Welcome to Connecticut Energy Education!

We are a curriculum resource for educators featuring the energy topics in the Connecticut high school curriculum. Issues and topics are explored with a Connecticut focus, and with an emphasis on solutions that students can implement. We offer information, lessons, labs and activities in:

CT Energy Education Lesson for the new Connecticut Science Center Preview and pilot the 9.1 Energy Transformation lesson written for the CT Science Center! New Climate Change Resources New from Teachers Domain: Alaska Native Perspectives on Earth and Climate As the environmental, economic, and political consequences of climate change are felt in Alaska, the Arctic, and throughout the world, we have much to learn from both the traditional knowledge of Native peoples and ongoing scientific research. These two methods of observing nature and solving the challenges of survival can provide complementary perspectives on these issues. This collection looks at Alaska's unique geology and the impact of development and climate change using both of these tools, and features Alaska Native scientists who are working toward solutions. At the American Museum of Natural History until August 16, 2009 Climate Change: The Threat to Life and A New Energy Future explores the science, history, and impact of climate change, and illuminates ways in which individuals, communities and nations can reduce their carbon footprints. The exhibition provides a scientific context to help make sense of today's most urgent headlines on global warming. There are Resources and a Teacher's Guide for K-12 classes.  It's time to Keep Connecticut Cool! Are you ready?   Connecticut middle and high school students are invited to take the Keep Connecticut Cool Challenge and create a local solution to climate change. Learn about climate science Understand how human activities are contributing to climate change Create a plan to help solve the problem Win prizes to help your project! Visit www.keepconnecticutcool.org for more information. Registration deadline is 2-28-09. Call the plumber!       The tub is flowing over!!!   What does a bathtub have to do with Climate Change? It is all about stocks and flows---what you have, the rate it changes, where it is going to, and what you have left over. Learn about the analogy from M.I.T.'s Dr. John Sterman, and read more in Andrew Revkin's recent blog.     Air quality is related to climate change and energy use! One area for students to explore is the practice of idling vehicles, especially in the school parking areas. The Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection has created a fun "Mythbusters" spoof about vehicle idling. You can check it out, and research the Connecticut laws about idling.   The move is on in the the House and Senate to reduce the affects of climate change. Redefining Progress expects the Waxman-Markey-Inslee statement of principles (read them here) will be the vehicle for House energy and climate legislation in the coming months. You should read this document to understand the directions we may be moving. It is also something to share with your students as they explore the many choices we have (Stabilization Wedges lesson) that we have in solving the climate crisis.

CT Energy Education wants to come to your school to do a workshop, this spring, summer or next fall!   If you arrange for a workshop, you or your department can earn $150. All you and/or your department would need to do is: Arrange for the room Recruit 8-10 teachers to attend You can draw from just your building, the district, or combine districts Provide some support on the day of the workshop Help us arrange for CEUs if possible (we would provide the appropriate info and data needed by your CEU coordinator) Remain in touch with us for changes needed CT Energy Education will: Bring all materials Provide snacks Complete info forms/attendance/evaluations needed for CEUs Remain in touch with your about changes Pay you or your department $150 We suggest the following: Invite high school science teachers—9th grade, general science, environmental science at high school level have the most common interest in the materials Invite your science supervisor(s) and curriculum support administrators Invite middle school staff, the materials may be used as a strong interdisciplinary unit. If your team has an interest in this, invite all interested core teachers. Lessons in the materials have strong mathematics, social studies, and language arts ties, although the core framework alignment has not been completed in these areas yet.

Live Green, Win Green   The votes are in. Suffield High School won the top $20,000 prize in the Live Green, Win Green contest. Check out the entries for the winning schools. "19 Bathrooms" from Hand High School is especially fun.

Save Energy, Save Money Resources for saving energy and saving money. Ecological Footprint Lesson featured on CTV14 "Education Matters" program

The LIVE GREEN Teacher Grant program, a Discovery Education program presented by General Motors, challenges middle school teachers to develop innovative ideas for furthering environmental and energy sustainability. Teachers will identify an issue or problem, create a plan to address it, and integrate the topic into classroom teaching. Earn a $1,000 LIVE GREEN grant - 40 grants will be awarded to teachers for the most forward-thinking ideas. For more information: http://livegreen.discoveryeducation.com/

	Looking to reduce your carbon footprint? We are starting a Low Carbon Diet Workgroup. You may join us as a "virtual" member. We will share our format, support documents, successes and challenges. The group is meeting at Eastern CT State University from 2/14/08 to 3/6/08. You can join us anytime during that timespan as a member!
Presentations now online! Energy Issues in Connecticut Presented by Laurel Kohl 8/1/07 The presentation is 1:18:04 with both the Power Point slides and the narrative 12 Steps to a Sustainable High School Presented by Bill Leahy 8/1/07 The presentation is 46:44 with both the Power Point slides and the narrative Improving Building Performance in Schools Presented by Bill Leahy 8/1/07 The presentation is 55:11 with both the Power Point slides and the narrative Brand New - Stabilization Wedges Game - Play the game and see the choices your students make to creatively avoid doubling atmospheric CO2 There's a Thief in My Kitchen - Compact Fluorescent Lab and Exercise for the Middle Grades Connecticut Energy and Climate Change Information Looking for Climate Change reading suggestions or gifts? Here are some book suggestions from members of the Connecticut Climate Action Plan's Education Committee Ecological Footprint - Join the Footprint Database! Join the CT Energy Education CFL Challenge After your class calculates the kilowatt hour, CO2 and cost savings of the replacement of their 5 most-used bulbs, let us know how it adds up. Email your additions and join the list! Workshops: It's not too soon to start planning for the 2008-09 year. Would you like CT Energy to come to your school for a workshop?? Schedule a workshop for your school! Want either an Introduction to CT Energy Education, or an intensive hands-on workshop with the lessons? Get the help you need, CEUs, and earn $150 for yourself or your department!
The lessons in CT Energy Education are focused on high school students, although many apply to students from 5th grade to college. Materials are open for all to use. They include an emphasis on Connecticut's energy issues and student solutions. All lessons are aligned to the Connecticut Science Frameworks.

To learn more about questions you may have about Connecticut energy information, including Energy Efficiency, Clean Energy Options, Utility Information for Restructuring, Energy Assistance, Environmental Issues, Consumer Issues and Research & Public Policy, visit Connecticut Energy Information at www.CTEnergyInfo.com

Connecticut Energy Education is funded by Connecticut electric ratepayers through the Connecticut Energy Efficiency Fund. The Institute for Sustainable Energy at Eastern Connecticut State University provides the educational materials, development and administration for the program.