Learning, Doing, Being: A New Science of Education [Speaking of Faith® from American Public Media]
November 19, 2009
What Adele Diamond is learning about the brain challenges basic assumptions in modern education. Her work is scientifically illustrating the educational power of things like play, sports, music, memorization and reflection. What nourishes the human spirit, the whole person, it turns out, also hones our minds.
I listened to Adele Diamond's interview and you can too. There is a podcast on the link posted above. Adele is a Nuero scientist whose studies confirm the absolute necessity of maintaining a Wholistic learning/living environment to engage and maintain a child's cognitive development.
As we know, the nourished Mind and Spirit are inseperable and along with a nourished body will allow for all children to grow into responsible creative individuals who are capable of solving the challenges facing them and life on this planet.
I would challenge you to listen to the podcast and comment on how we can get together to create and expand the kinds of learning communities that would foster these opportunities for all children.
Saturday, November 21, 2009
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Friday, August 14, 2009
The Learning Barge
The Learning Barge is one of many projects created through the talented minds working with the Elizebeth River Project.
Their home website being - http://www.elizabethriver.org/default.aspx
There is great potential to develop collaborative efforts with sister organizations such as the Elizabeth River Project. Both the Great Lakes Watersheds and the Chesapeke Bay Watershed have unique atributes and challenges from which we all can learn. Connecting the two learning environments in some contiguos fashion could provide new and exciting opportunities for all concerned.
The Learning Barge--a unique floating classroom along the Elizabeth River
The Learning Barge
National Recognition and Cash Awards
Boost Start for Floating Classroom
Unique Barge Design is Recognized by The EPA and
Lowe's Charitable and Educational Foundation
The University of Virginia (UVA) School of Architecture graduate student's Learning Barge design won $75,000 and the honor of being the only competitor to win two awards during the 2006-2007 EPA P3 competition. Earlier this spring, the project was granted $125,000 by the Lowe's Charitable and Educational Foundation!
The Learning Barge is a one-of-a-kind solar and wind-powered, floating classroom with a living wetland onboard. This visionary and extremely unusual educational project will be an ideal icon for The Elizabeth River Project as the organization's first floating presence on the river. The barge can host school and other educational groups as well as workshops, field trips and more for up to 100 people. Educators are near completion on an SOL curriculum specific to the project. The Learning Barge will connect students, community, conservation and business groups to the river in a way that helps makes this vital resource more personal.
The recognition and award money will be a great boost to the project. UVA and the Elizabeth River Project are working to raise the funds needed to build and operate the barge. The barge is being developed by UVA and The Elizabeth River Project in collaboration with other partners,
See UVA's Studio Book of the Learning Barge (large pdf file), and read about the awards it has won.
Elizabeth River Project's Proposed 'Learning Barge'
Earns Major Award for U.Va. Architecture Professor
Phoebe Crisman
Highest National Education Award from American Institute of Architects Awarded for Innovative Floating Project
Phoebe Crisman, associate professor of architecture at the University of Virginia, has been selected as a 2008 recipient of the American Institute of Architects Education Honor Award for her work on the "Learning Barge," a floating ecological classroom set to be launched on Virginia's polluted Elizabeth River.
The Education Honor Awards program, created in 1988, recognizes collegiate faculty achievements and contributions to education and to the discipline of architecture. The awards will be presented in May during the AIA National Convention in Boston.
In conjunction with the Elizabeth River Project, an environmental nonprofit focused on improving the conditions of the river, plus community partners and professionals and U.Va. students, Crisman developed the idea of a self-sustaining, buoyant Learning Barge to bridge the current disconnect between the Elizabeth River, one of the most contaminated rivers in the United States, and community members in Norfolk and surrounding counties, who are often isolated from the river because much of its shoreline is controlled by industrial and military interests. The 120-by-32-foot barge promises to give both students and community members the opportunity to study an unfiltered version of a real marine ecosystem and understand their place within it.
