Kerin Eyler, a summer service member, spent her third week with Energy Service Corps discussing the Gulf of Mexico oil spill and its impact and energy efficiency to fourth and fifth graders at Martin Luther King School in Piscataway, NJ. The lesson described what Energy Service Corps does as well as the ways we use oil and how we can save more. An interactive activity encouraged participants to contemplate how the oil spill could impact their lives and energy use. Students quickly realized the sky was the limit in terms of impact and even more enthusiastically began to brainstorm ways they could help the situation. Some of the ways to conserve energy that students brought up were to ride bikes and turn off lights. Students also watched a video clip discussing an organization’s collection of hair and fur to make oil spill hair mats. The presentation also posed several obstacles such as “How can I ride my bike, when my friend lives across a major highway?” While the question was directed at Ms. Eyler, other students in the class were quick to offer safe solutions to questions. The principal felt the lesson was so effective and helpful at building enthusiasm because it “tapped into the students’ frame of reference.” If you are interested in having this lesson presented at your school, camp, or agency contact the Energy Service Corps Director, Sarah Mitnick at sarahm@njpirgstudents.org or 732-249-4108.
14 Jun
