watt watchers

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Watt Watchers of Texas Watt Watchers of Texas Watt Watchers of Texas Watt Watchers of Texas Watt Watchers of Texas The Energy Center University of Texas at El Paso P.O. Box 68660 El Paso, Texas 79968 TO: Spring 2003 http://wattwatchers.utep.edu 1-888-US WATTS Enrollment Form-Spring03 NL Date: ________ Watt Watchers of Texas 1-888-US WATTS (1-888-879-2887) P.O.Box 68660, El Paso, Texas 79968 Fax: 1-888-879-2887 e-mail: [email protected] http://wattwatchers.utep.edu Your Name: _________________________________________________ School Name: _______________________________________________ School Address: _____________________________________________ (Free kit will be shipped to your school / Street address preferred) City: ______________________ Zip: _____ - ____ County: ______ School Phone: ( ) ____ - ______ School Fax: ( ) ____ - ______ Best Time to Call: _______ Number of Students in your school: ______ Name of School District: ______________________________________ Please Route: o Science Chair o Student Council o Librarian o Energy Manager The Newsletter for Watt Watchers and Watteam. Now incorporating WATTimes and the Texas School Energy Manager News. Spring 2003 Published Quarterly by The Energy Center, The University of Texas at El Paso Sponsored by the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts - State Energy Conservation Office, and the United States Department of Energy Volume 7 Number 1 Watts Across Texas...........2 News ............................... 3 “Ed”itorial Part 2..............4 Activities...........................6 West Coast WW cont.........7 Energy Classroom Ideas.....8 Pull Out Posters ..........9-12 Earth Day 2003...............14 Preserve your Kit.............15 Energy Managers.......16-17 Program News...........18-19 Enrollment Form..............20 WATTS INSIDE State Comptroller lauds local school’s efforts to save energy When someone says “lights out” at Hutchinson Junior High, it’s for a good reason. On Friday, the Central Lubbock School’s conservation efforts attracted the attention of State Comptroller Carole Keeton Strayhorn, a person with passions for education and for saving money. Strayhorn helped recognize students for their energy-saving efforts. The school is involved in Watt Watchers, a program encouraging students and staff to turn off lights and computers in rooms that aren’t being used. The 800-student school has cut its utility costs about 12 percent, which is estimated to save $6,000 for the school year, said Hutchinson Principal Mike Bustillos. “There’s a lot of money spent on utilities overall,” Bustillos said. “If we don’t make a conservation effort, it’s easy for things to be left on unnecessarily.” The school also has a paper recycling program and has increased use of paperless communications. Bustillos said Hutchinson has 70 percent of its allotment for paper and copier use remaining with less than half the school year left. He said the efforts are squeezing more out of a tight education dollar. Strayhorn, a former schoolteacher, is a strong proponent of belt- tightening. With the state facing an almost $10 billion projected shortfall, Strayhorn has recommended to legislators $3.7 billion in savings, including $1.7 billion in state general revenue funds for the upcoming two-year budget. Texas’ budget must be balanced, according to the state constitution. Suggestions include in creasing health-care costs to state employees, having Texas join a multistate lottery, merging the Texas Railroad Com mission and the Public Utility Commission, postponing a Medicaid registration rule and having private companies operate a lodge in the Davis Mountains and a tourist railroad in East Texas, both overseen by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. Strayhorn said more education dollars should go directly into the classroom. “What you are doing here is very significant,” Strayhorn said Friday at Hutchinson. “You are really protecting the future for future generations. We just need to let you be the role model and the pacesetter for the rest of the state.” Watt Watchers is a state-sponsored program to help school districts save energy funds, primarily by having students look for energy waste in the halls and classrooms, especially with lights being left on. Strayhorn said the 2001 Legislature left 75 percent of Strayhorn’s cost-saving recommendations on the table; however, she said she believes lawmakers this time around will be more receptive to cost- saving advice from her and others. [email protected] 766-8719 Things really are bigger in Texas. Our Watt Watchers of Texas program is so big it reaches all the way to Salem, Oregon. When one considers what they would regard as far northwest Texas, I wonder if Salem, Oregon would come to mind. Probably not. However, Salem Keizer Public Schools in Salem, Oregon, are so active in the Watt Watchers programs sometimes it is difficult to think of them as being anywhere else. A couple of years ago, a spin-off program called Watt Watchers of America was developed and over the last year Oregon has built a road right into Texas. When Watt Watchers of America began, the program was funded by the Environmental Protection Agency Region 6 which includes Texas, New Mexico, Arkansas, Oklahoma and Louisiana. The America version was created as a pilot for what will hopefully become a National program encompassing the entire United States. Since our Texas schools were doing so well with Watt Watchers it was obvious that there was a need all over the U.S. for such a program to teach today’s students about the importance of being energy efficient. Once the program was up and running, enrollments from all over the world came into the Watt Watchers office. We have Watt Watchers in New York, California, Washington, Georgia, New Jersey, Oregon, Spain and Honduras. Though the pilot America program ended in May of 2002, many of our Watt Watchers still remain active with continued support from our web sites and by keeping track of what our original program, Watt Watchers of Texas, has going on. Watt Watchers Hits the West Coast With Incredible Success By: Brian Williams Lubbock Avalanche-Journal Sometimes it is hard to determine just where Texas ends By: Amy Tingley continued on page 7... and America begins... Remember: Screen Savers DO NOT save energy! Energy Star® features may not be enabled! A typical monitor uses 60-90 watts While in SLEEP mode, it uses 2-10 watts Save energy, save money, prevent pollution Use EZ Wizard and EZ Save programs Turn off your monitor at night All in a days rest More information: http://www.energystar.gov/powermanagement

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Page 1: Watt Watchers

Watt Watchers of TexasWatt Watchers of TexasWatt Watchers of TexasWatt Watchers of TexasWatt Watchers of TexasThe Energy CenterUniversity of Texas at El PasoP.O. Box 68660El Paso, Texas 79968

TO:

Spring 2003http://wattwatchers.utep.edu

1-888-US WATTS

Enrollment Form-Spring03 NL Date: ________

Watt Watchers of Texas1-888-US WATTS (1-888-879-2887)

P.O.Box 68660, El Paso, Texas 79968 Fax: 1-888-879-2887e-mail: [email protected]

http://wattwatchers.utep.eduYour Name: _________________________________________________

School Name: _______________________________________________School Address: _____________________________________________

(Free kit will be shipped to your school / Street address preferred)

City: ______________________ Zip: _____ - ____ County: ______

School Phone: ( ) ____ - ______ School Fax: ( ) ____ - ______

Best Time to Call: _______ Number of Students in your school: ______

Name of School District: ______________________________________

Please Route:o Science Chairo Student Councilo Librariano Energy Manager

The Newsletter for Watt Watchers and Watteam.Now incorporating WATTimes and the Texas School Energy Manager News.

Spring 2003Published Quarterly by The Energy Center, The University of Texas at El Paso

Sponsored by the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts - State Energy Conservation Office,and the United States Department of Energy

Volume 7 Number 1

Watts Across Texas...........2

News ............................... 3

“Ed”itorial Part 2..............4

Activities...........................6

West Coast WW cont.........7

Energy Classroom Ideas.....8

Pull Out Posters ..........9-12

Earth Day 2003...............14

Preserve your Kit.............15

Energy Managers.......16-17

Program News...........18-19

Enrollment Form..............20

WATTS INSIDE

State Comptroller lauds local school’s efforts to save energy

When someone says “lights out” atHutchinson Junior High, it’s for a good reason.

On Friday, the Central LubbockSchool’s conservation efforts attracted theattention of State Comptroller Carole KeetonStrayhorn, a person with passions foreducation and for saving money.

Strayhorn helped recognize studentsfor their energy-saving efforts.

The school is involved in WattWatchers, a program encouraging studentsand staff to turn off lights and computers inrooms that aren’t being used.

The 800-student school has cut its utilitycosts about 12 percent, which is estimated tosave $6,000 for the school year, saidHutchinson Principal Mike Bustillos.

“There’s a lot of money spent on utilitiesoverall,” Bustillos said. “If we don’t make a conservation effort, it’s easyfor things to be left on unnecessarily.”

The school also has a paper recycling program and hasincreased use of paperless communications. Bustillos said Hutchinsonhas 70 percent of its allotment for paper and copier use remainingwith less than half the school year left.

He said the efforts are squeezing more out of a tight educationdollar.

Strayhorn, a former schoolteacher, is a strong proponent of belt-tightening.

With the state facing an almost $10 billion projectedshortfall, Strayhorn has recommended to legislators $3.7billion in savings, including $1.7 billion in state generalrevenue funds for the upcoming two-year budget. Texas’budget must be balanced, according to the stateconstitution.

Suggestions include in creasing health-care costs to stateemployees, having Texas join a multistate lottery, mergingthe Texas Railroad Com mission and the Public UtilityCommission, postponing a Medicaid registration rule andhaving private companies operate a lodge in the DavisMountains and a tourist railroad in East Texas, bothoverseen by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department.

Strayhorn said more education dollars should go directlyinto the classroom.

“What you are doing here is very significant,” Strayhornsaid Friday at Hutchinson. “You are really protecting thefuture for future generations. We just need to let you be the

role model and the pacesetter for the rest of the state.”Watt Watchers is a state-sponsored program to help school

districts save energy funds, primarily by having students look for energywaste in the halls and classrooms, especially with lights being left on.

Strayhorn said the 2001 Legislature left 75 percent of Strayhorn’scost-saving recommendations on the table; however, she said shebelieves lawmakers this time around will be more receptive to cost-saving advice from her and [email protected] 766-8719

Things really are bigger in Texas. Our Watt Watchers of Texasprogram is so big it reaches all the way to Salem, Oregon.

When one considers what they would regard as far northwestTexas, I wonder if Salem, Oregon would come to mind. Probably not.However, Salem Keizer Public Schools in Salem, Oregon, are so activein the Watt Watchers programs sometimes it is difficult to think of themas being anywhere else. A couple of years ago, a spin-off programcalled Watt Watchers of America was developed and over the lastyear Oregon has built a road right into Texas.