"This has been an amazing opportunity for students to connect with a range of people with whom they might never have interacted," said Crisman. "It's has been rather stunning to see the way that the students have stepped up to the challenge and gone beyond what I thought they could do."
The vessel, a collaborative research, design and fabrication initiative of students from in architecture, engineering, landscape architecture, education, art and history, incorporates research and sustainable design principles to promote environmental education. The floating field station is powered by solar and wind energy, collects rainwater, filters gray water with native plants and utilizes recycled and renewable materials.
Crisman has cited several objectives for architectural education, including making a positive difference through design by connecting students with real communities that would not have access to design services; fostering a commitment to environmental ethics and deep, hands-on knowledge of green strategies at the architectural and urban scales; linking that awareness to formal and aesthetic research; and helping students connect their design education and daily lives as responsible citizens of their local and broader community.
The integrated educational component for K-12 schoolchildren offers opportunities to experience the river firsthand and engage in hands-on exploration and learning. Its mobility allows it to travel every few months to areas undergoing current environmental initiatives – allowing its passengers to observe oyster restoration efforts, wetland plantings or remediation of contaminated sediments.
According to Crisman, the prefabricated components will be constructed in Charlottesville this spring for eventual installation on the barge.
Even before it hits the water, the barge has received a raft of awards, including recognition from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards, the American Society of Landscape Architects and the James River Green Building Council and the Association of Collegiate Schools of Architecture.
It has also received financial support from the Virginia Environmental Foundation, the Lowe's Charitable and Educational Foundation, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the U.Va. School of Architecture's Public Service Fellowship Program and the U.Va. School of Architecture Foundation.
The Learning Barge
Six distinct, yet connected, learning stations
allow for small groups to do site-specific
and interactive projects on the Upper Deck, Armature Galllery, Artifact Deck, Classroom, Wetland and Story Telling Stairs.
View 2-D Perspectives from the
U. VA School of Architecture
Become a Barge Buddy!
Discover volunteer opportunities.
Background Articles
Explore the Learning Barge Project at these links:
Learning Barge Fact Sheet (pdf file)
EPA P3 Competition
Learning Barge Awards
U.VA News Release
AIA Press Release
U.VA School of Architecture's Leaning Barge Web site
This innovative floating classroom (simplified model below) offers mobile, hands-on learning for adults, students, civic leaders and others. See more about the award-winning educational concept at the links above.
Learning Barge features Solar Panels
Admirals Landing
475 Water Street, Suite 103A
Portsmouth, VA 23704
Phone: 757-399-7487
Fax 757-397-8377
Contact Us by Email
Their home website being - http://www.elizabethriver.org/default.aspx
There is great potential to develop collaborative efforts with sister organizations such as the Elizabeth River Project. Both the Great Lakes Watersheds and the Chesapeke Bay Watershed have unique atributes and challenges from which we all can learn. Connecting the two learning environments in some contiguos fashion could provide new and exciting opportunities for all concerned.
The Learning Barge--a unique floating classroom along the Elizabeth River
The Learning Barge
National Recognition and Cash Awards
Boost Start for Floating Classroom
Unique Barge Design is Recognized by The EPA and
Lowe's Charitable and Educational Foundation
The University of Virginia (UVA) School of Architecture graduate student's Learning Barge design won $75,000 and the honor of being the only competitor to win two awards during the 2006-2007 EPA P3 competition. Earlier this spring, the project was granted $125,000 by the Lowe's Charitable and Educational Foundation!
The Learning Barge is a one-of-a-kind solar and wind-powered, floating classroom with a living wetland onboard. This visionary and extremely unusual educational project will be an ideal icon for The Elizabeth River Project as the organization's first floating presence on the river. The barge can host school and other educational groups as well as workshops, field trips and more for up to 100 people. Educators are near completion on an SOL curriculum specific to the project. The Learning Barge will connect students, community, conservation and business groups to the river in a way that helps makes this vital resource more personal.
