 There’s a joke at Hermantown Middle School, sparked by a recent energy awareness campaign and fund-raising event. It goes like this: How are middle school students like compact fluorescent light (CFL) bulbs? Answer: They’re all very bright, but they don’t use much energy.
In reality, Hermantown eighth graders (and their teachers) put tremendous energy into making the Minnesota Powersponsored program a success. They integrated energy education into multiple classes, shared what they learned with their families and community members, distributed rebate coupons for ENERGY STAR-qualified lighting products during conferences and at Daugherty Hardware, and raised thousands of dollars for school equipment.
“We took an interdisciplinary approach,” said industrial arts teacher Wally Michelizzi, describing the energy education component. “In my classes, students conducted experiments with light bulbs and electricity meters; in math, they learned to calculate kilowatt hours and the costs of energy; geography covered how energy consumption affects the world; and there was a science unit on insulation.
“It was an awesome partnership between Hermantown Middle School and Minnesota Power,” he added. “Together, we were able to promote a message and products that help people save energy and money. Plus, our students earned money for the school.”
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