Western Wayne High School’s ninth-grade students recently participated in the Think! Energy Innovation Program on October 14, a hands-on, interactive experience designed to educate students about energy efficiency, natural resources, and environmental stewardship.
The Think! Energy Innovation Program, presented by the National Energy Foundation (NEF) in partnership with PPL Electric Utilities and the Pennsylvania Department of Education, provides students and teachers with an opportunity to learn practical ways to save energy and protect the environment—both at school and at home. Each participant received an Innovation Kit containing energy-saving devices such as faucet aerators, a water-conserving shower head, a furnace filter whistle, three LED light bulbs, and an advanced smart power strip.
This year, 176 innovation kits were distributed at Western Wayne, continuing a tradition of energy education that has brought a total of 6,286 new LED bulbs to the Western Wayne School District since the program’s launch in 2015. The program also provides opportunities for mini-grants to teachers who participate, further supporting classroom-based energy education.
The Think! Energy Innovation Program emphasizes real-world applications of science and sustainability concepts that align with Pennsylvania’s STEELS standards. Students explore how their everyday actions impact the environment and discover ways to reduce “plug load” and wasted energy through simple behavioral and technological changes.
As a follow-up to the presentation, Western Wayne students will complete classroom activities to reinforce energy-saving concepts and will have the opportunity to enter the Think! Energy Innovation Challenge, a statewide contest that encourages creativity and problem-solving. Students can submit projects in a variety of formats—including artwork, videos, essays, or science projects—highlighting innovative ways to improve energy or water efficiency. Last year, Western Wayne students were among the contest winners.
Programs like Think! Energy empower students to “Think, Talk, and Take Action” about the importance of conserving natural resources and building a more sustainable future.
For more information about the Think! Energy Innovation Program, contact the National Energy Foundation at 1-855-494-2942 or email amy.lamielle@nef1.org.
From left: Eugene Schultz, PPL presenter; Dr. Mark Nebzydoski, Western Wayne High School Science Department; and John Castagna, PPL presenter; Brody Park, Western Wayne junior; and Andrew Locker, Western Wayne freshman.
By Dr. Mark Nebzydoski, Western Wayne High School Science Department