The recognition and award money will be a great boost to the project. UVA and the Elizabeth River Project are working to raise the funds needed to build and operate the barge. The barge is being developed by UVA and The Elizabeth River Project in collaboration with other partners,
See UVA's Studio Book of the Learning Barge (large pdf file), and read about the awards it has won.
Elizabeth River Project's Proposed 'Learning Barge'
Earns Major Award for U.Va. Architecture Professor
Phoebe Crisman
Highest National Education Award from American Institute of Architects Awarded for Innovative Floating Project
Phoebe Crisman, associate professor of architecture at the University of Virginia, has been selected as a 2008 recipient of the American Institute of Architects Education Honor Award for her work on the "Learning Barge," a floating ecological classroom set to be launched on Virginia's polluted Elizabeth River.
The Education Honor Awards program, created in 1988, recognizes collegiate faculty achievements and contributions to education and to the discipline of architecture. The awards will be presented in May during the AIA National Convention in Boston.
In conjunction with the Elizabeth River Project, an environmental nonprofit focused on improving the conditions of the river, plus community partners and professionals and U.Va. students, Crisman developed the idea of a self-sustaining, buoyant Learning Barge to bridge the current disconnect between the Elizabeth River, one of the most contaminated rivers in the United States, and community members in Norfolk and surrounding counties, who are often isolated from the river because much of its shoreline is controlled by industrial and military interests. The 120-by-32-foot barge promises to give both students and community members the opportunity to study an unfiltered version of a real marine ecosystem and understand their place within it.
"This has been an amazing opportunity for students to connect with a range of people with whom they might never have interacted," said Crisman. "It's has been rather stunning to see the way that the students have stepped up to the challenge and gone beyond what I thought they could do."
The vessel, a collaborative research, design and fabrication initiative of students from in architecture, engineering, landscape architecture, education, art and history, incorporates research and sustainable design principles to promote environmental education. The floating field station is powered by solar and wind energy, collects rainwater, filters gray water with native plants and utilizes recycled and renewable materials.
Crisman has cited several objectives for architectural education, including making a positive difference through design by connecting students with real communities that would not have access to design services; fostering a commitment to environmental ethics and deep, hands-on knowledge of green strategies at the architectural and urban scales; linking that awareness to formal and aesthetic research; and helping students connect their design education and daily lives as responsible citizens of their local and broader community.
The integrated educational component for K-12 schoolchildren offers opportunities to experience the river firsthand and engage in hands-on exploration and learning. Its mobility allows it to travel every few months to areas undergoing current environmental initiatives – allowing its passengers to observe oyster restoration efforts, wetland plantings or remediation of contaminated sediments.
According to Crisman, the prefabricated components will be constructed in Charlottesville this spring for eventual installation on the barge.
Even before it hits the water, the barge has received a raft of awards, including recognition from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards, the American Society of Landscape Architects and the James River Green Building Council and the Association of Collegiate Schools of Architecture.
It has also received financial support from the Virginia Environmental Foundation, the Lowe's Charitable and Educational Foundation, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the U.Va. School of Architecture's Public Service Fellowship Program and the U.Va. School of Architecture Foundation.
The Learning Barge
Six distinct, yet connected, learning stations
allow for small groups to do site-specific
and interactive projects on the Upper Deck, Armature Galllery, Artifact Deck, Classroom, Wetland and Story Telling Stairs.
View 2-D Perspectives from the
U. VA School of Architecture
Become a Barge Buddy!
Discover volunteer opportunities.
Background Articles
Explore the Learning Barge Project at these links:
Learning Barge Fact Sheet (pdf file)
EPA P3 Competition
Learning Barge Awards
U.VA News Release
AIA Press Release
U.VA School of Architecture's Leaning Barge Web site
This innovative floating classroom (simplified model below) offers mobile, hands-on learning for adults, students, civic leaders and others. See more about the award-winning educational concept at the links above.
