Teacher Ms. Arica Matthes and 7th grade students from North Baltimore Middle School are excited to be involved in Be E3 Smart, an energy efficiency education program sponsored by local electric cooperative, Hancock-Wood.
This program brings math and science learning into the classroom and students’ homes by teaching ways to reduce energy demand and use. The program correlates with the Ohio Academic Content Standards and promotes student leadership through its innovative school-to-home model.
“We were excited to be part of this program,” said Ms. Matthes. “We were provided the complete curriculum, with classroom demonstration materials that were ready to use in the classroom the next day! And each of my students received a kit of energy saving materials they can take home, so they apply what they’re learning in the classroom as part of their homework assignment. And it didn’t cost the school a dime! Students really enjoyed actively learning about the science of energy by doing the activities.”
Alex and Noah testing the water
The Be E3 Smart program is sponsored by Hancock-Wood Electric Cooperative and implemented by non-profit energy education organization, the Ohio Energy Project. Teachers attend a full day professional workshop where classroom demonstration materials are provided. Estimated value of classroom materials and energy efficiency kits is about $2,000 per classroom/teacher, all of which are provided free of charge to the school.
Learning about the heating system from Larry Snyder
School Principal, Dr. Falkenstein, stated, “Our students are learning why energy efficiency is important through hands-on labs in the classroom. And when students take home the energy efficiency materials – items such as CFLs, a doorsweep, an LED nightlight, weather stripping, and other items – they’re sharing what they learned in the classroom with their parents. And they’re saving money on energy in their own home as well.”
Nick and Blayne testing kilowatts
The students also really enjoy the program. Parents were really happy to learn how to save money by making small changes around the house. Several of the students are hoping that their parents will reward them with the savings they helped to find around the house.
Malaki checking the thermostat
The Be E3 Smart program offers a fun and innovative curriculum that empowers students to be educated leaders of tomorrow’s energy responsible society. Community members are invited to learn more about this program at the upcoming Academic Showcase in conjunction with the Annual Academic Honors night on Thursday May 5th.