When Watt Watchers of America began, the program wasfunded by the Environmental Protection Agency Region 6 whichincludes Texas, New Mexico, Arkansas, Oklahoma and Louisiana. TheAmerica version was created as a pilot for what will hopefully becomea National program encompassing the entire United States.

Since our Texas schools were doing so well with Watt Watchersit was obvious that there was a need all over the U.S. for such a programto teach today’s students about the importance of being energyefficient. Once the program was up and running, enrollments from allover the world came into the Watt Watchers office. We have WattWatchers in New York, California, Washington, Georgia, New Jersey,Oregon, Spain and Honduras. Though the pilot America programended in May of 2002, many of our Watt Watchers still remain activewith continued support from our web sites and by keeping track ofwhat our original program, Watt Watchers of Texas, has going on.

Watt Watchers Hits the West Coast With Incredible Success

By: Brian WilliamsLubbock Avalanche-Journal

Sometimes it is hard to determine justwhere Texas ends

By: Amy Tingley

continued on page 7...and America begins...

Remember:• Screen Savers DO NOT save energy!• Energy Star® features may not be enabled!• A typical monitor uses 60-90 watts• While in SLEEP mode, it uses 2-10 watts• Save energy, save money, prevent pollution• Use EZ Wizard and EZ Save programs• Turn off your monitor at night• All in a days rest• More information: http://www.energystar.gov/powermanagement

Page 2: Watt Watchers

WATTS ACROSS TEXAS2 19

PROGRAM NEWS

National Solar Energy ConferenceJune 21-26, 2003

Presented by the American Solar Energy Society

You’ll want to attend!Register online at www.ases.org

Call Watt Watchers for more information 1-888-USWATTS

Teachers attend this great Energy for Teachers workshop presented by Watt WatchersSaturday, June 21, 1:30 – 5:30 pm ($15)

Education materials available from the Texas State Energy Conservation Office will be presented through hands-on activities containedwithin them. Teachers will experience the award winning Infinite Power of Texas Lesson Plans and Fact Sheets that are available for FREE!

These lesson plans were developed by a team of professional educators and renewable energy experts, using information from the factsheets as a starting point for building knowledge. Teachers will also learn about the Knowledge is Power Energy Efficiency Curriculum

Supplement for K-8 grades. Knowledge is Power provides teachers with experiential lessons that teach the importance of energy efficiencyin our homes and schools. All of the materials are correlated to the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS). This session will also

include information about the U.S. Department of Energy’s Junior Solar Sprint Program, which is a classroom based, hands-on educationalprogram for 6 - 8 grade students. JSS student teams apply math, science, and creativity to construct model solar-powered cars and racethem in interscholastic competitions hosted within their schools or within their states or regions. Each participant will receive the 25 Infinite

Power Fact Sheets and accompanying Lesson Plans; the Knowledge is Power curriculum supplement; and JSS information packet.Continuing Education Credit certificate also provided.

Watt’s Happening at Lincoln Jr. High?

Ms. Bain said that she wanted her LifeSkills class to do an on-campus communityproject for the school, so when we went to askif they would like to do this, she and all herstudents were so happy.

The Life Skills students of Lincoln Jr.High love their job as Watt Watchers andalways want to do it. We, as Student Councilmembers, are so glad that we came up withthe idea of letting the Life Skills class help usout with some of our projects. The StudentCouncil is also happy that they love their joband are doing such a great job at it.

Written by: Ashley Webb, 2002-2003 VicePresident, Lincoln Jr. High Student Council

The Student Council of Lincoln Jr. Highin Coldspring-Oakhurst CISD decided to letthe Life Skills class help them out by doing WattWatchers. When they found out that they wouldget to help the Student Council, the kids wereso excited and wanted to start on it right away.

They made hats out of recyclednewspaper and decorated them all up. Eachof the hats has a Texas flag light bulb on theside of it and the kids decorated them withmarkers and crayons. They also have specialpencils that they take along with them while onduty. The pencils have a light bulb for an eraserand they say “Watt Watchers” on them. Anametag with the name of the student is worneach time a trip is made around the school tocheck the rooms of the teachers.

The students that are doing WattWatchers are Erin Boyce, Erica Dewalt,Martha Smith, Krystal Fagan, Amy Grisham,Jamarcus Reece, Matt Ferrell, and DonteWyatt.

When the Life Skills class goes out onduty, they take a clipboard with all theteachers’ names and mark if they had thelights on or off. This way they can find a patternin the amount of teachers that do or don’t leavethe lights on while out of the room. So far, theyhave found that the majority of the teacherson our campus leave the lights on but somedo not.

These members go around our schoolcampus every Monday, Wednesday, andFriday to check each teacher’s room for anylights that are on if the teacher is not in the roomat the time.They may dothis any periodof the day, justwhenever theyhave the timeto go out. If theteacher is notin his/herroom and theWatt Watcherscatch themwith the lightson, they leavea ticket on thist e a c h e r ’ sdoor. If theteacher is outof the roomand the lights are out, they are given a thankyou note. When the teacher is in their room,the lights are allowed to be on without gettinga ticket from the Watt Watchers.

Sometimes the teachers and coachesjoke around with the students of Watt Watchersand ask how much the ticket is for leaving thelights on while out of the class. When they dothis, the students get really excited. The WattWatchers of our school just love to go out anddo this. If their teachers, Ms. Cathy Bain, Mrs.Margie Vanburkleo, or Mrs. Ethel Sanders,forget to turn them out, the students remindthem that they need to and they do.

Watt Watcher Patrol getting ready to go outfrom left to right: Erica DeWalt, Donte Wyatt,Martha Smith, Krystal Fagan, Erin Boyce and

teacher Cathy Bain.

Thank You, Thank You, Thank Youfor watching WATTS in Texas

Schools!It is the end of another school year and it is time for WattWatchers to thank all the students and sponsors for WatchingWatts in Texas Schools! To show how much we appreciateyour hard work we have available to all our students andsponsors a Certificate of Appreciation. These certificatescan be viewed on the web site (http://wattwatchers.utep.edu)and you can contact us at 1-888-USWATTS to receive yourcertificates.

We also want to acknowledge those teachers andclassrooms that consistently remembered to turn off theirlights when leaving the room with our very own “Zero Hero”Award. This award will be available on the web to downloador contact the Watt Watcher Office at 1-888-USWATTS andwe send your certificate to you.

We have had another INCREDIBLE year here at the WattWatcher Headquarters and we have all of you to thank forour continued success!

Attention: The followingschool districts have enrolled orare in the process of enrollingtheir entire school district in theWatt Watchers program!Energy Managers - Call WattWatchers today to enroll yourentire district!Allen ISDArlington ISDCarrollton Farmers Branch ISDCedar Hill ISDCypress Fairbanks ISDDallas ISDGalena Park ISDPasadena ISDRound Rock ISDUnited ISD

Our Classroom remembered to turn out the lights more than any other classroom in our school. Wehelped save money for our campus and district and hope to save our planet.

Zero Hero Award

Is Presented to:

Watt Watchers of TexasSponsor

Coach John Housman receives his thank you fromWatt Watchers patrol Donte Wyatt and Matt Ferrell

A former Watt Watcher returns to theclassroom, and what a lesson she has forthem.

Vickie Gomez, recently a ProgramCoordinator for Watt Watchers and to whomwe previously referred to as our “road warrior,”turned in her famous eyeball stickers and sheheaded back to the classroom. She came toWatt Watchers as a retired teacher with anelectric spirit that lit up the Watt Watchersprogram. Her love for students and her passionfor teaching fused with Watt Watchers perfectly.

Vickie took our program on the road tomany conferences; you might remember herhanding out those crazy eyeball stickerssaying, “Here, have an eyeball. It will remindyou to watch watts.” She would fluoresce withthe reaction of those with whom she spoke asshe would explain how Watt Watchers worked.

Vickie’s passion for teachingilluminates once again. Though she is missedhere, we know she is lighting the minds of herstudents daily, as an educator and as a WattWatcher. Now that Vickie is around, you canbet there will not be a wasted watt throughoutLee Elementary in El Paso, Texas.

Stay tuned for more on LeeElementary’s Watt Watchers program!

A Watt Watchers Farewell

Victoria Gomez...a true Watt Watcher for life.

Getting ready to make their WattWatcher patrol hats are left to right:

Krystal Fagan, Donte Wyatt

Page 3: Watt Watchers

18 3

THE TRANSMISSION LINE

NEWS HOT OFF THE WIRE

WATT WATCHERS

Study finds hybrid cars greenerthan hydrogen cars

By Reuters

NEW YORK — Hybrid cars, whichcombine electric motors with small petroleumengines, will outpace the environmental benefitsof hydrogen fuel cell cars until at least 2020,according to a university study.

Hydrogen fuel-cell vehicles have lowemissions and energy use on the road, butconverting a hydrocarbon fuel such as naturalgas or gasoline into hydrogen to fuel suchvehicles uses substantial energy and emitsgreenhouse gases, the study said.

The Massachusetts Institute ofTechnology study was published after the Bushadministration announced in January aninitiative to develop hydrogen fuel cells.Combined with last year’s government-industry“Freedom Car” program to build vehicles fueledby hydrogen, the initiative will be powered by$1.2 billion in government funds.

Energy Secretary Spencer Abrahamsaid in January it should be cost-effective toproduce hydrogen-fuel cars in large numbersand have them in showrooms by 2020.

The cars could reduce U.S. demandfor foreign oil by 11 million barrels per day by2040, according to the Energy Department.

But even with aggressive research, ahydrogen fuel-cell vehicle would not be betterthan a diesel hybrid in terms of total energyuse and greenhouse gas emissions by 2020,the study said.

That’s because virtually all industrialhydrogen supply at the moment comes fromnatural gas. In the future, analysts say, largeamounts of hydrogen will be separated fromwater, where it bonds with oxygen, through theuse of alternative energies like wind and solarpower. But for now, the green method ofmaking hydrogen is too expensive, accordingto the study.

“If we learn how to do it, I think that’sabsolutely wonderful, but I wouldn’t hold mybreath,” said Malcolm Weiss, a researcherwith MIT’s Laboratory for Energy andEnvironment. “Ignoring the emissions andenergy use involved in making and deliveringthe fuel and manufacturing the vehicle gives amisleading impression,” he said.

