Energy Conservation
Baltimore Energy Grant:
After Commodore was given the designation of an "Energy Hub", in October 2015, we got to work as a team to see what could benefit the school the most. During this process we noticed that there were a lot of teachers who left their lights/ SMART boards on without being in the classroom. We decided that we would conduct a school wide energy audit (detailed in the document above) and celebrate the winning classroom with a pizza party.
Along with the celebration of the winning class (Ms. Duarte's 4th Grade!) The students collaborated with two Americorps Volunteers and learned about how Commodore could cut Energy Costs next year. We filmed a rap video "Shut Em Off", whose world premiere is coming up very soon!! After the rap video is finished the core team members will go on a field trip to the MD Science Center to see the "Power Up" exhibit by Constellation Energy.
After Commodore was given the designation of an "Energy Hub", in October 2015, we got to work as a team to see what could benefit the school the most. During this process we noticed that there were a lot of teachers who left their lights/ SMART boards on without being in the classroom. We decided that we would conduct a school wide energy audit (detailed in the document above) and celebrate the winning classroom with a pizza party.
Along with the celebration of the winning class (Ms. Duarte's 4th Grade!) The students collaborated with two Americorps Volunteers and learned about how Commodore could cut Energy Costs next year. We filmed a rap video "Shut Em Off", whose world premiere is coming up very soon!! After the rap video is finished the core team members will go on a field trip to the MD Science Center to see the "Power Up" exhibit by Constellation Energy.
baltimore_energy_challenge_confirmation_letter.pdf | |
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Baltimore Energy Challenge visits Commodore.
In 2017, members from the Baltimore Energy challenge came to teach two 6th Grade Earth Science classes about the positives of energy conservation and tied it in to the class's lesson on fossil fuels. The students learned a ton and many were eager to get their parents to sign up for the Energy Pledge.
TINY HOUSE VISIT
Commodore was given the distinction of being a Energy Hub and being awarded a grant by the Baltimore Energy Challenge for the second year in a row! (WOO-HOO) Part of the partnership includes the opportunity for the "Tiny House" to make a visit to our school. On Wednesday, November 2, 2016, this became a reality. Every student in 5th-8th grade got to partake in this event and members of the community were very involved and signed pledges to conserve energy as well. I have posted some pictures of the event below.
Commodore was given the distinction of being a Energy Hub and being awarded a grant by the Baltimore Energy Challenge for the second year in a row! (WOO-HOO) Part of the partnership includes the opportunity for the "Tiny House" to make a visit to our school. On Wednesday, November 2, 2016, this became a reality. Every student in 5th-8th grade got to partake in this event and members of the community were very involved and signed pledges to conserve energy as well. I have posted some pictures of the event below.
Action # 1: Energy Audit
The 6th Grade boys advisories will be conducting school wide energy audits using a variety of tools provided by the Alliance to Save Energy. These audits will help students investigate energy consumption within our school using professional, state-of-the-art equipment. We will be collecting real data about energy use-and waste- at Commodore and evaluate areas or strength and concern by examining data.
The Equipment
Students will be using the Infrared Temperature pointer throughout the building to determine if there is wasted heating or cooling during the year.
The "Kill A Watt" meter will give the in use and not in use energy use in wattage of all appliances used throughout the building. We can use this information to determine energy and cost usage throughout the year and in turn change teachers habits through awareness.
Kilowatt Tracker
The Foot light Candle meter will be used to determine appropriate lighting in all classrooms, offices, hallways, and other areas of the building. Rooms that are over or under lit can be adjusted accordingly to reduce unnecessary costs and eye strain.
Team Member Roles
Action # 2: Labeling Switch Plates
During the 2012-2013 school year, a 4th grade boy's advisory labeled light switches in the building to remind students, teachers and staff to save energy by turning off the lights. 12 students were involved in labeling the switch plates initially. During the 2013-2014 school year, a group of 11 seventh grade boys, noticed that many of the light switch labels had fallen off and needed to be replaced. The 7th grade boys re-labeled the light switches that were missing stickers.
Action # 3: Exploring Energy Usage through Science Fair Projects
The projects below focus on energy usage and were entered in the 2013 Commodore science fair. Students from 1st through 8th grade participated in the science fair with more than 110 project submissions. 12 projects were focused on energy usage or conservation.