Energy Use Advocacy
One problem that the staff seemed to struggle with was turning off lights and computers. To address the light issue, a group of eighth grade students decided reminder signs were necessary. The students created the signs, printed and laminated them, hung the signs themselves and periodically check the rooms to make sure the signs are still up. Students also noticed that most computers in the media center were left on over night. To solve this problem, two students now go to the media center at the end of the day and turn off all computers. Finally, the students created a calendar of energy facts to share weekly on the morning announcements.
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Dark Side Day
A group of six eighth students met with the school administration to discuss the electricity use in the building. The principal, Mrs. Welch, told the students that she felt not everyone in the building understood the importance of conserving electricity. The students decided that an educational piece needed to occur. After the meeting, the students developed two activities to help the staff and students understand the importance of reducing electricity usage. The small group created a presentation that two of the students presented to all classes in the school. The presentation discussed the importance of reducing electricity and introduced the Darkside Day which is a day set aside with the goal to reduce the amount of overhead lighting used in the classrooms.
Tavish F. and Diablo L. visited every classroom to share with the students information about Green Schools and the Darkside Day. Here they are speaking to a group of 7th graders.