The ‘energizer’ students

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Stop by Tony Seidl’s third grade classroom at Greenvale Park Elementary and you’ll likely find any given student “spinning” on a human-powered generator, creating enough energy to power equipment right there in the classroom — all the while getting an extra dose of exercise.

“We are trying to make energy,” said third-grader Wendy Bollum, sitting upon the recumbent bike, her legs cycling at a moderate speed.

“It doesn’t even matter how fast we go,” said Stefany Perez, eagerly awaiting her chance to give it a whirl.

Thanks to the creative efforts of Greg Muth, associate professor in the Department of Chemistry at St. Olaf College, Seidl’s students are getting a first-hand lesson on just how energy works, and how alternative energy sources — like this “green” bike — can create power needed for day-to-day living.

Muth, innovator and engineer of the project, came up with the idea last year when his own child was being taught by Seidl.

“I was really inspired and impressed with Tony’s commitment to teaching his kids about the environment and being better citizens about the environment. I did this to get kids excited about science, to provide more opportunities to do hands-on trial-and-error,” Muth said.

As a student pedals, an instrument on the bike gauges just how many watts of energy are created and stored — energy that is in turn used to power devices right there in the classroom. So far, students have been able to power the light for a growing station and run a computer. They are now working toward the goal of realizing just how much energy it takes to power a 2 1/2-hour movie, “The Sound of Music.”

“If they can learn and pay better attention because they’re active, it’s good for the kids, good for Tony and good for education,” Muth said. “I was unbelievably impressed with how dedicated they are to this project.”

Wanted: willing teachers
This is the second year Seidl’s students have been able to utilize this energy machine. Last year, Muth’s prototype remained in the classroom for the term of the school year, and this year’s improved “version 2.0” will also remain in Seidl’s room throughout the year.

Muth and the St. Olaf “green team” currently have more bikes in various stages of development in hopes of gaining the interest of other schools or organizations like Girl Scouts or Boy Scouts. With portable versions available, in-class demonstrations — currently planned for St. Dominic and Prairie Creek schools — are most definitely an option, Muth says.

If it weren’t for the generosity of grants from Rice County Public Health and St. Olaf College, this project may very never have gotten underway, said a grateful Muth.

Growing up “green”
Using and teaching eco-friendly means is nothing new for Seidl, who last year brought in a rain barrel to collect water for the nearby community garden and created a worm bin for composting, among other things.

Beyond learning respect for the environment, students are also encouraged to construct their own questions and ideas, Seidl said.

“Could we power my coffee maker? How about our SMART Board?” he asks students.

“This generation of kids is growing up in a world that is trying to find alternatives to solve society’s wastefulness. If they grow up with that it will be a mindset by the time they are 40. They really do have potential to change the world.”

— Reach Brenda K.M. Ward at 507-645-1134.