Learning Barge features Solar Panels
Admirals Landing
475 Water Street, Suite 103A
Portsmouth, VA 23704
Phone: 757-399-7487
Fax 757-397-8377
Contact Us by Email
Saturday, August 8, 2009
Monday, July 6, 2009
Saturday, July 4, 2009
Common Ground (and Waters)
This is a project proposal posted on another blog last year. One that proposed using a retired Navy Dive Salvage Barge currently berthed in Norfolk, Virginia. You can see it at - http://www.maritimesales.com/SGA10.htm
To effectively operate a learning environment on the Great Lakes for a larger group of people we would consider partnering with others such as is outlined in the following post-
Project proposal for collaboration between the Great Lakes Sea Cadets and SEND LLC
The purpose of this agreement is that to agree upon examination of the outline here to explore the pros and cons for development of a collaboration between our organizations. The reasons are listed as follows;
1.Both the Sea Cadet program and SEND are interested in the developmental value of marine based educational inquiry environments.
2.To create a project environment that will allow a cost effective means of offering a venue for focusing the STEM ITEST initiative grant to accomplish its objectives. SEND has a project proposal outline to establish a floating research and development vessel that has a specific focus on development of both onboard and remote systems that will capture the available natural energies in marine environments. The main categories of the project are development of an inquiry based educational system that has a focus on the following systems of energy conversion; wind and water turbines, solar energy (both photo voltaic and thermal), wave and tide, an analysis of stored energy in photosynthetic created marine biomass. (See the project outline below).
3. The Sea Cadet program has the demonstrated the ability to engineer and safely coordinate inquiry based projects in marine environments with young people. (See project outlines below)
4.We both endeavor to create an appreciation of shared common values. Learning and living in a marine environment, respect for life, education, pride with humility, love of America’s true core values,
Great Lakes Sea Cadet Programs
Drowned Forests Project (2003)
Remnants of an ancient forest inundated by rising waters in Lake Huron over 7,000 years ago are explored and found to be remarkably well preserved.
A documentary DVD and teacher's guide are available.
Freshwater Invaders Project (2002)
Foreign species of animals and plants introduced to the Great Lakes have transformed the ecosystem, mostly to the detriment of native inhabitants.
A documentary DVD and teacher's guide are available.
Island Ecology Project (1998)
Species of plants and reptiles isolated on Great Lakes islands for thousands of years were investigated.
The Norwood Project (2004)
Exploration of the lake bottom near a prehistoric mining site on Lake Michigan revealed an ancient land bridge and river channel exposed during a period of low water levels 8,000 - 10,000 years ago.
A documentary DVD and teacher's guide are available.
Funded in part by Michigan Coastal Management Program
Drowned coastlines of the prehistoric Great Lakes are being explored for sinkholes, underwater springs and other features
These shores were exposed during extreme low water
conditions some 10,000 years ago. In 2005 we explored one of these underwater sinkhole springs (click to view report & video)
A documentary DVD is available with your membership to the
Noble Odyssey Foundation.
Winner of three "Communicator Awards"!
Funded in part by Michigan Coastal Management Program.
Ancient Shores of the Great Lakes: The Huron Ridge (2007)Copyright 2006 NOF
All rights reserved
Last updated January 1
Great Lakes, Ancient Shores - SINKHOLES (2006)
Sustainable ENergy Delivery marine project outline
Sustainable Energy Deliver L.L.C. (SEND)
455 Kearsley Creek Court
Ortonville, Michigan 48462
Phone 248-245-7114
Fax 248-627-9501
renewablesjim@gmail.com
Letter of Understanding for development of the Great Lakes Flagship for Research and
Development of Renewable Energy Technologies
What
The intent of this LOU is to lead into development of a working business plan to purchase and retrofit a marine vessel to use as a flagship for the development of systems that will transform natural energies including solar, wind, water and agricultural located in marine environments into mechanical, electrical and chemical energy. The vessels systems will also be powered by bio-fuels derived from land based systems as needed.
