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Monday, December 17, 2012

Wind turbines and STEM education in the news

Today's news theme revolves around engineering and technology!

Sustainable Business Oregon reports on a $4 million grant awarded to Principle Power by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). The funding will be used by Seattle-based Principle Power to place five floating wind turbines about 10 to 15 miles off the shore of Coos Bay. The first phase of the project involves engineering, design, and permitting, including the assembly of the turbine platforms near the bay. Pacific Northwest National Laboratory will lead environmental assessment and resource evaluation work, which will require about $1.44 million of the funds. Read more about the project in the full article, and check out DOE's press release to find out which other projects they funded.

Speaking of engineering, a second article discusses a new Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education initiative. The South Metro-Salem STEM Partnership brings together 12 school districts, 3 universities, 2 community colleges, and 3 large employers to develop better STEM programs. Specifically, the group hopes to encourage STEM education in middle and high schools by creating more participatory learning opportunities; offering college credit courses in high school; and developing a network of mentors, events, and programs. You'll find more details in the full article from The Oregonian.

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