Space Travel Isnt Just for Science Fiction

Drawing of the International Space Station

Q: Which of the following futuristic technologies is actually in use by NASA? A. Warp Drive B. Flux Capacitor C. Folding Space D. Ion Thrusters If you said “folding space” the nerd-o-meter just registered off the scale! If you chose “ion thrusters,” however, you are CORRECT! Space travel requires that the vehicle, or space ship,…

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NEED Visits Blue Plains

Blue Plains Advanced Wastewater Treatment Plant

This is just a guess. But Blue Plains Advanced Wastewater Treatment Plant has probably never given a tour of their facility with quite as many questions about their statistics as they had Thursday, when NEED brought in a bus full of curious employees from the U.S. Energy Information Administration. Bill Brower, Program Manager for Biosolid…

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A TOTE-ally Amazing Competition

Tote Bag Challenge Graphic

Calling all creative talent! We thought a playful competition might be a fun way to ring in the New Year –or fill any upcoming snow days! As nationwide incentives, prizes, and promotional items at our workshops and in our programs, we’re having reusable tote bags made. You know the kind. The cloth ones you can…

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The EVs are Coming! The EVs are Coming! (Part I)

Old electric car

Long considered “alternative transportation” vehicles, electric cars and trucks have taken their place among their gas and diesel powered counterparts. They are coming! Or, maybe they’ve been here all along! It wasn’t that long ago that the sight of an electric vehicle (EV) was a special event. That began to change when the first all-electric…

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Over the River and Through the Woods

Traffic during holiday travel

The Challenge: Energy is required to transport you from place to place. This year, AAA (formerly the American Automobile Association) estimates that 89.5 million people will travel over the December holidays. Are you traveling? How much will your road trip cost? What environmental impact will your traveling have? First, you’ll need to know the type of…

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2015 Bob Thompson Excellence in Energy Awards

Bob Thompson at the NEED Energy Games

Right after Thanksgiving 2012, NEED received word that, Bob Thompson, one of our former teachers and staff members died suddenly. For the NEED family, this loss reminded us of the great times we had with Bob and his wife Debbie and all the fun we had as a team at teacher workshops, NEED Energy Conferences…

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Cassie Chesson Joins NEED

Cassie Chesson

Author Cassie Chesson It’s just like that optical illusion where some people see a vase and others claim to see two faces. Taken from different perspectives, the same thing can form markedly varied impressions. When my fifth grade teacher offered me a spot in high school helping her with an after-school energy club for her…

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Celebrate Earth Science Week 2014!

Earth Science Week Logo

October 12-18, 2014 Earth Science Week is back again! The theme of ESW 2014 is Earth’s Connected Systems.This week aims to engage students in investigating how geosciences are involved in natural change processes. Understanding Earth’s systems — the geosphere, hydrosphere, atmosphere, and biosphere – helps us to manage challenges we face every day. The American…

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October is Energy Awareness Month!

Energy Action Month banner

Most of us take energy for granted; only noticing when it’s not available, or when it’s time to pay a bill. Energy comprises about two percent of the US economy, with some individual states deriving up to 30% of their gross product from energy production. Energy is an ever-increasing part of our financial picture both…

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Congressman Yarmuth visits Chance School in Louisville

Congressman Yarmuth meeting with a student

After being invited and given a scholarship to attend the NEED National Youth Conference and Award Ceremony last June, the Chance School Green Team reached out to Congressman Yarmuth and invited him to attend the award ceremony. He was not able to be there as he had a previous commitment in Louisville, but asked for…

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