Sue H. Morrow Elementary School
1070 Featherwood Ave. Henderson, NV 89015
Ulis Newton Elementary School
571 Greenway Rd. Henderson, NV 89015
Project Title: “Energy Stars – Our Future Will Be Bright with Energy Education”
Project Adviser: Lena Cook

We understand that we must act now to keep our energy future bright.  We embarked on a journey to discover energy use in our world. Our first goal was to find out how energy is stored in the major energy sources. Hands-on experiments were conducted, so we could make a distinction between forms and sources of energy. Utilizing our Energy Infobooks, we were able to compare and contrast renewable and nonrenewable energy sources. Application of energy knowledge enabled us to construct energy source exhibits. To reinforce our energy knowledge, we played several energy games. We charmed classes as we performed energy chants that portrayed the ten primary energy sources. Playing Energy Match was very fascinating. Engaging in Energy in the Round facilitated further comprehension of the aspects of energy. We baffled each other with our imaginative energy bumper stumpers. We dazzled others with our energy knowledge.

Investigating the Energy Star website helped us in the development of other energy projects. We realized that there are many ways we waste energy at school and at home. We asked our school custodian to take us on the tour of the school. He explained how heating and cooling machines work at our school. He pointed out several areas in the school where energy is conserved and told us that everyone should be working together to turn out lights when not in use. When we returned to class we reflected on the ways energy is wasted in homes. We designed news segments that highlighted energy wasters. Our thoughts turned to other energy wasters, like our family car. We researched conventional and alternative transportation fuels. Thinking of the future, we designed cars that we might drive as adults. With more research, we constructed exhibits that featured alternative fuel sources. We created short plays that featured car salesmen of the future, car shows, and talk shows. Maintaining a school-wide recycling program has decreased the amount of garbage our school throws away. We currently recycle paper, aluminum cans, plastics, and cardboard.

Becoming energy wise students brought us to another path of our project. It was time to become risk takers and challenge ourselves to generate projects that would take our message to more students, teachers, parents, and community members. After learning about how litter can pollute our water supply, we crafted posters the relayed the message on how to stop storm water pollution in our community. Posters were submitted to a storm water poster contest. We became trendsetters when we designed original costumes that depicted ways to save energy. One Saturday, we went to our local Lowes store to spread the word. We shared conservation hints with customers and gave away bookmarks, pamphlets, and Energy Star Pledge sheets. We taught lessons to first grade students. They signed pledges to reduce energy use in their homes. We entertained second grade students with facts about recycling. We encouraged students, teachers, and parents to recycle at our school carnival.

Through our studies of energy sources and energy conservation, we have confidence that our energy future will be bright. Students of today will be the pacesetters of tomorrow. It is up to us to keep the energy message moving and we will appropriately continue to be “Energy Stars.