Beyond 2020, hydrogen cars will winout, predicted the researchers, who do notrecommend stopping work on the hydrogenfuel cell. “If auto systems with significantlylower greenhouse gas emissions are requiredin, say, 30 to 50 years, hydrogen is the onlymajor fuel option identified to date,” said JohnHeywood, an MIT researcher.

That hydrogen would have to beproduced without making greenhouse gasemissions, through a noncarbon source suchas solar energy or from conventional fuelswhile sequestering the carbon emissionsunderground.

So far, Japan’s Honda Motor Co. Ltd.and Toyota Motor Corp. are the leadingmakers of hybrid automobiles. Hybrids havefossil fuel engines that work alternatively or inconcert with electric motors to reduce smogemissions and increase fuel economy, withoutever having to be plugged in.

Source: Reuters

Opinion/EditorialFrom: Texas State ComptrollerCarole Keeton Strayhorn

We’ve had some early blasts of winterin Texas and the U.S. Energy InformationAdministration expects a winter priceincrease for homes heated with natural gas,propane and electricity. Unless you’re usingsolar energy or wind power, this affects you.

To keep those bills from rising, energysavings will be necessary. An arm of the TexasComptroller’s office, The State EnergyConservation Office (SECO) is the stateagency charged with helping Texans useenergy more efficiently. While SECO worksprimarily with cities, school districts and stateagencies to create ways to save your taxdollars through more efficient energy use, it’senergy saving guidelines can help you andyour family save energy and dollars in yourhome or business as well.

You may be thinking energy savingsmeans sitting in a cold house with the lightsturned off. Turning off lights not in use andturning the thermostat down while you aren’thome obviously are good ideas and will help,but there are ways to save energy and moneywithout sacrifice.

I know it sounds like losing weightwithout diet and exercise, but the leading forcein increasing energy efficiency is technology.And keeping up with technology can not onlydampen your heating bills, but also ease thepain of those scorching electric bills that arrivewith the onset of summer air conditioning.

Heating and air conditioningequipment purchased and installed 15 yearsago may use twice the electricity of today’senergy efficient equipment. This means youcan make up for the cost of a new unit withlower utility bills, and with twice the efficiencythose savings come sooner rather than later.

Since heating and cooling unitmanufacturers are now required to provideinformation about the energy efficiency of theirproducts, take a little extra time and ask aboutthe unit’s energy use. Remember, a few extradollars for a more energy efficient heater/airconditioner can save you much more moneyin the long run. Similar improvements havealso occurred in portable units. And if your oldair conditioner breaks on the hottest day ofJuly (they always do), it might actually becheaper to buy a new one rather than fixingan old energy deficient dinosaur.

And speaking of technology’s aid inyour quest for energy savings, use the Internetbefore you go shopping. SECO’s web page(http://www.seco.cpa.state.tx.us) contains ahost of energy saving ideas and helpful linksthat will help you find the energy ratings of allsorts of products for home and office. Anddon’t forget to look for the Energy Star logoon the products you buy.

Simple common sense can saveenergy and money as well. If you and yourcoworkers are trying to warm up your officewith inefficient space heaters you may bemaking that cold office even worse andwasting energy at the same time. If your spaceheater is near the thermostat, the heating/cooling system may not be working foreveryone else so more people have to usethose inefficient appliances rather than letting

the central unit do its job. Are you using an oldstove for something that can be reheated in amore energy efficient microwave? Taking a lookat your every day energy use may help you findnew ways to save energy and that means savingmoney.

Saving energy isn’t limited to adults. Asone tough Grandma watching out for Texas, Iwant to help your school get tough on energysavings. SECO’s Watt Watchers programinvolves students in energy efficiency, promotesactivities that instill an energy efficient ethic inall aspects of school operation, and educatesour future leaders about energy issues.

Student Watt Watcher teams in over2000 Texas schools patrol assigned areas oftheir schools, checking for lights on inunoccupied rooms. “Tickets” and thank younotes are left for the occupants to remind themto turn off the lights when they are not needed.And lighting accounts for 25 to 40% of energyuse in schools. This is a proven method ofpromoting energy conservation habits andreducing school energy bills. Our energy futuredepends on decisions students will make aboutenergy use. Ask about bringing the WattWatchers program to your school.

SECO is helping state agencies, cities,and school districts save money, but theseenergy savings principles can help you andevery hard working Texan keep more of yourhard earned money in your pockets. For stateagencies we are projecting a 15-20% savingsin energy costs if energy savings plans areimplemented. I hope these suggestions helpyou save money as well. Technology iseverywhere, and it is helping energy efficiencyand that helps the environment.

By using less electricity, our power plantsburn less fuel and produce fewer emissions. Thismeans that your energy savings not only helpsyou keep those winter and summer light billsdown, it helps make Texas air cleaner. Nowthat’s a win, win situation.

For more information on SECO and energysaving tips for your family or business, visit:http://www.seco.cpa.state.tx.us and http://www.texasenergypartnership.org

Watt Watchers would like to apologizefor the inconvenience of having our enrollmentform temporarily out-of-order. We are in theprocess of correcting the problem and wehope to have the form up and running in notime at all. In the meantime, there are a coupleof alternatives to our on-line form: ourenrollment form is available on-line in a PDFformat at http://wattwatchers.utep.edu/Assets/Enrollment_Form.pdf just fax the completedform toll-free to 1-888-US Watts or email usat [email protected]. Or, just call us at 1-888US WATTS and we will take your informationover the phone.

Don’t forget to check out our web siteto download the great activities listed in ourEnergy Education section on pages 8 and 13.There are also activities posted on our website for Earth Day. Check it out today!

If you have photos of your WattWatchers Patrol please email them to us [email protected]. We would love for all ofTexas to see how your patrols operate.

Energy Encounters!

The New WattWatchers CD is Here!

This new CD-Rom has the entire WattWatchers program on it including the newKnowledge is Power curriculum supplements!Also, the CD includes The Infinite Power ofTexas lesson plans and Dan Rather video.There is more information on the CD than thereis space on this page to tell you all about it.So, if you are already enrolled in WattWatchers all you have to do is just watch forthis in the mail. However, if you are not yetenrolled in the Watt Watchers program… enrolltoday and receive your CD with your new kit.Call 1-888 US WATTS and provide us with yourinformation so we can enroll you today!

What’s new on theweb?

Sneak Peak!

Attention High School Students, Teachers,Energy Managers, Student Councils, and

Science Clubs:Energy Encounters...

Coming to a school near YOU! Houston area schoolsApril 5th at Pearland 9th Grade CenterContact Kirstin for more information1-888-928-8326 Austin, San Antonio, Rio Grande Valley areaHigh Schools we are looking for hosts in yourarea. If you are interested in hosting anEnergy Encounter at your school pleasecontact Kirstin for more information.

Do you receive the Watt Watchersmonthly email update? If not, emailus at [email protected] and we willadd you to our list of 1,600 otherparticipants who receive our up-to-date program information.

Email Updates Our Summer 2003 issue of Watt’s Newswill be a change of pace. We are going to fo-cus on providing information pertinent to ad-ministrators, facilities personnel, and of course,our friends - energy managers.

The Summer ‘03 issue will have spot-light articles from districts all around the stateas well as a highlight for Arlington ISD and theirplans to incorporate Watt Watchers district-wide.

“Every school should be aWatt Watchers school.”

“Saving Energy in Texas schools.”

Page 4: Watt Watchers

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THE “ED”-ITORIAL17

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Manager NewsBy: Ed Gonzalez

The following steps will ensure a strong,“paper waste reduction program” in yourschool. As I mentioned earlier, there are manyschools throughout the United States thatalready have such a program in place, andwith great success. So follow these steps ifyou would like to start an effective, successfulprogram in your school:1. First Get Permission from your

Principal. Anytime you want to start a newprogram in your school, the principleshould always be notified. Principalscontrol the resources in schools, and theremay be a good chance that he/she willprovide you with the necessary tools tosucceed in your proposed program.

2. Select A Sponsor For your Program. Byselecting a sponsor for your program, youwill increase your chances of getting a buy-in from the faculty. Your sponsor, a teacherthat is interested in environmentalprotection, will assist you in implementingthe program throughout the school.

3. Build a Green Team. Once you haveselected a sponsoring teacher and he/shehas accepted, then the next step isbuilding a “green team”. In your team, tryto include the person who is in charge ofordering and buying paper, a member ofthe administration, a member of thecustodial staff, other teachers, and otherstudents that are interested in the program.

4. Begin a Paper Waste Audit. A paperwaste audit is simply researching howmuch your school spends on purchasingpaper, identifying every type of paper usethroughout the school and how muchpaper is used on a monthly basis (alltypes). Questions that you should considerwhen conducting the paper audit are:· Do we need this?· Can we use less?· Can we reuse it?· Can we recycle it?· Can we use it more efficiently?

5. Develop Your Paper Waste ReductionPlan.

a. Set Goals and Timeline. Once you haveall the information regarding paper usagein your school (how much it buys annually,how much is used, what types of paperare purchased, etc.), have the green teamset some goals to reach. For instance, onegoal can aim to reduce overall paperusage by 10% in one year. Develop atimeline to ensure progress in yourprogram and make sure that you and yourgreen team stick to it.

b. Set Implementation Plan (Plan ofAction). The green team should developa plan in which to make the program work.

In the plan, recommendations to teachers,students, and administrators regardingpractices that will result with paper usereduction should be included.

c. Make Necessary Adjustments. In everyprogram, adjustments are always made. Ifyou and your green team need to adjustgoals or the plan of action, do so. But makesure that the changes will improve theprogram and not harm it.

6. Measuring Success. Every month,measure any reduction in paper usethroughout the school. One good way tomonitor success is by asking thepurchasing individual whether there hasbeen a reduction in orders for paper reamson a monthly basis. Ask your green teamto develop measuring tools that can gaugethe success of your program.

7. Gain Recognition. Once you achieve yourgoals or have registered significantvictories, make sureeveryone knows aboutthe successes of theprogram. Have theprincipal publiclycongratulate you andyour team and encouragehim/her to inform theschool districtadministration of thesuccess of your work.

