On Oct. 18 and 19, seventh and eighth grade students at the Dilworth middle school STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) academy presented research projects to scientists from Envirolution and the University of Nevada, Reno. The students spent six weeks researching ways to conserve energy, heat, water and more at their school campus—for instance, ensuring proper insulation of doors and windows, or replacing the light bulbs with fluorescent beams.
The judges asked the students questions about their research process and how they would present this information to homeowners trying to conserve resources in their own homes. The students created models to demonstrate their ideas in the context of homes and their school, and conducted a cost analysis to present to the school’s administration. Many of the students stated plans to study engineering in high school and college.
Despite the school’s focus on science and math, when a student was asked what she would like to see her principal do with money saved from conservation efforts, she replied, “More art supplies.”