This project will further the cause of research and development of these natural energies by showing how to transform them into chemical storage forms of energy that can be safely and efficiently manufactured and stored to be utilized at a later date. As part of this project we intend to purchase a non propelled marine vessel and equip it with the most advanced propulsion system available to be powered by these energies.
The initial focus of this project is centered on the waters that are part of the Great Lakes watersheds and their environs. However it is the intent to move into research and development projects using this and or other vessels in salt water and other environs globally.
SEND as the project manager is seeking to form agreements with for and non-profit entities that have education and/or sustainable project development as the core focus of their charters. We are also seeking partnerships with scientific organizations focused on research in marine environments.
Some of the highlighted benefits and intentions of this project are;
· We intend to offer this vessel as platform for partnering with other corporate, governmental and educational entities for the advancement of science and technology based inquiries.
· To establish this as a learning environment by inviting students and educational institutions that meet our criteria to participate as intern and co-developers We are investigating the use of this project as a part of the focus of a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) initiative that will be using a National Science Foundation Grant to create real world learning environments.
· As an objective incubator of innovation this project will help to foster creation of new commercial markets. By identifying and proving out these technologies this project can and will help to revitalize the long dormant residual talents of an economy that was based on and around the Great Lakes. There is also a well trained assortment of skilled workers and engineering talent here along with some of the needed manufacturing capability that could be employed in this endeavor.
Why
There is a growing mandate to develop carbon neutral and carbon sequestering energy systems. Marine based wind and water or hydro turbines on marine vessels are not held to the constraints that stationary turbines are in terms of visual and environmental impact. The need is great for machines that could operate on the worlds waterways with the ability to not only generate electricity but to also use that energy for value added end uses such as being able to electrolyze both fresh and salt water to derive potable water, hydrogen and a vast array of minerals.
Also to utilize captured mechanical energy for compressive manufacture of other natural energies such as Nitrogen. If developed for use in a salt water environment then one of the many uses could be for the manufacture and installation of artificial reefs which use low levels of current to exponentially grow new coral reefs. There is also the potential to utilize the technology created and used here to address pollution and invasive species problems in the worlds waterways.
Who
This project will be managed by the firm of Sustainable ENergy Delivery L.L.C.(SEND). The following entities have expressed a keen interest for collaborative co-development on this project. They are;
· 21st Century Digital Learning Environments
Others under consideration for seeking a partnership with are;
· Recipient institutions of the NSF grants to realize the STEM initiative.
· National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration/ Great Lakes Environmental and Reasearch Laboratories
· University of Iceland- already advanced in the hydrogen economy and applications for conversions of marine propulsion from fossil fuels to hydrogen.
· University of Denmark- Already working on development of a hydrogen storage ”pill”
· Identify and pursue other entities that wish to prove out their designs for both marine stationary powered and generating equipment in a marine environment. To be clear, this would include systems that produce and consume renewably derived energies.
Where
This project is proposed to be able to operate on a mobile basis any where on a navigable waterway. Although initially we propose to design and install equipment that is adapted to fresh water environments. As resources are developed we will move rapidly into salt water applications.
Although not held to using this vessel, the Flagship vessel under consideration is a retired military dive salvage
barge currently berthed in Norfolk, Va.
Some of those under consideration are;
It is a 260 foot long vessel that is currently insured and has been maintained in good condition.
There is ample accommodation space for crew and equipment to prove out these technologies. It is especially designed for marine dive and salvage operations and has enough deck hatch space for conversion for both a helicopter pad and to house a proposed Vertical axis wind turbine.
We will have the vessel towed into the great Lakes to a location yet to be determined.
Please see the vessel under consideration by going to / .When at the site in the left margin click on #11 barges for sale. When on the barge page, click on the fourth item down SGA10. There are 6 pages of photos to see click on all of them to peruse the vessel.