8. Continue Improving theProgram. Continualimprovement is acornerstone of anysuccessful wastereduction program. Don’t be satisfied withyour early successes. Constantly look forimprovements and ways that you canreduce more paper use. Think of it as acycle that never ends.

By properly following these steps, and onceyour program is established and ready to go,your green team should start seeing resultsanywhere from the first month to the second.It’s that fast. But remember, each step iscritical. If you skip any step, chances of yourprogram being successful has significantlydecreased. And all that work you will do maynot yield the results that you and your greenteam expected. So make sure that you followall the steps.

THINGS TO CONSIDERWhen you and your green team begindeveloping your Paper Waste Reduction Plan,keep the following ideas in mind:· Educate Teachers, Administrators and

Students on the Benefits of PaperReduction.

a. Let them know that their paper reductionefforts not only save paper, but alsopostage costs (from reduced mailvolume), and storage spacerequirements. All these savings add toa leaner, more efficient office thatbenefits everyone.

b. Promote a “Think Before You Copy”Attitude. Workers should beencouraged to make sure they reallyneed the copies they are making andnot to make excess copies.

c. Post Paper Reduction Reminders byPrinters and Copiers. Remind peopleto copy double-sided by postingreminders near the copiers, usinginteresting posters or entertainingslogans (“2 sides are better than one,”“make a 2 (copies) for 1 (page) offer,”“get a second impression,” etc.) andchange them often to maintain interest.

· Make the campaign complete with slogansand a kick-off event. Include representativesfrom management and all levels of staff toassist the green team launch the program.

· Encourage students to use both sides ofwriting paper, whenever possible;

· If more than one child attends a school,send home general information with only theoldest child, to avoid duplication;

· Encourage teachers to conduct somelessons and student drills on blackboardsinstead of on paper, when feasible;· Route or post internal staffcommunications. When practical, use halfsheets of paper for memos;· Make double-sided copies. Providescrap paper near the copier so that peoplecan retrieve paper and copy onto the otherside;· Encourage teachers/administrators tosend information electronically. Use e-mailfor forms, document transmittals and faxes;

· If applicable, reduce unwanted mail.Contact mail senders to take your school’sname off their mailing list or mark unwantedfirst class mail “Refused, Return to Sender”;

· Provide trays to collect and reuse one-sidedpaper. Encourage employees to save andreuse paper printed on only one side attheir desks. Collect paper that has beenprinted on one side for reuse in copiers andfax machines. Also, use the one-sidedpaper to make scratch pads;

· Provide trays to collect and reuseenvelopes and file folders. Encouragereuse of large envelopes and file foldersby providing centrally located trays for theircollection. Your school office can buymailing labels with the return address andlogo to place over old addresses onenvelopes to facilitate their reuse. Alwaysencourage teachers and administrators tofirst reuse items such as large envelopesand file folders at their desk;

· Promote the routing of memos andnewsletters. Instead of making a copy foreach person, route one copy around theschool. Ask originators to send fewercopies to your office;

· Practice preventive copier maintenance.Keep copiers and printers in good repairand make it policy to only buy copiers andprinters that make reliable double-sidedcopies. Let your copier maintenanceperson know when a copier is performingpoorly (toner is low, jams frequently, etc.).Regular copier maintenance is important,especially if the toner is low. Many timescopiers are used until all the toner is gone

Who Should Attend the M & O Workshop?Facility Directors responsible for maintenance and operation & themaintenance staffWho Should Attend the Financing & Planning Workshop?Administrators, Superintendents, Board Members, and Financial Directorsresponsible for budgeting and financing forfacility upgrades, maintenance and operations department, equipmentreplacement and major system renovation projects.Presenters of the Programs:esa Energy Systems Associates, Inc., a Texas based professionalengineering firm with more than twenty years experience in the field ofenergy efficiency, will be presenting these workshops on behalf of the SECOoffice. In addition to these workshops, members of this firm also present aworkshop entitled Investment Grade Energy Audits for the Association ofEnergy Engineers

Energy EfficiencyWorkshops for Public Facilities

ENERGY STAR® makes iteasy for organizations to purchaseenergy-efficient products, reducetheir energy costs, and prevent airpollution. ENERGY STARPurchasing encourages and assistsgovernments, schools, andbusinesses in procuring ENERGYSTAR qualified products. These products use 25 to 50 percent less energythan their traditional counterparts, reduce fossil fuel use, and lowergreenhouse gas emissions. Institutions and businesses can save hundredsof thousands of dollars annually by purchasing and using ENERGY STARqualified products.

More than 13,000 product models in over 35 product categoriesbear the ENERGY STAR. To qualify, these products must meet strictguidelines for energy efficiency: Office Equipment, Heating & CoolingEquipment, Lighting, Exit Signs, Windows, The benefits of purchasingENERGY STAR qualified products are 1) reduced energy costs withoutcompromising quality or performance; 2) reduced air pollution becausefewer fossil fuels are burned; 3) significant return on investment; and 4)extended product life and decreased maintenance

The ENERGY STAR Purchasing Tools help organizations quickly andeasily identify, specify, and procure ENERGY STAR qualified products.To help purchasers, the ENERGY STAR Purchasing Tools also list productsconsidered energy-efficient but do not bear the ENERGY STAR. Availableon-line at www.energystar.gov, the ENERGY STAR Purchasing Toolsincludes many valuable resources:

• • • • • Product specifications for ENERGY STAR qualified products.• • • • • Savings/Life-cycle cost calculators that show how much

energy and money organizations can save by purchasingENERGY STAR qualified products

• • • • • Drop-in procurement language that organizations canincorporate into their purchasing policies

• Store locators and manufacturer contact informationFor more information, participate in an ENERGY STARPurchasing Internet presentation (http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=business.bus_internet_presentations) or visitwww.energystar.gov and click “Education” then “Purchasing &Procurement.”

State EnerState EnerState EnerState EnerState Energy Consergy Consergy Consergy Consergy Conservvvvvation Officeation Officeation Officeation Officeation Office

ENERGY STAR® Purchasing & Procurement

Michelle Salisbury is a Senior Analyst at the Cadmus Group, anenvironmental consulting firm based in Watertown MA, which is undercontract with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to implementand promote ENERGY STAR. She can be contacted at 617-673-7153or [email protected].

Five easy steps to procure ENERGY STAR qualifiedproducts1. Review purchasing policies and identify product categorieswhere savings exist.2. Visit www.energystar.gov for product listings. Use the SavingsCalculators to determine savings opportunities and life cyclecosts.3. Coordinate with the appropriate offices within your organizationto encourage the purchase of identified ENERGY STAR qualifiedproducts.4. Modify procurement language and educate employees.5. Communicate your success.

By: Michelle Salisbury

Starting a Paper Waste Reduction Program

continued on page 15...

Energy Systems Associates, Inc. is pleased to offer two concurrent workshops for you and your staff, provided by the State EnergyConservation Office (SECO), Comptroller of Public Accounts and funded by the U.S. Department of Energy.

April 10, 2003 Austin9:00am-3:30pm J.J. Pickle Center

10100 Burnet Road, Austin, Texas 78758May 6, 2003 Wichita Falls

9:00am-3:30pm Region IX Educational Service Center301 Loop 11 Wichita Falls, Texas 76306

June, 2003 San Angelo9:00am-3:30pm Date and Location to be announced

July, 2003 Amarillo9:00am-3:30pm Date and Location to be announced

Sponsored By:The Comptroller of Public Accounts, State Energy Conservation Officeand The U.S. Department of Energy These workshops are beingprovided by the State Energy Conservation Office (SECO) with fundsfrom the U. S. Department of Energy.

Contact Debra Brown withEnergy Systems Associates, Incphone: 512-258-0547 or email:[email protected].

September, 2003 San Antonio9:00am-3:30pm Date and Location to be announced

October, 2003 Midland9:00am-3:30pm Date and Location to be announced

November, 2003 El Paso9:00am-3:30pm Date and Location to be announced

Final times, agendas and other location specific information willbe sent to registered participants approximately 2 weeks prior to

each workshop.

WORKSHOP CALENDAR

Administration:Financing & Master Planning

Setting Up the Energy ProgramUnderstanding Utility Bills and Deregulation

Indoor Air Quality

Maintenance & Operations:Energy Efficiency Through Maintenance & Operations

“Repairing” the Maintenance DepartmentLighting Illuminations

Indoor Air Quality

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ENERENERENERENERENERGY MANAGERGY MANAGERGY MANAGERGY MANAGERGY MANAGER

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Texas School Energy

The Office of Federal Energy Management Programs is pleasedto offer its lighting efficiency training course over the Internet, as a web-based distance learning class. It has received rave reviews for bothconvenience and high quality content. Course materials can bedownloaded weekly from the class web-site, at work, at home, oranywhere you have access to the Internet. You review the coursematerials on your own schedule over the nine sections. The lessonsinclude color photographs, and animated illustrations. The instructorsand students communicate on-line. There are opportunities forquestions to the instructors.

The Course FocusThe course focuses on managing lighting efficiency retrofits for

the workplace. It is designed for building or facility Energy Managers,or anyone who wants to get up-to-speed and up-to-date on lightingefficiency for the workplace. The class addresses workplace lighting,including offices, institutional, industrial and warehouse spaces. The

class does not cover special issues for outdoor lighting, retail orresidential lighting. The course complements other FEMP workshopsby stressing the impact of efficient lighting on whole building energysavings, and using life cycle cost analysis.

Course Timing and FeesCourse fee $37. Electronic text, which provides excellent

references, is the Advanced Lighting Guidelines 2001. It must bedownloaded by the student from the New Buildings Institute. Studentsare given fifteen weeks to finish course materials, which consists of 36lessons and nine quizzes. Satisfactory completion of all section quizzesis necessary for course credit. Course registration is open from March3 - April 7, 2003. Course materials must be completed by June 30,2003.For more information please go to the FEMP Lights web site atwww.femplights.com

FEMP Lights On-line Training

The EnerThe EnerThe EnerThe EnerThe Energy Tgy Tgy Tgy Tgy Toolboxoolboxoolboxoolboxoolbox

By: L. LAMOR WILLIAMSThu, 13 Feb 2003Star-Telegram Staff Writer

ARLINGTON—Like an energy-efficiency detective, ChuckThomas is always searching for ways to cut utility costs.

