Teachers who design creative classroom projects about energy issues and global climate change can be in the running for cash awards from New York State Energy Research and Development Authority.
Fifteen awards of up to $500 are available for K-12 teachers, and informal educators, based on creativity in discussing climate change and the extent to which projects allow students to take a leadership role in school and community efforts. Extra points will be
awarded to schools with more than half of students receiving free or reduced-price lunch and for projects adopting a multi-disciplinary approach involving two or more subject areas.
Applications must be received by Oct. 29. Funds can be used to purchase supplies or equipment for use in hands-on activities related to energy efficiency or for community education events.
Awards are available for educators only at schools located in communities served by one of New York's investor-owned utilities: Central Hudson Gas & Electric Corp.; Consolidated Edison of New York, Inc.; National Grid; New York State Electric & Gas Corp.; Rochester Gas & Electric Corp.; and Orange & Rockland Utilities, Inc.
To view the complete application and proposal package, visit NYSERDA's Energy Smart Students website at www.getenergysmart.org and click on Energy Education for information on the "2010 Climate Change and Energy Efficiency Challenge."
Winning projects from previous years are also posted.