When
The timeline for development of this project is projected as follows;
1.) To conduct an initial feasibility study which will entail; due diligence, legal structure and agreements, office and research personnel, computer aided design equipment and travel expenses.
Duration……………………………………………………………………………….9 months
Estimated Cost……………………………………………………………………...$1, 500,000
2.) Purchase the vessel and have it moved into the Great Lakes waters. Once here it will need some refurbishing, painting and outfitting it to be readied for conversion to a research vessel.
Duration……………………………………………………………………………….12 months
Estimated Cost……………………………………………………………………...$2, 500,000
3.) Purchase equipment necessary to outfit vessel for it stated missions. Install and test out systems for safety and effectiveness. Undergo Sea Trials and Maiden Voyage.
Duration……………………………………………………………………………….12 months
Estimated Cost……………………………………………………………………...$5,000,000
The nature of this project is such that it should qualify for a multitude of private and government grants.
As part of the funding for this initial project we will actively seeking investment from interested parties including but not limited to manufacturing, educational and scientific entities that wish to invest with us to prove out their technologies such as hydrogen powered propulsion units and any other equipment or studies that are deemed to fit into our mission as determined by the board of directors.
In summation this will lead to commercialization of these technologies in further spinoff projects that will be brought online initially under the design and management of SEND LLC. Once these projects are in full operation, SEND will then exercise its options to either maintain control or sell off its interest in whole or part to qualified entities.
Note; This document was written before consideration of this collaborative agreement between The Sea Cadets and SEND and obviously has plenty of latitude for change. (JWB)
To effectively operate a learning environment on the Great Lakes for a larger group of people we would consider partnering with others such as is outlined in the following post-
Project proposal for collaboration between the Great Lakes Sea Cadets and SEND LLC
The purpose of this agreement is that to agree upon examination of the outline here to explore the pros and cons for development of a collaboration between our organizations. The reasons are listed as follows;
1.Both the Sea Cadet program and SEND are interested in the developmental value of marine based educational inquiry environments.
2.To create a project environment that will allow a cost effective means of offering a venue for focusing the STEM ITEST initiative grant to accomplish its objectives. SEND has a project proposal outline to establish a floating research and development vessel that has a specific focus on development of both onboard and remote systems that will capture the available natural energies in marine environments. The main categories of the project are development of an inquiry based educational system that has a focus on the following systems of energy conversion; wind and water turbines, solar energy (both photo voltaic and thermal), wave and tide, an analysis of stored energy in photosynthetic created marine biomass. (See the project outline below).
3. The Sea Cadet program has the demonstrated the ability to engineer and safely coordinate inquiry based projects in marine environments with young people. (See project outlines below)
4.We both endeavor to create an appreciation of shared common values. Learning and living in a marine environment, respect for life, education, pride with humility, love of America’s true core values,
Great Lakes Sea Cadet Programs
Drowned Forests Project (2003)
Remnants of an ancient forest inundated by rising waters in Lake Huron over 7,000 years ago are explored and found to be remarkably well preserved.
A documentary DVD and teacher's guide are available.
Freshwater Invaders Project (2002)
Foreign species of animals and plants introduced to the Great Lakes have transformed the ecosystem, mostly to the detriment of native inhabitants.
A documentary DVD and teacher's guide are available.
Island Ecology Project (1998)
Species of plants and reptiles isolated on Great Lakes islands for thousands of years were investigated.
The Norwood Project (2004)
Exploration of the lake bottom near a prehistoric mining site on Lake Michigan revealed an ancient land bridge and river channel exposed during a period of low water levels 8,000 - 10,000 years ago.
A documentary DVD and teacher's guide are available.
Funded in part by Michigan Coastal Management Program
Drowned coastlines of the prehistoric Great Lakes are being explored for sinkholes, underwater springs and other features
These shores were exposed during extreme low water
conditions some 10,000 years ago. In 2005 we explored one of these underwater sinkhole springs (click to view report & video)
A documentary DVD is available with your membership to the
Noble Odyssey Foundation.