After a year with the 10th-largest public school system in thestate, he’s already shaved $4 million from the Arlington district’s energybill. Soda machines are no longer lighted. Maintenance crews takeone trip instead of two to make repairs. More than 25,000 computersand other pieces of equipment in the district’s 73 buildings and otherfacilities are turned off after hours.

Last year, the district’s total utility bill was $8.1 million, comparedwith $12.1 million for 2001, according to district reports.

“He has experience and expertise that none of the rest of ushave,” Superintendent Mac Bernd said of Thomas. “He sees thingswe might not think of.”

No amount of savings is irrelevant, said Thomas, a trainedengineer who most recently worked for the Richardson school district.This year, he’s aiming for more savings and is looking at whetherdifferent light fixtures could be an answer.

Thomas has not been alone in his efforts. Jeff White heads thecustodial department, which has been diligently turning off equipmentleft on after hours and making sure to turn on only individual lightsneeded while cleaning.

Joe Huston, an energy management specialist for the district,spends much of his day surrounded by five computers that monitorthermostats in each classroom — they can be adjusted on site by onlyabout four degrees once a target temperature has been set.

“We don’t want to give them too much leeway and have themrunning the bill up,” he said, joking.

Huston also schedules hours of operation for air-conditioningand heating systems. The complex system allows him to heat or coolonly one part of a building, such as a gymnasium for games or activities.

The maintenance crew chipped in by restoring and thenconverting old half-size buses into mobile workshops to cut down onthe number of trips necessary for service calls. This year, Thomas said,he hopes to add a few full-size buses to the fleet for a total of eight.

The savings have been astounding. In 2001, the fleet of about100 service vehicles logged 1 million miles, completing 34,000 workorders, Thomas said. Last year, it logged 488,567 miles for 40,000work orders.

Gasoline bills plummeted from 142,000 gallons of diesel fuelconsumed in 2001 to 69,795 gallons in 2002, he said.

“The trucks only get about 7 miles per gallon in town,” he saidwith a chuckle.

L. Lamor Williams, (817) 548-5494 [email protected]

SAVINGS PLANSchool district plant manager Chuck Thomas has had a big impact in only a year on the

job. The trained engineer trimmed $4 million from the district’s utility expenses.

By: Karl E. Dreher

The efforts of Watt Watchers have beengeared to save money for the schools throughreduced electricity use, and you’ve allparticipated with a benevolent spirit, workingin unison for the general good. So, hey, youdeserve a shot at saving some of your ownmoney! Putting some bucks in your own bankwhile you lessen energy use, reduce pollution,act as stewards, save the planet for the nextgeneration, yadda, yadda, yadda. This will, ofcourse, require some one-time effort, oftencalled work, on your home. (Not to be confusedwith homework, which lasts forever and is anobvious plot by adults to mess up your entiresocial life.) So, let’s get ready to reduce andpsyched to save.

This is a good time to remind all ourreaders that conservation does not meandeprivation or discomfort. Conservation simplymeans that we utilize our resources in a moreefficient manner, or meet our needs with lessenergy usage. In the case of weatherization,we are primarily reducing air leakage. In mostcases, heating and cooling your home is thelargest utility expense, but can be reduced by10 to 40%. That can be a lot of savings! Thisarticle is not intended to teach you all you needto know to weatherize your home, but will giveyou some basic information and good sourcesfor instructions and product recommendations.The supplies you will need can be purchasedat your local hardware store or home supplycenter.

Understanding the problem gives us agood start on solving the problem, so let’s startwith the source of leaks, or infiltration, as theprofessionals call it. The graph below illustratesthe source of leaks in the average home.

Experts often equate the leakagelosses to leaving a window open year round.We’ll try to close that hypothetical window. Let’sstart with the biggest sources, where our effortswill produce the most results. The first is floors,walls and ceilings, the source of nearly one-third of the total losses. Figure 1 illustratessome examples of leaks, including light fixtures,attic entrance, wall top plate penetrations,electric service penetrations, baseboards,around doors and windows, nooks, crannies,etc. These leaks are mostly sealed with a good

quality caulk, but larger openings, like electricservice entrance, may require other materialslike insulation or expanding foam. Figure 2shows some of the areas you will want to seal.With this accomplished, we’ve closed thehypothetical window one-third of the way.

The combination of windows and doorsmake up another 21% of the leaks. Thesewill require some sort of weather stripping asdescribed in Figure 3. You should choose aquality product, able to stand up to themovement of doors and windows. If yourwindows are very leaky or are single pane,you may consider storm windows. In additionto the rigid, permanent exterior type, there aremany inexpensive products, using vinyl tracksand sheeting, that are installed on the insideof the window. Having completed this, ourhypothetical window is over halfway closed.

Another 15% of the losses are throughthe ducts. The ducting presents a differentset of problems, with losses occurring in thesystem, and at the points of delivery.Thoroughly check all the ducting in the atticand/or basement, both rigid and flexible, forleaks. Losses are most likely to occur at jointsand connections. Crawling around in the atticreally isn’t much fun, and can be a healthhazard. Be sure you wear proper respiratory

protection equipment. The points of deliveryinclude the registers and return air grills. Herethe losses can occur between the ducting andthe registers or grills, back into the wall. Foamtype weather stripping or caulk can stop theselosses. Now we’ve closed our hypotheticalwindow over two-thirds of the way.

Next in line is the fireplace. Thatsurprises most of us. We think that ourfireplace provides a warm and cozyatmosphere while supplying extra heat, but,according to the Iowa Energy Center, “...mostfireplaces operate at a total efficiency of -10%to + 10%. In other words, some fireplaces lose10% more heat than they give.” See their webpage, referenced below, for ways to improvethe efficiency of your fireplace. Now ourhypothetical window is over 80% closed.

Next in line is plumbing penetrations.The problem here is that they are generallydifficult to access, like under sinks and behindtoilets. But, if you can do the attic thing, youcan do this. Besides, you’re almost finished.We are closing the hypothetical window evenmore.

Next are the fans and vents. Approachthese like the registers in the ducting system.The goal is to prevent unwanted leakagearound the device, so seal between the wall orceiling and the device. Ensure that the vent’sdamper is working properly, and that there areno obstructions in the exhaust path. Now ourhypothetical window is 98% closed (watch yourfingers).

The remaining leakage is aroundelectrical outlets and switches. This can beblocked with inexpensive foam gasketsinstalled under the cover plate. So, we’vestopped 100% of the leaks! Not really, that’snearly impossible, but we’ve reached aninfiltration level consistent with air exchangerequirements for healthy indoor air quality.

The references provide additionalinformation on products and processes, andcan answer your questions on weatherization.Additionally, they describe a free federalweatherizing program that you, or someone youknow, may qualify for.

References:DOE Energy Efficiency and Renewable EnergyNetwork (EREN) (Figures 1-3)

www.eren.doe.govDOE Energy Efficiency and Renewable EnergyClearinghouse (EREC)

www.eren.doe.gov/consumerinfo/Iowa Energy Center

www.energy.iastate.edu/efficiency/residential/homeseries/tightening/Weatherization Assistance Program

w w w. e r e n . d o e . g o v / b u i l d i n g s /weatherization_assistance/

Saving Energy In Your Home

Source: http://www.eere.energy.gov/consumerinfo/energy_savers/insulatinbody/html

Karl Dreher is homebuilder with manyyears of experience. He currently worksat the Energy Center as a Program Coor-dinator.

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Examples of Charts to use on back ofUtility Bill Organizer

One of the last things on our minds is energy. We use it for everything and could not make it through a single day without it. But we rarelyeven think about how much we use or what kinds of energy or the cost and certainly not the pollution consequences. The place to start is byadding up our own household energy use and comparing it to the national average.

Your parents pay the bills but it is highly unlikely that they know how much energy we use or how much it costs, and certainly don’t know howthey compare to other U.S. households. You can make a tool to help them find out about your family energy use.

A simple utility bill organizer will help them collect electric, natural gas and water bills in one convenient spot. You can help them by chartingyour family’s monthly use and cost for electricity, natural gas and water.

“Household and transportation energy costs are over $2,500 per year for an average American family.

The average American family spent $1,338 on household energy in 1997 or $111.50 per month.

The average American family spent $1,234 for vehicle fuel expenditures per household in 1994 for an average of 572 gallons of gasolineper vehicle.”

Materials:8.5 x 14” cardstockGraph paper or charts for recording energy use and costArtwork or photos for collage

Instructions:Fold lower portion of sheet up to form a pocket for bills. Glue or staple on sides. Put drawings, cut - out colored pictures or a photo collageon the pocket front.

The area above the pocket can have directions and facts pasted to it with artwork around the edges. A hole punched at the top in the centerwill provide a way to hang the UBO from a hook inside the cabinet door. Alternatively, it could be attached to the refrigerator with magnets.

The back of the UBO can be used to attach three pieces of graph paper to allow charting monthly use and costs for electricity, natural gasand water. Encourage the students to do this with their parents.

Grade Level Subjects:3-8 Math, Science

Lesson Overview:Students will learn about the cost of utilities at home.

Students will organize their home utility bills and make a comparison of cost and use.

