Published Quarterly by The

Energy Center, The University

of Texas at El Paso
Sponsored by the Texas
Comptroller of Public
Accounts - State Energy

Iss ue: Conservation Office,

ing ronment
and the United States

Spr Department of Energy

The Newspaper for Watt Watchers and Watteam.
r En vi Volume 9 Number 1

Now incorporating WATTimes and the Texas School Energy Manager News. Ou Spring 2005

K-2 Booklet WATTS INSIDE

Watts Across Texas ………. A-2
Junior Solar Sprint TEKS.... A-2
Energy Activity Book

T
Transmission Line ………… A-3

The new Energy Activities Booklet for Grades K-2 has been Are Disposable Cameras
Reusable?...........................A-4
printed, so look for your copy in the mail shortly. Watt
Watchers is mailing a copy of the booklet to all of our current Are You Changing Schools? A-9

sponsors in all grades. We want you to have a complete set of Revised Knowledge
is Power …...................…… A-9
all Watt Watchers materials so you will have a complete picture
of the full program. Please pass the booklet on to others who Preserving Your Kit …........ A-10
may be interested in joining Watt Watchers or you may find And the Award Goes to-o-o.A-11
something in the booklet you can adapt to use in your class. List of Recipients for 2005....A-11
Even high school students may enjoy the story of the King with
Recycling Rangers ......…....B-1
the Terrible Temper. Look for more Watt Watchers booklets on
Electrifying Extras ..………. B-2
other topics soon.
Watt’s Going on?.................B-3

Slaughter Elementary
Celebrates Earth Day...........B-3

Stand Up and Be Recognized – It’s Certificate Time! Traveling Energy

Exploration Stations..............B-4
Energy Manager News ...... B-5
Alternative Energy

T
he end of the school year brings a special time for given at your school. If you have a special story about the
Curriculum Summary........... B-6
Watt Watchers all across Texas. It is time to recognize recipient of any of the Watt Watchers Awards at your school,
everyone for participating in the Watt Watchers of Texas please let us know. We would like to share those stories Watch your Watts...........…..B-7
program. Whether you are a student receiving a Certificate with other Watt Watchers of Texas groups around the state. Energy Education in Texas. B-7
of Participation, a teacher receiving a Most Improved Award,
To order the awards to be distributed at your schools, please
or a classroom receiving a Zero Hero Award – you all worked
email info@wattwatchers.org or call 1-888-USWATTS, or
hard to make the Watt Watchers of Texas program at your
complete the form at the bottom of the page and send or
school a success and we want you to stand and be
fax it to Watt Watchers of Texas.
recognized!
Certificates of Participation are
awards given to students that
participated in the Watt Watchers
of Texas program at your school.
These awards are very special to
Watt Watchers because they are
signed by the Comptroller of Public
Accounts, Carole Keeton
Strayhorn.
Zero Hero Awards are given to
teachers/classrooms that wasted
the least amount of energy in the
school. To give this award you
need to pull out your patrol sheets
for the year and calculate which teacher/classroom
received the least amount of tickets – this will be your
Zero Hero.
Most Improved Watt
Watcher Award goes
to the teacher/
classroom that has Watt Watchers AWARD Order Form
caught on to the
program. The
of Texas
teacher or classroom School:
that went from
getting tickets often School District:
to not getting tickets Name of Sponsor: Number of Certificates:
earns this award Send Form to:
because they really
Certificate of Participation Watt Watchers of Texas
figured out what Watt
Watchers is all about
PO BOX 68660
and took action to Zero Hero Award El PASO TX 79968
save energy. Or Fax to:
Most Improved Watt Watcher 1-888-USWATTS or 915-747-5317
We want to know
about the awards
 Successful Region 10 Teachers
Junior Solar Sprint Workshop
By Mike Correale

W
ith 25 teachers signed up, the
workshop was off to a great start.
The intent of the workshop was
to show how Watt Watchers of Texas* is
moving to support the Junior Solar Sprint
(JSS) in schools through out North Texas.
Our mission was to “train the trainer” by
developing interest in JSS with the skills to
teach, design, build and race solar power
cars within their local school and then
expand out to their school district.
The workshop consisted of the following
activities:
• Watt Watchers program overview –
Knowledge is Power
• Renewable Energy The Infinite Power of
Texas video
• ‘Tale of Two Bulbs’ story on what a watt
really costs
The workshop was a huge success by educating teachers
that using solar power can be fun and exciting. It was
encouraging to hear from the teachers their ideas on how
we are going to achieve our goal of developing a localized
Junior Solar Sprint school race, turning it into a district race
and eventually into a North Texas regional race.
Background on the JSS Program
The U.S. Department of Energy’s National Junior Solar Sprint
(JSS) Program is a classroom-based, hands-on educational
program for 6th, 7th, and 8th grade students. JSS student
teams apply math and science skills, along with creativity to
construct model solar-powered cars and race them in
interscholastic competitions hosted within their schools or
within their states or regions. JSS began in 1990 as a single
demonstration race and expanded to 10 regional
competitions in 1991. The program now uses public and
private sector support to improve education in middle/junior
high schools across the nation. In recent years, the event
grew to 83 host sites in 26 states involving 100,000 students
and 15,000 teachers. In Texas, there are several regional
programs and the Texas Solar Energy Society has promoted
JSS extensively. This partnership seeks to expand the JSS
program in Texas.
The primary goals of the Texas JSS program are to:

