For ten weeks, we'll be educating the entire 8th grade (~340 students) about energy conservation, and how it connects throughout their household and all their classes. The project will culminate with students writing proposals for how they can make the school building more efficient, as well as giving presentations to local elementary students.
There is a lack of hands-on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) education in Nevada. Most public school students either drop out before graduating or are poorly prepared for college or a career. Simultaneously, we're spending excessive amounts of money on energy that's being wasted, in our homes, businesses and schools.
This hands-on STEM project helps students connect what they're learning in all their classes (Math, Science, English, Social Studies, Art, Gym, Music, etc) to the world around them. Through a variety of methods, this program will help the students discover ways to reduce their energy consumption both at school and at home. The school will function as a living lab, enabling students to utilize data to propose recommendations for energy savings in the school and at home.
In the long term, this project will lead to energy-efficient schools, homes and businesses. Students will become energy-conscious citizens who understand that they can reduce their impact on society and the environment and save money all at the same time. The methods demonstrated in this pilot program can be brought to other schools in the district and around the country.
This project has provided additional documentation in a Microsoft Word file (projdoc.doc).
