Students take lead on energy conservation

Dyer expo paired students with local industry

By Jennifer Eisenbart

Staff Writer

When Dyer Intermediate School first launched Design Squad three years ago, the idea was to introduce fifth- and sixth-grade students to the fundamentals of STEM – Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics.

Now, after three years, there are about 20 students participating in the once-a-month club activities – and 15 of those students recently took a huge step forward.

After Way to Save Burlington Energy Ambassador Kevin Duffy saw the program two years ago, he wanted to know more about Design Squad. And in turn, Duffy and the program’s advisor, Dan Powers, wanted to expose those students – and others at Dyer – to energy conservation.

Thus was born the idea that came to fruition the evening of March 26 – the Dyer Energy Conservation Expo. With 11 different companies participating, 15 of the Design Squad students worked to provide ideas and information to Dyer students, parents, guardians and staff as they were in the school that night for student-led conferences and an Internet safety course.

The best thing about it, according to Powers? Students led the process.

“We did not just want companies to come in and present,” said Powers. “We wanted our fifth- and sixth-grade students to present.

“For us, it was a unique opportunity for our students to be a presenter,” he added.

Once Powers had the companies set for the Energy Expo – which included Nestles Foods, Arbor Images, Asset Recyclers, Ecotech, Lavelle Industries, Midwest Forman Recycling, Pellet America, Purple Cow Organics, Waste Management, We Energies and Way to Save Burlington – the students had a training session with several of the companies.

The idea was to have the students work side-by-side with the companies at the expo – and they pulled it off.

“It turned out awesome,” Powers said. “The night was excellent.”

Powers estimated that 93 percent of the student body came through that night, along with parents and guardians, because of the parent conferences and the Internet course.

“About 800-1,000, we’re thinking,” Powers said.

Now, the teacher is hoping the expo will become an annual event. Powers wants to build on this year, and start inviting the community to the event.

“I believe that people are realizing some simple ways they can conserve on their water bill, or electric bill, or recycle,” he said. “We need to start looking at other ways.”