Winner of three "Communicator Awards"!
Funded in part by Michigan Coastal Management Program.
Ancient Shores of the Great Lakes: The Huron Ridge (2007)Copyright 2006 NOF
All rights reserved
Last updated January 1
Great Lakes, Ancient Shores - SINKHOLES (2006)
Sustainable ENergy Delivery marine project outline
Sustainable Energy Deliver L.L.C. (SEND)
455 Kearsley Creek Court
Ortonville, Michigan 48462
Phone 248-245-7114
Fax 248-627-9501
renewablesjim@gmail.com
Letter of Understanding for development of the Great Lakes Flagship for Research and
Development of Renewable Energy Technologies
What
The intent of this LOU is to lead into development of a working business plan to purchase and retrofit a marine vessel to use as a flagship for the development of systems that will transform natural energies including solar, wind, water and agricultural located in marine environments into mechanical, electrical and chemical energy. The vessels systems will also be powered by bio-fuels derived from land based systems as needed.
This project will further the cause of research and development of these natural energies by showing how to transform them into chemical storage forms of energy that can be safely and efficiently manufactured and stored to be utilized at a later date. As part of this project we intend to purchase a non propelled marine vessel and equip it with the most advanced propulsion system available to be powered by these energies.
The initial focus of this project is centered on the waters that are part of the Great Lakes watersheds and their environs. However it is the intent to move into research and development projects using this and or other vessels in salt water and other environs globally.
SEND as the project manager is seeking to form agreements with for and non-profit entities that have education and/or sustainable project development as the core focus of their charters. We are also seeking partnerships with scientific organizations focused on research in marine environments.
Some of the highlighted benefits and intentions of this project are;
· We intend to offer this vessel as platform for partnering with other corporate, governmental and educational entities for the advancement of science and technology based inquiries.
· To establish this as a learning environment by inviting students and educational institutions that meet our criteria to participate as intern and co-developers We are investigating the use of this project as a part of the focus of a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) initiative that will be using a National Science Foundation Grant to create real world learning environments.
· As an objective incubator of innovation this project will help to foster creation of new commercial markets. By identifying and proving out these technologies this project can and will help to revitalize the long dormant residual talents of an economy that was based on and around the Great Lakes. There is also a well trained assortment of skilled workers and engineering talent here along with some of the needed manufacturing capability that could be employed in this endeavor.
Why
There is a growing mandate to develop carbon neutral and carbon sequestering energy systems. Marine based wind and water or hydro turbines on marine vessels are not held to the constraints that stationary turbines are in terms of visual and environmental impact. The need is great for machines that could operate on the worlds waterways with the ability to not only generate electricity but to also use that energy for value added end uses such as being able to electrolyze both fresh and salt water to derive potable water, hydrogen and a vast array of minerals.
Also to utilize captured mechanical energy for compressive manufacture of other natural energies such as Nitrogen. If developed for use in a salt water environment then one of the many uses could be for the manufacture and installation of artificial reefs which use low levels of current to exponentially grow new coral reefs. There is also the potential to utilize the technology created and used here to address pollution and invasive species problems in the worlds waterways.
Who
This project will be managed by the firm of Sustainable ENergy Delivery L.L.C.(SEND). The following entities have expressed a keen interest for collaborative co-development on this project. They are;
· 21st Century Digital Learning Environments
Others under consideration for seeking a partnership with are;
· Recipient institutions of the NSF grants to realize the STEM initiative.
· National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration/ Great Lakes Environmental and Reasearch Laboratories
· University of Iceland- already advanced in the hydrogen economy and applications for conversions of marine propulsion from fossil fuels to hydrogen.
· University of Denmark- Already working on development of a hydrogen storage ”pill”
· Identify and pursue other entities that wish to prove out their designs for both marine stationary powered and generating equipment in a marine environment. To be clear, this would include systems that produce and consume renewably derived energies.
