Climate Cycle

The year of 2024 marks the official launch of a revamped Climate Cycle! Our exciting new flagship projects — the installation of “ReGeneration Stations” — builds upon Climate Cycle’s decade-long mission of "Inspiring ReGeneration" in innovative ways. What we're creating are stationary bike generators which charge “Energy Banks" when students put their power to the pedal. The stored energy will, in turn, run the classroom's appliances. Multiple metrics are aggregated, and this data can be integrated into the existing math and science curriculum — for Kindergarten through high school, and beyond — embodying a whole new level of classroom “exercises”! The first system is currently being custom built by Rock the Bike, and will be installed this April at PRAIRIE CROSSING CHARTER SCHOOL, a cutting-edge educational oasis with sustainability at the heart of all it does. Our shared goal is to create an impactful program that can be replicated and implemented throughout Chicagoland and nationwide.

The ReGeneration Station just launched at PRAIRIE CROSSING CHARTER SCHOOL was greatly inspired by founder?Joey Feinstein (FineRhyme)'s Great Aunt Flor, who just recently passed away at 108. She motivated Joey throughout his youth and career journey, and has been featured prominently in Climate Cycle presentations over the past decade. The technological revolutions she lived through and the immense life changes she saw are a precipice for the possibility of a ReGeneration Revolution — and how we can ultimately shape our approach to sustainability. And like this freestyle rap Joey did for her, we're figuring out sustainability as we go along. Watch the full version: https://lnkd.in/g7T-Hrgu

PRAIRIE CROSSING CHARTER SCHOOL invited Climate Cycle to unveil the “ReGeneration Station” today! This special STEM project offers their elementary and middle school students a hands-on way to understand clean electricity production, while having a great time learning. Climate Cycle partnered with Rock the Bike to create a first-of-its kind pedal powered classroom consisting of bicycle generators powered by students that charge “Energy Banks” and run classroom appliances. Students get the chance to generate their own classroom’s electricity and understand exactly what it takes to bring clean energy to the world — all as part of the existing math and science curriculum. Live ReGeneration Station demos took place, combined with dynamic sustainability STEM education —?and Joey Feinstein performed a unique “Raptivism” experience (activism and original rap music) anchored by two school assemblies. This is just the start, as Climate Cycle be replicating this experience in schools throughout Lake County and beyond. Interested in learning more? Email [email protected]. #EarthDay #EarthMonth #STEM #STEAM #ElementaryEducation

It was such a joy to be at the Green Schools Conference #GSC24 — presented by the Center for Green Schools in partnership with the Green Schools National Network —?covering whole-school sustainability culture through the lens of environmental impact, equity, health and wellness, and education. I had the privilege to present with Naomi and Chris Hershiser from PRAIRIE CROSSING CHARTER SCHOOL about our semester long "Raptivism" workshop with the school’s 7th graders. Check out my freestyle rap I presented —?it is a slice of inspiration, and what I demonstrate with schools and organizations across the country. What do you think? Please contact me if you know of a school or administrator that might be interested in a performance, workshop, or project for their student audience.