Environmental Categories
Make It Happen
1.2 million students spend their days in K-12 schools across Washington State. You can ensure they gain the skills and hands-on learning opportunities needed to be successful leaders. Our state depends upon the next generation… And Washington Green Schools is working with you to give them the tools they need to succeed.
Schools need energy for heating and cooling and an abundant flow of electricity to serve their students. Although Washington state derives most of its electricity from hydropower, fossil fuels are still used for transportation, electricity production, and other processes. In addition to conserving energy and reducing their carbon footprint, schools can play a vital role in informing students and staff about energy use and its impacts on human and environmental health.
Ideas for a Lasting Change
Empower students and staff to lower energy consumption. Encourage students and staff to turn off lights and computers when not in use, unplug or reduce inventory of rarely used electronics, and close doors during cold months. Start a student “Watt-Watchers” program to monitor energy use.
Engage the school community in a discussion on energy use. Share results from an energy audit with the school community. Pose questions regarding energy use on posters and online discussion boards. Provide information on alternative energy sources and energy conservation practices.
Improve efficiency through facility adjustments. Convert all lights to CFLs or LED lights. Establish an energy efficient purchasing policy. Adjust standard heating and cooling points for thermostats during winter and summer months.
Classroom-Ready Resources
- Energy Report Card
- Energy Classroom Supplement
- Middle School – Classroom Energy Audit Activity
- Middle School – Energy Matters Energy and Wattage Activity
- Middle School – Renewable Energy Activity
- Middle School – Renewable Living Lab Activity
- Middle School – Watt Does It Cost Activity
Online Resources
For Educators
- Pollutant Emissions Calculator
- Energy Use Calculator
- Clean energy classroom activities and curriculum
- Fueling Our Future curriculum for grades 3-5
- Energy Quest stories, videos, and other educational resources
For Students
- Play Energy Hog to learn about reducing energy consumption
- Play Electro City and make your city as sustainable as you can
- Play Energy City and manage a city’s energy usage
- Play Save the World to learn about which alternative sources of energy work best around the world
- Check out Energy Star Kids to learn about energy usage and conservation