Introduction

“Sustainable Futures” is an engaging program designed to explore the possibilities of the next 25 years in the face of escalating climate challenges. Participants will delve into practical solutions for mitigating our environmental impact, specifically within the Knox region. Through interactive sessions and collaborative discussions, the program addresses critical areas such as energy consumption, sustainable food systems, and eco-friendly transportation. Join us to envision and actively build a more resilient and sustainable future for our community, tackling the pressing demands of population growth and resource stress head-on.

Program Overview

Passive House Design Principles for a warmer Knox

In this hands-on program, learners will become budding architects, applying the fundamental scientific principles of conduction, convection, and radiation to create a sustainable passive house. The challenge? To minimize heat intake during daylight hours. Through experimentation and creative problem-solving, participants will learn how to strategically utilize these concepts to design a comfortable and energy-efficient living space, fostering a deeper understanding of sustainable building practices.

Renewable Energy: Securing the Energy Future for 2050

​This workshop provides an opportunity for learners to engage in scientific inquiry through a series of energy experiments. Utilizing diverse energy sources, including wind, solar, biofuel, and hydrogen, participants will gather and analyze empirical data to elucidate the situational efficacy of various energy modalities. The culmination of this investigation will be a comprehensive assessment of acquired knowledge via a digital quiz platform.

Vertical Farming with Fabel

Learners will explore the potential of automated vertical farming through hands-on programming of Fabel robots. This workshop focuses on developing the skills necessary to implement robotic solutions for space-efficient food production systems, providing insight into future agricultural practices.