Following Saudi Arabia’s recent pledge to cut output and a global stocks rally as investors began looking past rising coronavirus cases, oil prices hit an 11-month high. These gains occurred as Congress certified Joe Biden as the winner of the 2020 presidential election and Raphael Warnock and Jon Ossoff won Georgia’s runoff races, giving Democrats control of the U.S. Senate.

As oil hit this milestone, it was also reported that the U.S. didn’t import any Saudi crude last week for the first time in 35 years. This welcome news comes when only recently the country threatened to upset the American energy industry by adding exports into a market already devastated by the pandemic.

Meanwhile, record cold temperatures in China significantly increased power demand and strained the world’s largest energy consumer. Several provincial grid systems in northern China saw peak power load hitting historic highs this week and China’s industrial belt had a power crunch in a December cold snap.

While most Americans are experiencing wintry weather and colder temperatures this month, the good news is that it helps energy prices. As you are enjoying the winter season and staying warm this weekend, you can learn more about energy-saving tips and check out our five favorite stories!

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Using land for solar photovoltaic power and agriculture

Researchers are looking at how solar photovoltaic power and agriculture or agrivoltaics may be able to help to grow more food, create more energy, and lower water demand and carbon emissions. PV Magazine shared how this new combination could provide 20% of total electricity generation in the United States.

4Looking at tiny nuclear reactors

There is new buzz about how tiny nuclear reactors may be able to help save American energy. Popular Mechanics breaks how they can hold 10 percent of the power of a full-size nuclear plant in just 1 percent of the space.

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Department of Energy announces funding for natural gas pipeline retrofitting projects

The US Department of Energy has announced US$33 million in funding for 10 projects to help “develop natural gas transmission pipeline retrofitting technology to rehabilitate existing cast iron and bare steel pipes by creating new, robust pipes inside of old ones.” World Pipelines reports on how this funding will help modernize and build out infrastructure to safely and efficiently bring natural gas and oil to market.

2Scientists develop jet fuel from carbon dioxide

Researchers have found a way to make jet fuel from carbon dioxide by reverse engineering the chemical reactions that transform fossil fuels into CO2. AV Web explains how this process could use the current carbon infrastructure for sustainable development.

1The future: Photovoltaic cells that could coat your curtains

Scientists are studying how to develop and improve on the perovskite photovoltaic cells over a decade ago, by making them thin and transparent enough to coat machines and everyday objects such as electric vehicles, smartphones, clothes and curtains. Nikkei uncovers how this new type of solar cell could replace the existing crystalline silicon cells in today’s photovoltaic market.

This week health care workers began delivering injections of the COVID-19 vaccine. As the injections commenced, the International Energy Agency projected that it will be several months before coronavirus vaccinations start to improve global oil demand. The IEA decreased its forecast recovery in demand for 2021 by 170,000 barrels a day to 5.7 million barrels a day and lowered its demand forecast for the final quarter of 2020.

And with global energy demand declining, the U.S. Energy Information Administration recently said energy-related carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions dropped sharply in 2020 in the United States amid coronavirus outbreaks. In its December Short-Term Energy Outlook, the EIA said energy-sector CO2 emissions will decrease by 11% in 2020, nearly four times the 3% decline in 2019. Fortunately, the U.S. was already leading in global emissions reductions even before the coronavirus lockdowns began earlier this year!

Meanwhile this week, headlines focused on the nominees for President-elect Joe Biden’s energy and environment team, which includes Rep. Deb Haaland to lead the Interior Department, North Carolina environmental regulator Michael Regan to head the EPA and Brenda Mallory to lead the White House Council on Environmental Quality.

With one weekend left to go before the holiday break, make sure you check out these helpful holiday energy savings tips. And if you are looking for more energy fun, here are our five favorite stories to help you start your weekend!

5Southern Californians can pay to get natural gas from landfills and cow manure

Southern California utilities received the green light from state regulators this week on a 3-year plan to sell “renewable natural gas”, or “biogas,” to their customers. Bloomberg explains how these fuels come from capturing methane from manure lagoons at dairy farms and landfills, as well as how So Cal residents will have to pay a premium to get it.

4Construction begins on world’s largest marine installation vessel

The U.S. offshore wind industry made waves this week as Dominion Energy began construction on a $500 million marine installation vessel that is crucial to developing the nation’s offshore wind market. E&E News reports on how the vessel will be the first of its kind to be compliant with the Jones Act, meaning it will be manufactured with American steel and American labor.

3Locking carbon dioxide inside concrete

Experts are considering new techniques for reducing the emissions output from cement production. Bloomberg explores one technique being discussed, using carbon dioxide in the production of concrete, which will speed up the week’s long hardening process while also enabling long-term carbon sequestration.

2A little nickel goes a long way in EV batteries

Researchers are developing a new electric vehicle battery material that is not only cheaper, but also offers greater output. Axios describes how a single-crystal, nickel-rich cathode packs at least 25% more energy than the lithium-ion batteries used in today’s vehicles.

1Modular nuclear reactors create cost-competitive hydrogen production

Research indicates that a single small nuclear power module could economically produce almost 50 tons of hydrogen fuel per day. New Atlas states how the study says that the improved power output of the module allows it to produce 20 percent more hydrogen from water than previously.

Today, Congress passed a one-week funding bill to avert a government shutdown. Now policymakers may look at attaching energy policy provisions and pandemic aid to an omnibus spending package.

While Congress has been working on keeping the government open, we’ve also seen how Brent crude prices increased above $50 as oil continues to rebound from the April lows of $19 a barrel during global economic shutdowns. And as pipeline operators don’t hope for low oil prices, they have seen how lower prices during the COVID shutdown have helped to boost the value of existing infrastructure.