Time:30 - 50 minutes for initial lesson; 30 minutes per day over a week

Vocabulary:utility, bill, organize

Utility Bill OrganizerUtility Bill OrganizerUtility Bill OrganizerUtility Bill OrganizerUtility Bill Organizer

TEKS:Grade 3 - Math - 3.7(B), 3.14(C), 3.15(A), 3.16(B), 3.17(A); Science - 3.1(A,B), 3.2(A,B,C,D,E)Grade 4 - Math - 4.7(B), 4.14(C), 4.15(A); Science - 4.1(A,B), 4.2(A,B,C,D,E)Grade 5 - Math - 5.7(B), 5.13(C); Science - 5.1(A,B), 5.2(A,B,C,D,E)Grade 6 -Math - 6.11(A,B), 6.12(A); Science - 6.1(A,B), 6.2(A,B,C,D,E)Grade 7 -Math - 7.11(A,B), 7.13(A); Science - 7.1(A,B),7.2(A,B,C,D,E), 7.4(B)Grade 8 -Math - 8.14(A,B), 8.15(A); Science -8.1(A,B), 8.2(A,B,C,D,E), 8.4(B)

TAKS:Grade 3 - Math Obj.2,5,6; Science - Obj.1Grade 4 - Math Obj.2,5; Science - Obj.1Grade 5 - Math Obj.2,5; Science - Obj.1Grade 6 - Math Obj.6; Science - Obj.1Grade 7 - Math Obj.5,6; Science - Obj.1Grade 8 - Math Obj.6; Science - Obj.1

STUDENT ACTIVITY PRESERVE YOUR KIT

and that wears down machines. A copierthat works well is less likely to jam and thishelps save paper;

· Set computer defaults to print double-sided. Set up computer software for defaulttwo-sided printing including wordprocessing, spreadsheets, electronic mail,and others;

· Preview Documents before Printing.Proofread documents on screen beforeprinting. Don’t forget to use the speller/grammar function to detect errors;

· Print only the pages you need. You just gotback that 20-page report you wrote andthere are changes to make on pages 2, 3,4, 7, and 15. After making the changes, doyou print out the whole document? If yes,consider instead printing only the pagesyou need. Most software programs providethis option under the print function. Consultyour information management staff or your

software guidebook if you are unsure ofhow to print selected document pages; and

· Print envelopes without labels. Save thecost of buying mailing labels and eliminatethe waste associated with those labels byprinting addresses directly on envelopes.Most printers can easily print directly on avariety of envelopes. Educate employeeson this printer function and keepinstructions posted. Printing addressesdirectly on envelopes also maintains therecyclability of those envelopes, unlike“sticky” labels, which are a paper recyclingcontaminant.

These are only a few suggestions that you andyour green team should consider whendeveloping your program. But there are manymore that you can include in your program.Give it a shot; try to think of more options. I’msure you can think of at least five more.

The importance of programslike this one is that it makesyou, your teachers andadministrators more efficientand more environmentallyconscious. You will betomorrow’s teachers,engineers, lawyers, doctors,scientists and any otherprofessional that you can think of. You are thefuture, and the future will hopefully lead to ahealthier, cleaner, more resource efficientplanet. You can begin ensuring this future byestablishing a comprehensive paper wastereduction program in your school. Theknowledge that you acquire through thisprogram may be passed on to kids youngerthan you. So, take a change and be brave,begin a paper waste reduction program in yourschool today and help this world become abetter place to live.

Paper Waste Reduction Programcontinued from page 4...

The great thing about the WattWatcher program is that it’s flexible! Youcan do this program any way you want to aslong as you are watching watts. Someschools patrol once a day, some patrol threetimes a day, some patrol five times a day.We don’t tell you how many times a day topatrol, we just want you to patrol all year. TheWatt Watchers program is most beneficialto schools if they patrol everyday of theschool year.

Here’s whyYour school could save $50 per year

for each classroom that turns off its lightsfor two hours per day for one school year. It’strue! Each classroom is assumed to have 9four-foot light fixtures with four fluorescent tubeseach (or an equivalent). Such a fixture requires192 Watts of electricity (4 tubes at 40 Wattseach plus 20% for ballasts). The school yearis assumed to last 180 days. Electricity isassumed to cost $0.08 (8 cents) per kilowatthour (kWh). Two hours per day was chosenbased on a teacher leaving the classroom atlunch for one hour and one other hour duringthe day (for example, preparation period,recess, the first hour after school.) The moneythat is saved from turning off the lights can beused for a variety of things – school supplies,new equipment; we have even known schoolsto get new playgrounds with their energysavings.

The savings that your school will receiveis not the only reason why we shouldparticipate in WW all year. Students enjoybeing able to teach teachers, since thestudents are the ones on patrol they are theones giving out reminders for teachers andadministrators to turn off the lights. Thestudents take on the responsibility of makingthe entire student body, teachers andadministrators more aware of energy use.

Here’s howWatt Watchers staff has done some

research on how our program works with theTexas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS)and Texas Assessment of Knowledge andSkills (TAKS). With that research we were

able to correlate the Watt Watcher Program tothe state curriculum guidelines (TEKS) and thestate assessment guidelines (TAKS). Thesestate guidelines require students to learn touse maps, make charts, analyze graphs, read,make decisions, use problem solving skillsand many more useful tools. If you don’t havea copy of these correlations check out our website. You can download the list of TEKS andTAKS objectives that are used whileparticipating in Watt Watcher patrols at http://w a t t w a t c h e r s . u t e p . e d u / p a g e s /For_Teachers.htm.

Preserving your KitPreserving your kit is a very important

aspect of doing WW year round in your school.Kits get worn or misplaced if you don’t takethe necessary care needed. A Watt Watcherskit contains: notebooks, lanyards, name tags,pencils, sample tickets, forms, and manual,which are all essential parts of a successfulprogram. The idea behind providing eachschool with a complete kit is to make it easyto get the program active on your school’scampus.

Many sponsors wonder what theyshould do with their kit from year to year. CanWatt Watchers send a new kit every year? Ifwe could we would send new kits out year afteryear, however, that is not cost-effective. Ouroverall mission is to have Watt Watchers activeon every campus in the State of Texas, all 7,500

of them. Watt Watchers is committed tosupporting our current schools because wewant you to stay active and even expand yourenergy-saving activities. We are capableof and willing to supply as many kits aspossible to everyone needing materials. Letus know what materials you need and wewill do our best to supply them.

What are some of your options as asponsor of the Watt Watcher program?Some of the materials in the kit areconsumable and will have to be replaced byyour school as they are used, like the ticketsand forms. Other materials are meant to be

permanent parts of your kit, these arenotebooks, lanyards, and name badge holders.Pencils and nametags are items that are oftengiven to the participants in the program. Weare capable of mailing you new nametags andpencils when needed. For participants in theprogram, we also have a certificate ofappreciation.

It is impractical for Watt Watchers tosupply your program with the consumablesupplies, like forms, that are needed to keepthe program active. A complete set of originalsis included in the Watt Watchers manual. Feelfree to reproduce these as needed. Forms areavailable to download from our web site at http:// w a t t w a t c h e r s . u t e p . e d u / p a g e s /Downloads.htm.

The permanent parts of your kit aremeant to be used year after year. Notebooksand lanyards are expensive to supply. Pleasetry to hold on to these items, they can not bereplaced every year.

If you move to a new school we hopethat you will leave your Watt Watchers kit behindwith a new sponsor. Please enroll your newschool, and we will be glad to send you a newkit.

If you have any questions about thisinformation or anything concerning yourprogram, please contact us at 1-888-USWATTS or by email at [email protected].

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WEST COAST WATCHERSEARTH DAY 2003One of the greatest supporters of the

Watt Watchers of America program is, withouta doubt, Salem Keizer Public Schools inSalem, OR. Watt Watchers received a callfrom Kathleen (Kat) Hill, utilities conservationspecialist for the Salem Keizer Public Schoolsaround a year ago. Since then, Kat and herenergy savings partner David Furr, the utilitiescoordinator for the school system, areinvaluable in our endeavor to make WattWatchers a household name throughout theentire United States.

The 2001-2002 projected utility cost forSalem Keizer Public Schools was$4,351,149; but the actual cost was$4,136,686 for a savings of $214,463. Thisis especially remarkable because theirschools did not begin the Watt Watchersprogram until the middle of the 2001-2002school year.

P a r r i s hMiddle School alonereduced energycosts by 13 percentfor 2002. SchoolPrincipal MikeJohnson challengedhis staff and studentsto reduce energyusage by 20 percentfor 2003.

With support from Kat and theResource Efficiency Action Program (REAP),the schools throughout her district are takingWatt Watchers to very creative levels. Katprovides schools with her creative energy

conservation stories, the REAP web site, theREAP Newsletter, and custom-made post-itthank you and reminder tickets. Kat also visitsthe schools on a regular basis to help in moreways than anyone can imagine.

The REAP Web site features differentWatt Watchers schools with pictures ofstudents preparing for watt patrols, patrollingthe school and handing out tickets.

The REAP Newsletter featuresannouncements for the Watt Watchersprogram including projects completed bystudents. Kat highlights one student atCrossler Middle School who may yet be thenext Steven Spielberg with his humorous,action-packed video adventure entitled “Watt-Man.” The video was written, produced, anddirected by Jared Stanley with the leadingcharacter played by Jeremy Sauer. The videois captioned for the hearing impaired.

Kat and David work hard for the SalemKeizer Public Schools. They have signed onas Energy Star® partners and are workingtowards benchmarking their schools todetermine what each school consumes inenergy per square foot of space. This is thefirst step in earning an Energy Star® label fora school.

Kat and David continue to work with theInformation Technology department toimplement the computer monitor powermanagement feature on each school’scompatible computer monitors. To put itsimply, the power management featureconsists of putting each monitor into sleepmode after 10 minutes of inactivity. Eachmonitor that is put to sleep will save the schoolsapproximately $20 per year.

By: Amy Tingley

Earth Day 2003. What are your plans?The well-known adage “You can’t teach an olddog a new trick” is relatively true; theimportance of Earth Day needs to be taughtat an early age. The concept behind EarthDay and making a positive impact on our vitalearth is a mind set. Not many people havethe inherent passion to care for our naturalresources. It is the duty of those who arealready devoted to making a difference toteach our young ones at this receptive age. Ifwe teach our students how to care for our earthtoday — then tomorrow we just might have acleaner, healthier, and safer place to live.

Earth Day 2003 celebrations are plannedthroughout our great state of Texas.

El PasoFREE Event April 26, 2003

10 AM – 4 PMChamizal National MemorialEnergy and Environment exhibits, food andentertainment.Stop by and visit the Watt Watchers!A project of the El Paso Solar EnergyAssociationFor more information visit:http://www.epsea.org

HoustonFREE Event April 19, 2003

10 AM - 6 PMRice University

A day of education, celebration, andaction, Houston Earth Day 2003 is designedto bring the local community together toencourage understanding of and participationin local and global environmental issues. Andsince no one should be excluded fromcelebrating Earth Day, parking and admissionare free to the public.

The focus of the day will beenvironmental information and activitiesprovided by numerous non-profit groups fromthe Houston area. On the lighter side, the eventwill include performances from localmusicians, dance troupes, and comedians aswell as festival food and drinks.

