger generation and introduce the idea of renewable energy, we wrote an illustrated children's book entitled Catch the Wind.

Winner of the prestigious Nautilus Book Award, Catch the Wind teaches children about wind energy, introduces them to careers in construction, and provides Mortenson teams with a unique opportunity to build relationships within the communities in which we work.


“As a teacher I believe that it is important to help children understand the impact resources have on
daily life. Fostering a feeling of stewardship toward the earth is the beginning of changing people’s attitudes toward energy use. Books like this one help engage students in that education process. Children learn that we have a responsibility for consumption choices and practices. It can be the beginning of a dialogue about real energy issues.”

Terri Rendaci
2nd grade teacher
Central Elementary School. Clinton, IN


“When I first read the title, I thought that it would be interesting and it was. I liked how you mixed sports and kids with wind farm energy. It made it a lot more fun! So for little kids, it would not seem like they are reading a book about wind farms. I thought the pictures were great and it was very well worded. Thank you for letting me read it. I really liked it.”

Maddy Schmall
5th grade student
St. Hubert School, Chanhassen, MN


Catch the Wind provides an attractive, instructive, and welcome educational resource about wind power and electricity generation. Attractive because it combines graphics, photos, and information in a lively way; instructive because it covers in detail many aspects of wind power—which makes great reading for adults, too!—and welcome because there is strong demand for educational and classroom materials on wind power.  Wind power is rapidly growing today and will be a key part of our energy future as we rely on clean, renewable electricity for many aspects of our daily life.”

Thomas Gray
Director of Communications
American Wind Energy Association


“Your book is a great resource for the classroom teacher. Renewable resource is a difficult concept for young children to grasp. This book not only addresses the concept at a level which third graders can comprehend, but also incorporates reading concepts such as informational text features (diagrams, pictures, definitions), and covers numerous state content standards across the curriculum. It would be a welcome addition to the classroom teacher’s library.”

Nancy McCracken
Media Specialist
Freedom Elementary School, Librty Township, OH