 It is one thing to hear that compact fluorescent light (CFL)bulbs are 10 times more energy efficient than incandescent bulbs. It is another to actually see and measure the difference. Science students at Connor-Jasper Middle School in Bovey were impressed after side-by-side comparisons using light boards and meters provided by Minnesota Power.
The exercise was part of a utility-led outreach program that brings energy education to area classrooms and into communities, while raising money for valuable school programs.
Connor-Jasper students took their new knowledge and hosted informational tables on conference nights. They also distributed rebate coupons at school and at participating retailers, earning money from Minnesota Power and Lake Country Power for each CFL bulb sold during the campaign.
“It was a great promotion that generated a lot of traffic,” said Wayne Cole, owner of Cole Hardware Hank, Grand Rapids. “We like the fact that energy is being saved and that people are saving money on their energy bills,” said student Tony Leppala. “It was fun to give away the coupons.”
“This was an excellent fund raiser because it wasn’t all about money,” said science teacher Howard Kuusisto, noting that money raised will be used for wildlife displays and science enrichment. “There was a curriculum, so students learned something, as well.”
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