Houston Earth Day will also becollecting old eye glasses, batteries, cellphones, inkjet cartridges, and computers (nomonitors or printers, please) for local reuse andrecycling programs. So bring them to thefestival and help out your community.For more information on this event in Houston,Texas, please visit their web site at: http://www.houstonearthday.org/

AustinFREE Event April 26-27, 2003

Austin Parks Foundation’s Signature SummerStarter Event

Second Annual Austin ParksFest; atwo-day festival featuring the city-wide “It’s MyPark” volunteer service day, Earth Day Expo,music concerts, athletic events, the Texas

BBQ Championship, a kids’ carnival, andpledge walk to support Austin parks.

Parks throughout Austin on Saturdaymorning, April 26th and then at AuditoriumShores on Town Lake will expect:• 30,000 total combined attendance atall events• To raise money for APF programs thatenhance Austin Parks & Recreation programsand facilities• To provide exciting events forattendees that create high visibility andpositive associations for Partners.

Attendance at all park events is FREE(except the VIP reception). Registration feesto participate in races are separate. The kids’carnival and food & beverage concessions willinvolve ticket sales

For more information on each eventplease visit Austin ParksFest’s web site athttp://www.parksfest.org/.

San AntonioVisit the Keep San Antonio Clean Calendarfor local environmentally friendly events: http://www.localendar.com/public/KSAB

DallasFREE Event April 25, 2003

11 a.m. – 4p.m.1500 Main StreetDallas, TX 75202

Earth Fest: Free public festivalcombines environmental exhibits, live musicand giveaways

For more information visit: http://www.downtowndallas.org

The WoodlandsFREE Event April 5, 2003

9 a.m. – 2 p.m.Earth Day in The Woodlands – Water for life;preserving our freshwater resources

See, do, learn! Many of the 50+ boothswill showcase water, among them The FlowerGarden National Marine Sanctuary, and a FrogJumping preview. Exchange a Mercury feverthermometer, SHOP the Buy RecycledBoutique, have a ball in the Ecology Carnival,climb the rock wall, paddle a kayak, discoverenergy-saving technologies, explore thediversity of nature, be captivated by the Tipi

Tellers, plus LIVE entertainment. Admission tothe festival and most of the activities is free ofcharge.

Located at: Sterling Ridge VillageCenter Kuykendahl & Woodlands Parkway

For more information visit http://www.thewoodlandsgreen.org

Texas Parks and Wildlife Earth Dayevents:

April 19, 2003 - Brazos Bend State Park -Earth Day Celebration - A full day of familyfun all aimed at educating you on what we allcan do to protect the Earth. We will haveexhibits, hands-on activities, anddemonstrations from local, state, and national

conservation and environmental groups. Wewill also be offering guided nature hikes,educational programs, historical interpretation,and games. Please check our Web page formore details at www.bbspvo.org. or call. (979)553-5101. http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/park/brazos/brazos.htm

April 26, 2003 - Colorado Bend State Park -Earth Day Celebration - Take a self-guided1-1/2-mile scenic, round trip tour to spectacularGorman Falls, a 65-foot waterfall in a beautifulHill Country setting. See Gorman Cave in awalking wild cave tour (children must be atleast 6 years old); bring flashlight and goodhiking footwear. Hike to Gorman Springs, abeautiful area of the park open to the publiconly twice a year, on this self-guided tour. Seefly fishing demonstrations or try your hand atrope climbing. 9 a.m.- 5 p.m.; fees GormanFalls tour $3 adults, $2 children 6-12, freechildren 5 and under; Gorman Cave tour $10per person, reservations recommended. (915)628-3240. http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/park/colorado/colorado.htm

April 26, 2003 - Lake Texana State Park -Earth Day - Celebrate with us as we presentnature programs throughout the day and planttrees. 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. (361) 782-5718. http://www.tpwd.state. tx.us/park/ laketexa/laketexa.htm

April 27 , 2003 - Bright Leaf State NatureArea - Earth Day Open House - CelebrateEarth Day with us. 2-5 p.m., (512) 459-7269or (512) 323-0544. (512) 243-1643.

If you are unable to find an appropriatecelebration in your area or if you are just simplynot able to attend one of the local Earth Dayfunctions, try engaging your students in anearth-conscious activity. Examples are listedon our web site at http://wattwatchers.utep.edu.

Earth Day 22 April, 2003Who says you can’t change

the world?http://www.earthday.net/

For Earth Day 2003 Salem KeizerPublic Schools has teamed-up with its localtransit authority, Cherriots, to promote Car-Free Day. It is a contest among the middleand high schools to get as many riders on thepublic transportation system as possible.Cherriots is providing free transportation onEarth Day on all buses. Each rider will turn inslips for the school they support and the schoolswith the greatest numbers will receive $1,500and a band for a dance. Another creativestudent within the school system is creating a“how-to-ride the bus” video. It’s an incredibleproject and an excellent lesson for students.

Oregonians Kat Hill, David Furr, and allof the staff and students in Salem Keizer PublicSchools do so much for our Earth, theircommunity and for Watt Watchers. They reallyare a true example of why Watt Watchers ofTexas believes that “Every school should be aWatt Watchers school.”

(Begin by introducing characters:King – GRREldest Prince – BloopMiddle Prince – SSSHHHYoungest Prince – ClickOffalot – AAHHFFPrincess Conserva – A-HA!Volts-wagon – Steering Motion)

There once was a King with a terrible temper.(GRRR) He lived in a drafty castle with his 3wasteful sons and one over-worked dragonnamed Offalot (AAAHHHFFF).

His eldest son liked to use lots of water (BLOOP,BLOOP, BLOOP). He would take long showersor let the water run while he brushed his teeth orwashed the dishes.

His middle son (SSHHH) liked to use lots of heat.He would wear shorts in the winter and turn upthe heat, or he would leave doors and windowsopen while the heat was running.

His youngest son (CLICK, CLICK, CLICK) likedto use lots of electricity. He would leave the lightson when he left the room and he would leave hiscomputer and radio on even when he wasn’tusing them.

Now this castle was powered by Offalot, a verysweet, but over-worked dragon.(AAAHHHHHFFF) Offalot would have to breathefire to heat the castle, and run on a treadmill togenerate electricity for the castle. When she

would get a break, she would go to the moat torelax in the water, but there was less and lesswater each day because the eldest prince(BLOOP, BLOOP, BLOOP) was wasting somuch of it.

One cold winter day along came beautifulPrincess Conserva (A-HA!) driving her solar-powered Volts-wagon (STEERING MOTION).The beautiful Princess walked up to the King withthe terrible temper (GRRR) and said, “I havecome in search of a husband.”

First the King with the terrible temper (GRR)called his eldest son (BLOOP, BLOOP, BLOOP)into the throne room. He entered the roomdripping wet from one of his long showers. “Ijust ran out of water!” he shouted as he enteredthe room. Offalot (AAAHHHHFFF) looked sadlyout the window at the moat which had run dry.

Then, the King with the terrible temper (GRR)summoned his second son (SSSHHH) to thethrone room. He came into the throne roomwearing shorts, flip-flops, and a tank top. “Can’tsomeone turn up the heat? Hey, you, dragon,make more fire.” Offalot the dragon(AAAHHHHHFFF) breathed harder to make morefire.

Finally, the King with the terrible temper (GRR)called for his youngest son (CLICK, CLICK,CLICK). You could hear his stereo and Nintendostill playing in the distance. He turned on all thelights in the room when he arrived. Offalot the

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dragon (AAAHHHHHFFF), began running fasteron the treadmill to make more electricity.

Princess Conserva (A-HA!) said, “I do not wantto marry your eldest son (BLOOP, BLOOP,BLOOP) he wastes too much water. I do not wantto marry your middle son (HISSSSSSS) hewastes heat. I do not want to marry your youngestson (CLICK, CLICK, CLICK). He wasteselectricity. I would like a friend for when I amtraveling so I would like your dragon, Offalot(AAHHHHHFFF).”

This angered the King with the terrible temper(GRRRRR). You cannot have our dragon for atraveling companion.

Just then, Princess Conserva (A-HA!) seized thedragon, Offalot, (AAAHHHHHHFFF) rushed outthe door, and jumped in the Volts-wagon(STEERING MOTION) and sped off.

The King with the terrible temper (GRR) orderedthe princes to follow, but the eldest son (BLOOP,BLOOP, BLOOP) was turning on faucets tryingto get water, the middle son (SSHHH) wasshivering in a corner since there was no heat,and the youngest son (CLICK, CLICK, CLICK)was staring at his dark computer screenwondering what to do next.

Princess Conserva (A-HA!) and Offalot(AAAAHHHHFFF) rode off in the Volts-wagon(STEERING MOTION) and lived happily everafter.

©Kathleen Hill 2001

The King With the Terrible Temper (Revised)

Jared Stanley from Crossler Middle Schooltalks with his Watt Watchers sponsor

Trycia Smith.Parrish Middle School

students pose with theirWatt Watchers sponsor

Laurie Baird.

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138 ENERGY EDUCATION

Make Conservation Recommendations

Based on their analysis and evaluations,students choose which conservationmeasures they will recommend and plan howto make a convincing presentation.Presentation displays will highlight the long-range benefits of the energy saving ideas.

ObjectivesAfter completing this activity, students will beable to

• Choose conservationrecommendations that will beeffective and feasible in the schoolsetting.

• Present their conservationrecommendations in a visual display.

PrepareBefore students decide on whichrecommendations to make to the class, meetwith each action group to review their costand benefit evaluation. Assist groups inassessing their analyses as needed. Remindstudents to keep long term effects andmaintenance in mind as they consider eachidea. Students may be looking for a solutionthat is ideal in every aspect. Reiterate thatthere are bound to be trade-offs for everyidea, and they must be considered as part ofthe whole picture.

Provide tabletop and bulletin board space sothat groups can set up their displays in theclassroom

Download the remainder of this activity fromhttp://wattwatchers.utep.edu or call 1-888-USWATTS to obtain a printed copy.

