Faq Reference Data Information

Wind is one of the cleanest, if not cleanest, renewable energy sources available to us. What most people don’t know is it is also the fastest growing energy sector.

Wind is an indirect version of solar power. Different surfaces on the Earth react differently to being hit by sunlight, particular in regards to heat. As sunlight heats up surfaces, they warm up at different rates. The surround air also warms up at different rates, fertilizing the wind process. Temperatures over a body of water like a lake will always be cooler than temperatures over rocky ground. Hot air rises and cool air rushes into fill such voids. As this process occurs, the rushing air manifests as wind and an incredibly cheap and clean energy source.

The fact that wind is a naturally occurring event makes it a great energy source. Consider the following:

1. Wind is a renewable energy source because it will exist as long as sunlight beats down on us.

2. Wind has been used by man as an energy source ever since we’ve sailed boats.

3. The first windmills were used to turn wheels to grind grain in Iran.

4. American colonist used windmills to move water, grind grain and cut wood.

5. Wind energy harnessed by windmills was a dominant source of energy in rural America in the 1920s.

6. In modern times, California is the biggest user of wind power and produces twice as much electricity as any other state.

7. Modern windmills actually come in two forms, vertical and horizontal models.

8. Horizontal windmills are the stereotypical version that comes to your mind when the word is mentioned.

9. Vertical mills look like upside down egg beaters, but are hypnotic when they spin.

10. Unlike traditional utilities, most energy produced by wind is done by private businesses and sold to utilities through an electric grid hookup.

11. Wind power in the U.S. generates a whopping 17 billion kilowatts per year, more than enough to provide all electrical needs for the city of Chicago.

12. More than 30 states have wind farms generating and supplying electricity to utility companies.

13. California, Texas, Minnesota, Iowa, and Wyoming are the dominant forces in producing energy from wind.

14. The biggest energy producer from wind is Germany, which is also dominant in solar power production.

For many, these wind findings will be a surprise. The sole fact that there is enough power produced by wind energy to handle a city the size of Chicago is pretty impressive. As we move into the 21st century, new technology is heading in the direction of creating wind energy platforms for individual residences.

Rick Chapo is with SolarCompanies.com, a directory of solarcompanies.com solar energy companies. Visit us to read more articles on solarcompanies.com/articles solar power and solarcompanies.com/renewable_energy renewable energy.

Classroom management should be a priority in every classroom, but we often don’t think of it as a way to express faith. So, let’s take a look at a couple of ways we can integrate the Christian faith into a parochial school classroom.

Time Management: Genesis 2:2 states, “By the seventh day God had finished the work He had been doing; so on the seventh day He rested from all His work.” Take a break! Remember that your body, mind, and spirit need rest. Do you schedule rest time into your monthly, weekly, and daily schedules? Different people need different amounts and qualities of rest, so figure out what works for you, and life may not seem quite so stressful. Remember this in your classroom as well. Don’t schedule intense classwork every minute of the day. Children have different learning styles and resting needs, so try to allow them some physical and mental rests throughout the day. When you make them aware of Genesis 2:2, they will realize that you are modeling what God also modeled: Rest is good. If they think rest needs to happen all day long, you can quote the first part of that verse: God had finished the work He had been doing (before he rested.)

Desk Management: You call it classroom management when you keep everything and everyone together, so let’s call it “desk management” when your students keep their acts together. Since God made us each unique creations, we do have differences in our styles, but we aren’t necessarily predisposed to be slobs. That certainly wasn’t God’s intention when He made us. 1 Corinthians 14:40 says we are to do things in a “fitting and orderly way.” (NIV) Encourage your students to examine their habits and their desks, lockers, cubbies, etc. Remember to examine yourself. Don’t be guilty of the log-in-my-own-eye syndrome (Matthew 7.) We don’t have to have everything perfect, but some personal organization can make our stewardship more effective.

Remember that you are a representative of God, so model what God tells us to do in scripture. And, be sure to share the reasons with your class. That is a form of witnessing. Remember to also tell them that although we can’t be perfect, Jesus was made perfect for us. He took our place. That doesn’t mean we’re excused from trying to do our best to follow Him. It means that He has earned our “ticket” to heaven. We are now free to do our best for His glory.

Visit Stephenie’s site faith-filled.com/Faith-filled_Classroom.html faith-filled.com/Faith-filled_Classroom.html for specific tips tailored to classroom teachers and homeschooling parents.