October 05, 2010

NYSERDA Offers Professional Development Workshops on Energy and Sustainability for K-12 Educators

The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) is offering free-of-charge professional development workshops for New York State educators to strengthen energy curricula in schools and help students ‘take home’ the message of energy efficiency and sustainability.
New programs offered this year include an energy education workshop for teachers in Grades 6-12 entitled “Sustainable Living,” and a kit-based workshop for teachers in Grades 4-6 entitled “Take Action at Home.”

“Sustainable Living” is a 2.5-hour workshop that will be offered at various locations throughout the state. This workshop provides the information necessary for teachers — and ultimately their students — to measure home energy use and make informed energy decisions. Participating teachers will engage in hands-on activities and receive a classroom tool kit to explore sustainable practices in energy, water, transportation, food, and the consumption of goods.

“Take Action at Home” is a four-hour workshop that combines thinking and talking about energy with strategies for saving energy at home. Ten “Take Action” workshops have been scheduled around the state. Teachers who attend will receive a tool kit containing energy efficient technologies and a selection of instructional materials correlated to the New York State Learning Standards. Each teacher will also receive a set of take-home kits for the classroom that can help students learn how to make their homes more energy efficient.

These new programs are part of a series of free teacher development programs provided by NYSERDA's Energy Smart Students Program.

To learn more or to find a complete schedule of workshops for educators in your area, visit NYSERDA.ny.gov, call 1-877-NY-SMART (Option 6), or e-mail info@nyess.org.

About NYSERDA

NYSERDA, a public benefit corporation, offers objective information and analysis, innovative programs, technical expertise and funding to help New Yorkers increase energy efficiency, save money, use renewable energy, and reduce their reliance on fossil fuels. NYSERDA professionals work to protect our environment and create clean-energy jobs. NYSERDA has been developing partnerships to advance innovative energy solutions in New York since 1975.

Contact:

Jeffrey Gordon, NYSERDA
518-862-1090 ext. 3544
jrg@nyserda.ny.gov