Energy from the WindDid you know that windmills were believed tohave arrived in Europe during the 1100’s?They were used for many purposes such asgrinding grain and operating water pumps.Directions:

1. Use your science books,encyclopedias, and other sciencematerials to find information aboutwindmills.

2. List your facts on a sheet of scratchpaper. You should have at least tenfacts you think are really interesting.

3. When your list is complete, draw alarge picture of a windmill usingpictures in your books to help you.

Energy Notes

Ready for some fun? Then design your ownEnergy Note to paste on your notebook, glueon your bicycle or display in your room.

What will you need?1. Construction paper2. crayons, colored pencils, markers3. scissors

What will you do?1. Write a “catchy” slogan about energyconservation. Example: Don’t dim the world – turn off the lights! Save gas – ride a bike!2. Cut out a note any size or shape youwish. Write your slogan neatly inside yourpatch.3. Now illustrate your patch and color itwith pencils, crayons, or markers.

Other activities:Instead of an Energy note, make a bumpersticker for your family car or a door hanger foryour front door.

My Life as a Light Bulb

Use your imagination and write about your lifeas if you were a light bulb…You might begin bytelling where you area located. Are you in astore, at a school, or maybe in the home of amillionaire? What kind of light bulb are you, aCompact Fluorescent, incandescent orhalogen?

What do you see humans doing from your placeup there on the ceiling, or nestled in a lamp?

When your story is finished draw a large lightbulb on a sheet of yellow paper – the bigger thebetter. Cut out the light bulb and copy your storyneatly inside.

Display your story and have your classmatesread about your life as a light bulb.

“The day the power failed”

We use electricity so much that we don’t eventhink about how important it is to our lives.But pretend that for 24 hours, all the electricalpower in the entire world stopped.Directions:1. Make a list of all the things that you canthink of which would no longer operate. Howwould this change your life? Try to includethings that would be different at your home, atschool, in the city, in the department stores,and other places important in your life.2. Here are a few to get you going…Traffic lights would go offRefrigerators would go off, food would spoil,Video games would go off3. Now, write a story using all the itemsyou listed and call your story: “The day thePower Failed”Remember – it is important to conserveenergy so that we don’t have to find out whatit is like “The day the Power Failed.”

Measure Energy Use

Students learn to read gas an electric metersand utility bills to measure energy use andcompare energy use over time.

ObjectivesAfter completing this activity, students will beable to· Measure energy use by reading gasand electric meters· Calculate energy costs· Read utility bills to compare energyuse over timePrepareArrange for a school maintenance staffmember to show students the gas and electricmeters after they complete this activity. Inlooking at the meters, point out how the dialsare read (the dials in this activity are read fromleft to right).

Request copies of the school utility bills fromthe administrative office or district energymanager. If the bills do not include compilationof gas or electricity used over time, try toobtain bills covering the past two years to thecurrent month. Information on the bills will beused in a supervised activity; they will not becopied and taken home. Explain to studentsthat information on the bills is confidential andfor class use only. If the bills are unavailableor cannot be obtained, ask volunteers to bringbills from home, and remove the names andaddresses to protect the family privacy

Download the remainder of this activity fromhttp://wattwatchers.utep.edu or call 1-888-USWATTS to obtain a printed copy of thisactivity.

Tricky Energy TriosDirections:1. Decorate a shoe box in the theme ofenergy. Illustrate the box yourself or find ancut out magazine pictures related to energy,such as pictures of electrical appliances.Place the title “Energy” on the outside coverof your box.2. Make a list of 12 facts about energyusing your science textbooks andencyclopedias.3. Write each fact on an index card;only one fact per card. Number each card.4. Make up three facts that are notcorrect. For example: Abraham Lincolndiscovered electricity while flying a kite. (nottrue) It was Benjamin Franklin5. Place all 15 cards in your decoratedbox. Place an envelope inside with thenumbers of the three incorrect cards.6. Now let your classmates read all ofthe facts and try to guess which three arenot correct. Then they can open theenvelope for the numbers of the threeincorrect cards and check their own work.

In Texas we celebrate Energy EducationMonth in March. WW decided we should giveyou a little help in planning projects andactivities for the month. Below we have listedsome great project ideas, books, resources,etc to assist you throughout the month. If youteach your energy lesson at a different timeof the year save these great activities for yourenergy unit - the kids will love them!

Projects:

CLASSROOM IDEASEnergy from the Sun

What are some of the ways we use the sun’senergy? Now it is possible to have: SolarCookers, Solar Furnaces, Solar Motors, SolarCars

What will you do?1. Select one of the topics or chooseone of your own concerning energy from thesun.2. Use encyclopedias, science booksand the internet to gather information aboutyour topic, and study the pictures to give youideas.3. Make a model showing how yoursolar invention works. Label the importantparts and write a brief explanation of how itworks.4. Place your model and report on thedisplay for others to share.

Other activities:Plan a lesson for your class. Give an oral reportand use your model to help you demonstrate.Cut Energy UseThis activity introduces students to commonreasons for energy waste and basicconservation measures.

ObjectivesAfter completing this activity, students will beable to

• Explain reasons for energy waste• Identify equipment, systems, and areas

that might benefit from conservationmeasures

PrepareEnergy is wasted in three general ways: energyloss when, for example, heated or cooled airescapes through cracks around windows;human behavior, such as leaving lights on inempty rooms; inefficient or poorly maintainedequipment. In this activity, students areintroduced to these conservation measures.

Download the remainder of this activity fromhttp://wattwatchers.utep.edu or call 1-888-USWATTS to obtain a printed copy.

Watt Watchers of Texashttp://wattwatchers.utep.eduInfinite Power of Texaswww.infinitepower.orgAurora - Aurora is an educational web site thatfocuses on how renewable energytechnologies work. Recommended forteachers and high school students.http://aurora.crest.orgEnergy Quest - California Energy Office. Theweb site provides energy information andactivities for teachers and students.http://www.energy.ca.gov/education/index.htmlEcovision - This Environmental BroadcastNetwork contains information and concernsabout our environment and is aimed forstudents in grades K-12.http://www.ecovision.org4E’s Connections Newsletter - FloridaEnergy & Environmental Alliance, Institute ofScience and Public Affairs. This quarterlynewsletter, available to non-Florida residentsby internet, is published to provide timelyinformation on energy, environment,economics and education. It is an excellentinformation resource for teachers.http://www.eea.freac.fsu.eduThe Jason Project - The Jason Project is ayear-round scientific expedition designed toexcite and engage students in science andtechnology and to motivate and provideprofessional development for teachers.www.jasonproject.orgKids’ Page - Office of TransportationTechnologies, U.S. Department of Energy. Thiswebpage is meant for younger students whowant to have fun learning about alternative fuelcars and helping the environment.http://www.ott.doe.gov/kids.htmlKids’ Stuff - Energy Efficiency and RenewableEnergy Network (EREN). This web siteprovides a list of various websites that addressenergy education.http://www.eren.doe.gov/kids.htmlRoofus’s Solar and EfficientNeighborhood - Energy Efficiency andRenewable Energy Network (EREN). Roofusleads kids on a virtual tour of his energy-efficienthouse to learn about renewable energy andenergy efficiency. Recommended for grades1 to 4.http://www.eren.doe.gov/roofusRenewable Energy, Environmental andSustainability websites - NationalRenewable Energy Laboratory. This web sitelists sites providing information aboutrenewable energy and sustainability.http://www.nrel.gov/business/education/wwwed.htmlThe Solar Cooking Archive - The sitecontains information and resources about solarcooking.http://www.accessone.com/~sbcnThe Sun’s Joules - Center for RenewableEnergy and Sustainable Technology.Multimedia encyclopedia on renewable energy,appropriate for middle school students to adult.http:// solstice.crest.org/renewables/SJ

Energy Collage

What Will You Need?1. lots of magazines to find pictures

related to energy2. a large piece of cardboard or very stiff

paper3. scissors and glue4. your good ideas

What Will You Do?1. Go through the magazines and cut out

pictures about energy. Also look forwords from ads that “fit” with yourenergy theme.

2. Overlap your pictures and words andthen glue them on the cardboard sothat it’s all covered.

3. Display your collage in yourclassroom.

Other Activities: Make a collage aboutelectricity or about appliances that use thisenergy form. Or, make one about atomic,muscular, or chemical energy forms.

Books:

Dorling Kindersley Eyewitness Books –ElectricityDiscover the story of electricity – from theearliest discoveries to the technology that hastransformed our lives.ISBN 0-7894-5577-3Another Clever Calvin Book from Barron’s– Where does electricity come from?ISBN 081204835Energy Activity Pack – includes researchactivities, creative writing ideas, mathproblems, art activities and much more.ISBN 0-86703-018-6Environmental Action -EnergyConservation – Teacher resource guide.Challenge students to investigateenvironmental issues and to actively contributetheir ideas, time, and energy toward creatingsolutions at the local level – in their schools,homes, and communities.ISBN 0-201-49528-7Where does electricity come from? UsborneStarting Point Science.The simple text, detailed illustrations and livelycartoons combine to answer the question ofeach title in clear, step by step stages.ISBN 0-7460-0358-7Benjamin Franklin’s Adventures withElectricity by Beverley Birch and Robin BellCorfield. This is the true story of one man –his curiosity, and the discoveries he madebecause of it.ISBN 0-8120-9790-4Discovering Electricity – written by RaeBains and illustrated by Joel SnyderISBN – 0-89375-565-6What makes everything go? An EnergyPrimer by Michael Elsohn RossHere’s a light-hearted introduction to importantenergy concepts for children ages 5 and up.ISBN 0-939666-19-7Young Discoverers – Energy and Power –Environmental Facts and ExperimentsThis book looks at energy and power andexplains how we are damaging ourenvironment by using too much of it. Itsuggests lots of experiments and things to lookout for, as well as ways we can help to makeour world a cleaner and safer place.ISBN0-7534-5502-1Power UP! 20 Thematic ScienceExperiments for Home and SchoolInvestigates questions like: How can theenergy in a peanut be used to heat a containerof water?

4. Cut out your windmill and copy your listof facts inside of it.

5. Display your windmill of facts. Yourclassmates will enjoy reading the factsand think how much everyone, includingyourself, will learn!

Project Ideas came from:Energy Activity Pack by Opportunities forLearning, Inc. ISBN 0-86703-017-8Environmental Action - Energy Conser-vation Student Edition ISBN 0-201-49529-5

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