Energy source

Brett Weaver, a student leader from Valley View High School, demonstrated a thermal-imaging camera at the Energy Fair.

The topics included light refraction, conductivity, thermal imaging and Fiberglas insulation. A xylophone was used to demonstrate the frequency of sound waves.

“If we all hold hands, electricity is passing through all of us to make one big circuit,” a group of elementary school students was told.

It was all part of the second annual Energy Fair at Wright State University facilitated by the Ohio Energy Project and hosted by The Dayton Power and Light Company and Vectren Energy Delivery of Ohio.

Several hundred students in grades 4 to 6 cycled through stations set up in the Student Union Apollo Room on Feb. 26–27 to learn about energy conservation and efficiency from high school students well-versed on the topics.

Brett Weaver, a student leader from Valley View High School, demonstrated a thermal-imaging camera at his station.

“We get to see which light bulb is the most efficient to use and which may be the least,” he said. “I think it really helps interest kids in science.”

Greeneview High School provided 10 student leaders from its Green Club. Most of the student leaders in the club are interested in the environment and Earth-friendly initiatives or in teaching and leadership.

“They learned about all of the energy efficiencies and the 10 major resources; now they are taking their knowledge and teaching it to area fifth graders,” said Robyn Sweet, a Greeneview science teacher.

Jessica Sarber, education coordinator for the Ohio Energy Project, said activities designed for the fair are a great fun way for students learn and relearn about energy conservation and efficiencies.

“They are reinforcing their knowledge about energy and it’s really helping teachers in the classroom be even more successful,” said Sarber.

The mission of the nonprofit Ohio Energy Project is to help educate the next generation about energy conservation and efficiency.

“The goal of our program is to spark that curiosity and hopefully lead them down the path of positive passionate citizenship surrounding energy, to be an engaged energy user and eventually an energy consumer,” Sarber said.

Amy Elston, an instructor and assistant director of the Office of Professional Field Experiences in the Wright State College of Education and Human Services, was on hand to observe the Energy Fair. Elston said the fair is another way to reach out to P–12 schoolteachers.

“We want to be a part of not only educating the teachers who are out there, but having connections with students early on,” she said.

High schools that provided student leaders were Valley View, Greeneview, Twin Valley South, Oakwood, McClain and Lehman Catholic. The elementary schools were Edison, Valley View Intermediate, Greenmont, Troy Christian, Ascension and South Vienna.

DP&L and Vectren have partnered with the Ohio Energy Project to provide a free energy efficiency education program for teachers, students and their families. It is part of DP&L’s energy efficiency efforts for customers, which also include discounts on energy-efficient lighting, free refrigerator recycling, rebates on new heat pumps and air conditioners and rebates for business customers.

www.dpandl.com/save

www.vectren.com/savings/in-home/resources

www.ohioenergy.org/