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 the award-winning book Catch the Wind.  Catch the Wind ties into grade-appropriate science curriculum through exploring wind energy.

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.

Within the pages of this book, you will discover wind energy with Mortenson Construction and an inquisitive boy named Nels.

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.

Watch for additional construction-themed books in our Discover Renewables series.
 


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:

US School curriculum pack Crossword puzzles Coloring pages
Canadian School curriculum pack Word searches Vocabulary quiz

Map of school visits

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
"The presentation helped our kids get a better understanding of wind energy and the entire wind farm project. It is wonderful for our students to gain more insight into what is happening around them in our community."- Principal Dan Nau, Sunburst Elementary, Sunburst, MT
 
"MidAmerican Energy has enjoyed participating in Mortenson’s Catch the Wind program…The Catch the Wind book and DVD are useful, educational, well-written and age-appropriate." – Adam Wright, Vice President - Wind Development, MidAmerican Energy Company
 
"The students and teachers had good feedback on your presentation. They learned new things about renewable energy and they were challenged to conserve energy and remember that when they work together in groups, they are developing skills they will need later in their work environment. Thanks for that message!" - Susan Degroot, 5th grade teacher, Chatham Christian School, Chatham, Ontario

Tumbler Ridge

Tumbler Ridge

Group Photo

Earth Week

Chatham Christian

Tumbler Ridge

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

 Questions and Comments?

Email us at discoverrenewables@mortenson.com






  • 20,000 "Catch the Wind" books distributed since 2008
  • 13,000 Students participated in presentations by Mortenson Team members
  • 100+ Schools visited across the US and Canada
     
To order your copy of Catch the Wind, visit www.bookhousefulfillment.com

“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