"WattsAhead" is a collaborative project between the Universities of Graz and Innsbruck, aimed at gaining insights into the energy and future literacies of both youth and adults. Students participate in a series of workshops, actively engaging as co-researchers in the research process.
In the first workshop, students acquire expert knowledge related to the energy transition and collaboratively develop a sustainable energy concept for the fictional island of "Amberta," which faces similar energy challenges as Austria. During the second workshop, students work alongside researchers from the universities to create an interview guide, enabling them to interview people in their personal networks about the energy transition.
The data collected from these interviews will be analyzed in a third workshop, where students will evaluate and interpret the findings, ultimately communicating them through Instagram posts. This year's first workshop series involved approximately 300 students from 8th and 9th grades across schools in Styria and Tyrol. The project has been scientifically supported by the universities, and the results not only enhance our understanding of the energy and future competencies of young people but also provide a solid foundation for the targeted development of future workshops.
The initial run of the project has yielded many exciting results and experiences for all participants. We are already looking forward to the next round in the upcoming school year!