Western Wayne High School’s ninth-grade students recently had the opportunity to Think! Energy as they participated in the Think! Energy Innovation Program on September 14. The interactive program introduces students to practical ways they can conserve energy and water, reduce waste, and become better stewards of the natural resources they use every day.
The Think! Energy Innovation Program is presented by the National Energy Foundation (NEF) in partnership with PPL Electric Utilities and the Pennsylvania Department of Education. The program brings energy education beyond the classroom by providing students with information and materials they can use in their own homes.
As part of the program, participating students and staff received Innovation Kits containing a variety of energy- and water-saving products. This year’s kits included faucet aerators, a water-conserving shower head, a furnace filter whistle, outlet gaskets, pipe insulation, and an advanced smart energy power strip. These resources allow students and their families to put energy-efficiency strategies into practice at home.
A total of 176 Innovation Kits were distributed at Western Wayne this year. The program has had a significant impact on the school district since its introduction in 2015, with 6,286 LED light bulbs distributed to Western Wayne students and families over the years. In addition, participating teachers have opportunities to receive mini-grants to support energy-related educational activities in their classrooms.
The program provides an excellent connection between science education and real-world applications. Students learn how everyday choices can affect energy consumption, water use, natural resources, and the environment. The program also supports Pennsylvania’s STEELS standards by encouraging students to apply scientific knowledge to authentic environmental challenges and develop solutions that can make a difference.
The Think! Energy experience will continue in the classroom throughout the school year. Western Wayne students will participate in additional energy-saving activities designed to reinforce the concepts introduced during the presentation and give students opportunities to apply what they have learned.
The program encourages students to follow the Think! Energy philosophy of “Think! Talk! Take Action!” By providing students with knowledge, practical tools, and opportunities to put that knowledge into action, the program helps young people recognize that even small changes in how we use energy and water can have a meaningful impact.
Western Wayne High School appreciates the support of the National Energy Foundation, PPL Electric Utilities, and the Pennsylvania Department of Education in providing this valuable educational opportunity for our students and families.
For more information about the Think! Energy Innovation Program, contact the National Energy Foundation at 1-855-494-2942 or amy.lamielle@nef1.org. Additional information about the program is available at thinkenergy.org/ppl-innovation.