Where
This project is proposed to be able to operate on a mobile basis any where on a navigable waterway. Although initially we propose to design and install equipment that is adapted to fresh water environments. As resources are developed we will move rapidly into salt water applications.
Although not held to using this vessel, the Flagship vessel under consideration is a retired military dive salvage
barge currently berthed in Norfolk, Va.
Some of those under consideration are;
It is a 260 foot long vessel that is currently insured and has been maintained in good condition.
There is ample accommodation space for crew and equipment to prove out these technologies. It is especially designed for marine dive and salvage operations and has enough deck hatch space for conversion for both a helicopter pad and to house a proposed Vertical axis wind turbine.
We will have the vessel towed into the great Lakes to a location yet to be determined.
Please see the vessel under consideration by going to / .When at the site in the left margin click on #11 barges for sale. When on the barge page, click on the fourth item down SGA10. There are 6 pages of photos to see click on all of them to peruse the vessel.
When
The timeline for development of this project is projected as follows;
1.) To conduct an initial feasibility study which will entail; due diligence, legal structure and agreements, office and research personnel, computer aided design equipment and travel expenses.
Duration……………………………………………………………………………….9 months
Estimated Cost……………………………………………………………………...$1, 500,000
2.) Purchase the vessel and have it moved into the Great Lakes waters. Once here it will need some refurbishing, painting and outfitting it to be readied for conversion to a research vessel.
Duration……………………………………………………………………………….12 months
Estimated Cost……………………………………………………………………...$2, 500,000
3.) Purchase equipment necessary to outfit vessel for it stated missions. Install and test out systems for safety and effectiveness. Undergo Sea Trials and Maiden Voyage.
Duration……………………………………………………………………………….12 months
Estimated Cost……………………………………………………………………...$5,000,000
The nature of this project is such that it should qualify for a multitude of private and government grants.
As part of the funding for this initial project we will actively seeking investment from interested parties including but not limited to manufacturing, educational and scientific entities that wish to invest with us to prove out their technologies such as hydrogen powered propulsion units and any other equipment or studies that are deemed to fit into our mission as determined by the board of directors.
In summation this will lead to commercialization of these technologies in further spinoff projects that will be brought online initially under the design and management of SEND LLC. Once these projects are in full operation, SEND will then exercise its options to either maintain control or sell off its interest in whole or part to qualified entities.
Note; This document was written before consideration of this collaborative agreement between The Sea Cadets and SEND and obviously has plenty of latitude for change. (JWB)
The Sea Shadow and Hughes Mining Barge
It was brought to my attention that the US Navy is trying to give away this pair of vessels. They are currently mothballed in San Diego and are going to the scrapper soon unless they find a suitable home. If the development of Green STEM based learning environment's were given enough focus, these vessels could be utilised here on the Great Lakes. If one could envision the actual green sustainable development of the Great Lakes resources, we would need to first of all, have a community of learners that could effectively understand the marine environment and be able to strategize how to save and creatively develop it.
The submersible dry dock (see- Hughes Mining Barge), only one of it's kind could be invaluable to development of various projects in the Great Lakes.From large wind turbines to submersible energy projects, ... The Vessel (see - Sea Shadow) could be used in the development of advanced propulsion systems, or as people have commented would also be one great houseboat.
check out articles about this pair at following sites-
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB123543023154353525.html
http://gizmodo.com/tag/sea-shadow/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hughes_Mining_Barge
The submersible dry dock (see- Hughes Mining Barge), only one of it's kind could be invaluable to development of various projects in the Great Lakes.From large wind turbines to submersible energy projects, ... The Vessel (see - Sea Shadow) could be used in the development of advanced propulsion systems, or as people have commented would also be one great houseboat.
check out articles about this pair at following sites-
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB123543023154353525.html
http://gizmodo.com/tag/sea-shadow/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hughes_Mining_Barge
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