1. Generate enthusiasm for science and engineering

at a crucial stage in the educational development of
• Solar Electric – Photovoltaic power – hands on with young people;
various types of modules
• Designing, building and racing of the JSS solar power car 2. Improve students’ understanding of scientific
concepts and renewable energy technologies; and
With the hands on activities, teachers were able to connect
with the various aspects of JSS. We were really excited 3. Encourage young people to consider technical
about the workshop with the opportunity to show our careers at an early age.
teachers that solar solutions are real and are available. It
If you are interested in finding out more information on the
was remarkable to hear the teachers talk about how the
Junior Solar Sprint program contact Watt Watchers of Texas
students will react to using this experimenting tool in the
at 1-888-USWATTS or email us at info@wattwatchers.org.
world of renewable energy within their class rooms and
beyond.

Q: How many
philosophers does
it take to change a
Junior Solar Sprint TEKS-By request-
light bulb?

A
t a recent Junior Solar Sprint workshop,
A: Depends on how teachers commented that the JSS concept was
you define great, but wondered how would they fit it into
‘change’. their curriculum. They needed TEKS to back up their
love of the activity. So, we found some.
The JSS program is done differently in every classroom
and by every teacher. Some make it a part of a bigger
lesson on renewable resources, some part of a
geometry lesson. Some require more drawing and
planning, some analyze the race data. By doing a
simple plan/ draw/ build/ race lesson, you may cover
2 the following TEKS.
Math: 6.6(A,B,C), 6.8(A,B,C,D), 6.11(A,B,C,D),
6.12(A,B), 7.2(B,D), 7.4(A,B,C), 7.8(C), 7.9,
7.13(A,B,C,D), 7.14(A,B), 8.7(A,B), 8.10(A),
8.14(A,B,C,D),8.15(A,B)
Science: 6.1(A,B), 6.2(A,B,C,D,E), 6.4(A,B), 6.6(A,B),
6.8(A), 6.9(A,B,C), 6.13(A), 7.1(A,B), 7.2(A,B,C,D,E),
7.4(A,B), 7.6(A,B), 7.8(A,B), 8.1(A,B), 8.2(A,B,C,D,E),
8.4(A), 8.5(A,B,C)
Social Studies: 6.6(B), 6.7(C), 6.8(C), 6.9(A,B),
6.20(A,B,C), 6.23(A,B), 7.10(A), 7.20(D,F), 7.23(A,B),
8.28(A), 8.29(A), 8.32(A,B)

Section A
THE TRANSMISSION LINE
Kyoto Protocol Takes Effect
Following its ratification by Russia in late 2004, the equivalent (with the exception of a moon roof) to a
Kyoto Protocol entered into force recently, causing its Honda Accord EX V-6, which carries an MSRP of
greenhouse gas emission targets to become binding $26,700. Based on that comparison, the markup for the
legal commitments for those industrialized countries that hybrid system is about $3,290. The Accord Hybrid with
have ratified it. The Kyoto Protocol also puts several a 5-speed automatic transmission has earned fuel
market-based mechanisms in action, including economy ratings from the U.S. Environmental Protection
international greenhouse gas emissions trading and the Agency (EPA) of 29 miles per gallon (mpg) in the city
Clean Development Mechanism, which credits and 37 mpg on the highway.
participating countries for encouraging clean While Honda launches its largest and most
development in developing countries. The Kyoto powerful hybrid to date, ZAP, a seller of advanced-
Protocol sets emission targets for industrialized technology vehicles, is preparing to market the tiny
countries for the years 2008 to 2012, aiming to reduce SMART two-passenger vehicle in the United States. The
the greenhouse gas emissions in industrialized
E W S IRE
vehicle is manufactured in France by smart gmbh, a
N W
HE
countries to at least 5 percent below 1990 levels. DaimlerChrysler company, and ZAP has earned
If all industrialized countries participated in the approval from the EPA and the U.S. Department of F F T
T O
treaty, the Kyoto Protocol would apply to about half of Transportation to sell a modified version in the United
global greenhouse gas emissions, but since the United States. The SMART features a six-speed transmission HO
States and Australia have not ratified it, the Kyoto and a 61-hp, 3-cylinder turbocharged engine. Although
Protocol’s limits apply to 32 percent of global emissions. ZAP claims the SMART achieves 60 mpg, EPA tests
Although the United States is not participating, the Bush pegged it at 37 mpg. ZAP intends to start selling the
Administration has set a target to reduce the U.S. SMART in early 2005 and is currently auctioning off
greenhouse gas intensity (the amount of greenhouse one vehicle on e-Bay. See http://www.zapworld.com/
gas produced per unit of gross domestic product) by cars/smartCar.asp
18 percent by 2012. For more information, see http://
www.pewclimate.org/ established by the Pew Center DOE Tightens Criteria for Energy Star Clothes
on Global Climate Change.

