Home | En Español | Contact Us | Site Map | Careers |  |
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
FPL Energy Encounter
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| FPL’s Energy Encounter, an energy education center located at the St. Lucie nuclear power plant, celebrated the milestone of half-a-million visitors in September 2006 with third graders from F.K. Sweet Magnet School. Marla Liberatore’s class from Ft. Pierce was special guests for the day at the Energy Encounter. Celebration activities for the students included a welcome by Hutch, the parrot pirate, an “Energy Detectives” hands-on program, a pizza lunch and other special surprises. |  |
|
 |
Opening in early 1991, the 6,000-square-foot Energy Encounter features over 30 exhibits offering hands-on presentations on energy, electricity and nuclear power. The center also offers a variety of community services and activities—inviting people of all ages to “come get to know us better,” states Vicki Spencer, coordinator of the facility. About 30,000 visitors every year, do just that—including plenty of walk-in traffic, from residents to tourists. School groups account for a sizable portion—a quarter to a third of the total number of visitors each year. |
|
| “When FPL began planning for this center in 1987, we looked at more than 20 other utility energy information centers and science museums across the nation,” said FPL nuclear communications manager, Tom Veenstra, who served on the planning committee. “We wanted to be sure we were building a center that would play a lead role in energy education by assisting area educators in supplementing classroom information on energy. Through our teacher workshops and educational programs, we strive to meet that objective.” |  |
|
 |
During the celebration, third graders were guided through their Energy Encounter tour by Hutch, a colorful parrot pirate, and the educational professionals working at the center. Students were shown how energy works in partnership with the environment, how natural energy and man-made energy are produced and how facilities such as FPL’s St. Lucie nuclear power plant are working to assure a supply of dependable energy for the future. According to Vicki Spencer, “Students discovered that there is energy in everything around us. They also operated exhibits and computers to help them understand how nuclear reactors work and how electricity is delivered from power plants to their homes.” |
|
|
“We’ve tried to make the Energy Encounter an enlightening educational experience. And, just as important, we’ve attempted to make it a fun and memorable experience as well. There’s even a treasure hunt to challenge imaginations and reward learning. We believe the students and other visitors to our center will want to come back time and again.” “Our free educational programs support our mission to be a good neighbor in the communities where our employees and customers live and work,” said Jennifer Baringer, educational specialist. “We offer unique, hands on energy and environmental education designed to support the curriculum objectives of Florida schools.” |
||
| Third grade teacher Marla Liberatore said she always enjoys bringing her students to the Energy Encounter to introduce them to the subject of energy each year. “Students like to do hands-on learning and the educational component here is very engaging. My students have absorbed a lot of knowledge today and they will be ready when we review the subject in class.” Nine-year-old Erniska Noel agrees. “I learned where the energy comes from and the things you can do with it. I’m having a great time.” |  |
|
 |
Parents also attend the classes as chaperones. Lee Hedrick, the mother of 9-year-old Shaun Hedrick, stated, “FPL’s Energy Encounter is awesome. On a scale of 1 to 10, I’d give it an 11. People need to come out here and find out what is going on. It’s wonderful.” |
|
|
Teachers throughout Martin and St. Lucie counties and the entire Treasure Coast are now booking their educational field trips to the center. In addition, reservations are now being taken for the popular "FCAT" workhop which is scheduled for Friday, January 19, 2007. The center also sponsors “Wonderful Wednesdays” for adult neighbors of the center every third Wednesday of the month. These sessions feature guest speakers on topics ranging from Florida wildlife to unique ways to recycle. |
 |
|
| FPL’s Energy Encounter’s normal hours of operation are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Sunday through Friday. Admission is free. For more information on the center and the calendar of special events call toll free at 1-877-FPL-4FUN or visit us on the web at www.fpl.com/encounter. | ||