Speaking of impacts from the pandemic, global greenhouse gas emissions plunged by roughly 2.4 billion tons this year, a 7% drop from 2019 and the largest decline on record, because of global pandemic restrictions. The U.S. had the largest decline in carbon emissions, 12%, followed by the European Union, at 11%.

Fortunately, the U.S. was already leading in global emissions reductions even before the coronavirus lockdowns began earlier this year! Looking for more good news? Here are our five favorite stories to help you start your weekend!

5Electric delivery bikes coming soon?

Imagine bikes that can carry heavy loads with the help of both electric and pedal power. E&E News shares how these new electric bikes are emerging as delivery options in big cities.

4Turning kitchen grease into renewable diesel

As renewable diesel becomes more popular, producers worry there may not be enough kitchen grease and animal fat to go around. The New York Times explains why energy companies are increasing production of renewable diesel.

3Energy manufacturing turns to 3D printing

The COVID-19 pandemic has made it harder for oil and gas companies to acquire parts. Oilprice.com shares how companies have turned to 3D printing as a solution.

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Recycling wind turbines into cement

Most wind turbines end up in landfills when no longer in use. But a new agreement between two companies will recycle them into cement, according to E&E News.

1Energy Department announces $130 million in solar technology projects

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced selections for millions in funding for 67 projects across 30 states to advance solar technologies. Energy.gov highlights how the projects include new areas of research in artificial intelligence (AI), hybrid plants, and solar with agriculture.

 

STEM education is crucial when it comes to a student’s eventual academic success, and learning doesn’t have to stop once your child finishes their final class of the day. In addition to being educational, STEM projects at home can be fun and engaging. Here are five ways to support STEM education for elementary students at home.

STEM VIDEOS

Most kids already have their favorite videos on YouTube or other platforms. But, if your child is going to be in front of the screen, give them some STEM videos to try watching. These can be a great way to continue your child’s education. You can even try to squeeze in a few STEM videos with educational content between some of the shows your family already enjoys. There’s a good chance your children will enjoy them and may even begin watching on their own.

Here is a list of 15 STEM YouTube channels you and your student might find interesting. Some other great channels to check out include Nat Geo Kids, Babble Dabble Do, Smarter Every Day, and Science Buddies.

STEM APPS

Now that families are spending more time at home, having new and interesting things to do has become vitally important for brain stimulation and mental health. Since children are more likely to follow a path to STEM careers if they learn to love it when they are younger. Here are some fun apps you can download to phones, tablets and computers that will keep children entertained for hours. Letting you take care of the things that need to get done, all while they play AND learn.

Here is a list we think you’ll love as much as we do. From math games to health sciences, there is something here to engage any child and any interest. There is our go-to favorite, Khan Academy Kids, a new one that is so cute you’ll want to play it to on Play and Learn Science from PBS, and even something to help you dust off your stay-at-home math skills with Moose Math for iOS and Android. All the science and anatomy labs are fun too. Like K-5 Science for Kids, Science Lab for iOS and Android, and Human Body – Montessori Anatomy for iOS and Android. While we love all things energy, children don’t know exactly what they’ll love about energy until they explore all of the various things STEM has to offer.

MODEL THE ENVIRONMENT

Modeling the environment is also an excellent way to bring STEM into your home during this time of virtual learning. This can range from building cities with blocks to creating rivers and moats using clay or putty. When a child can visualize how STEM works, they’ll begin to recognize its existence in every aspect of the world. They’ll also come to realize its importance.

Constructing these models is a fun activity in itself. Working with their hands while doing these activities can also improve children’s motor skills. Are you looking to take STEM learning even further? Once the model is finished, ask what science, technology, math, and engineering principles are reflected in the structure.

CREATE A LEARNING GAME WITH TRIVIA CARDS

Children love flipping through trivia flashcards and testing their knowledge. It’s a way to have fun and for them to learn. While it is educational, the hope is that fun stays at the forefront of learning so children aren’t burnt out. The point is not to have your child memorize too many STEM facts and overload them  – it’s simply to pique their interest and continue building their interest in the subjects.

Do flashcards sound boring? You can add another element to the game by writing out cards with some STEM facts and hiding them in secret places around the house like a game of Hide-and-Seek. Soon, your kids will be reciting these flashcards and always on the lookout for more. Remember, STEM covers everything from chemistry to engineering and mathematics. Plus, mixing up the subject matter is a perfect way to give them some exposure to so many different subjects they may have not known they’d like.

SUPPORT THEIR INTERESTS

When children are genuinely interested in a topic, they are much more eager to learn. If your child enjoys playing video games, ask how they think the game or app was created. If your child enjoys dancing, discuss how the human body converts food into energy. If your child is all about sports, try incorporating a short geometry lesson with the shape of the ball, the field and other parts of the game to show how it applies to everyday life. This is a much better approach than random STEM facts they might not be able to relate.

UTILIZING SUMMER AND WINTER BREAKS

Finally, don’t forget to make time for STEM education during the summer and winter breaks. Throughout the regular school year, students are likely busy with schoolwork and extracurricular activities. However, they will have lots of free time on their breaks to pursue STEM. Their school district might offer STEM courses or camps they can attend. Local zoos, museums, and community centers are other places to check for STEM activities. Even during the time of COVID-19, organizations are offering tours online as ways to keep people interested and visiting.

You can also supplement these outside learning opportunities with STEM exploration at home. When you immerse your child in this field outside the classroom, they develop a natural curiosity for the world around them.

There are so many other ways to develop and support your child’s STEM education at home. But what works best will vary by child. However, these tips will give you a head start on getting your kids excited about STEM – even if you can’t leave the house.