ARCANUM – Mrs. Bowser and 7th grade students from Arcanum-Butler said they are excited to be involved in Be E3 Smart, an energy efficiency education program sponsored by Darke Rural Electric Cooperative Inc.

This program brings math and science learning into the classroom and students’ homes by teaching ways to reduce energy demand and use. The program correlates with the Ohio Academic Content Standards and promotes student leadership through its innovative school-to-home model.

“We were thrilled to be part of this program once again,” said Mrs. Nicki Bowser. “We were provided the complete curriculum with classroom demonstration materials that were ready to use in the classroom the next day! Each of my students received a kit of energy saving materials they can take home so they apply what they’re learning in the classroom as part of their homework assignment. It didn’t cost the school a dime!”

The Be E3 Smart program is sponsored by Ohio Electric Cooperatives and implemented by non-profit energy education group, the Ohio Energy Project. Teachers attend a full day professional workshop where classroom demonstration materials are provided. Estimated value of classroom materials and energy efficiency kits is about $2,500 per classroom/teacher, all of which are provided free of charge to the school.

School Principal, Mr. Marcus Bixler, said, “Our students are learning why energy efficiency is important through hands-on labs in the classroom. And when students take home the energy efficiency materials – items such as 3 CFLs, a door sweep, an LED nightlight, weather stripping, draft stoppers and other items – they’re sharing what they learned in the classroom with their parents. They’re saving money on energy in their own home as well.”

The Be E3 Smart program offers a fun and innovative curriculum that empowers students to be educated leaders of tomorrow’s energy responsible society.