6
Washers
As the Kyoto Protocol takes effect, researchers
at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration DOE announced on March 30th that it has developed
A sleeping monitor
(NASA) have verified that global temperatures in 2004 more stringent criteria for clothes washers carrying the saves nearly 200
Energy Star label. The new, tougher criteria are
made it the fourth-warmest year on record, falling behind kWh per year which
2002, 2003, and the record year of 1998. The expected to save consumers more than $52.8 million is equal to:
researchers also anticipate that 2005 could set a new annually. The new criteria will go into effect on January
1st, 2007, when tougher minimum efficiency standards ! adding 2,000
record for global temperature. square feet of trees
for all clothes washers take effect. Under the new
guidelines, models earning the Energy Star label will ! removing more
Major Corporations Buy 62 Megawatts of be 36 percent more efficient than washers that meet than a week’s worth
Green Power in 2004 the minimum requirements and will collectively save of emissions from a
more than 185.7 million kilowatt-hours of electricity per car
The World Resources Institute (WRI) announced last
year. The new Energy Star criteria also include water ! saving 8 gallons
week that the members of its Green Power Market
savings requirements for the first time, resulting in a of gasoline
Development Group have bought 62 megawatts (MW)
savings of 8.9 billion gallons of fresh water each year.
of electricity from renewable energy sources over the
past year. The Green Power Group is a WRI project
that established a unique partnership dedicated to
In 1997, less than one percent of clothes washers
qualified for the Energy Star label. Today, Energy Star
6
building corporate markets for green power. Its clothes washers account for more than 30 percent of
members are Alcoa Inc., Cargill Dow LLC, Delphi all units sold throughout the United States, and more
Corporation, The Dow Chemical Company, DuPont, and more efficient models are becoming available each
FedEx Kinko’s, General Motors Corporation, IBM, year.
Interface Inc., Johnson & Johnson, Pitney Bowes, and From http://www.eere.energy.gov/news/
Staples.
The 62 MW of green power—enough to power U.S. Dependence on Imported Energy to
46,000 homes—represents purchases made for more
than 80 facilities in 18 states. It includes 39 MW of
Grow by 2025
certified renewable energy credits (supporting 21 MW A growing U.S. thirst for oil and natural gas will draw
of biomass power and 18 MW of wind power), 21 MW increasingly on foreign imports over the next 20 years,
of power from landfill gas (supported by DuPont and according to the DOE’s Energy Information
Johnson & Johnson), and 2 MW of wind and solar power Administration (EIA). The EIA’s “Annual Energy Outlook
installed at facilities owned by Johnson & Johnson and 2005,” released recently, says that by 2025, as much
Q: How many
IBM. In addition, Staples is installing two 280-kilowatt as 68 percent of the U.S. petroleum demand could aerospace engineers
solar power systems at facilities in California. According depend on imported oil, up from 56 percent in 2003. does it take to
to WRI, five of the Green Power Group members now Meanwhile, U.S. natural gas consumption will increase change a light bulb?
draw on renewable energy for 10 percent or more of by 9 trillion cubic feet, a 41 percent increase, of which A: None. Changing a
their power needs in the United States. 6.4 trillion cubic feet are expected to come from imported light bulb doesn’t
liquefied natural gas (LNG). That will cause LNG imports really require
See http://www.thegreenpowergroup.org/ rocket science.
groupevents.html. to increase 16-fold from the 2003 level of 0.4 trillion
cubic feet. Meanwhile, the amount of electricity
produced from renewable energy—including large-scale
Honda Debuts Its Third Hybrid Vehicle, the hydropower and combined heat and power generation—
Accord Hybrid is projected to grow only 1.4 percent per year, increasing
The 2005 Honda Accord Hybrid went on sale in the from 359 billion kilowatt-hours in 2003 to 489 billion
United States last week. Honda’s third hybrid vehicle kilowatt-hours in 2025.
carries a manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) All stories excerpted from: http://www.eere.energy.gov/ 3
of $29,990. The vehicle comes standard with a large news/
number of luxury add-ons that make it essentially
Section A
ARE DISPOSABLE CAMERAS REUSABLE?

O
ne-time use cameras seem wasteful if you
believe that the photo developer at the counter
Formulate a Hypothesis:
is throwing the camera body away. In actuality,
the film companies request these bodies be returned Materials: goggles, one disposable camera, insulated
so the parts can be reused. Parts from the camera scissors, pencil.
bodies are used whole, or ground up and melted down
to be made into new parts. Kodak and Fuji participate Procedure:
in the recycling of one-time use 1. Put on your goggles and tie back
cameras. Fuji reuses or recycles over long hair.
82% of the parts it collects. TEKS 2. Depending on the type of camera,
Math: 6.3(A,C), 6.10 (D), 6.11 tear off the paper covering and/or crack
Reloaded cameras, however, are one- (A), 7.13(A), 8.12(C), 8.14(A) open the body of the camera.
time use camera bodies that have 3. Take out the battery.
Science: 6.1 (A,B), 6.2
6

been purchased by a discounter from (A,B,C,D,E), 6.4 (A,B), 7.1

4. BE VERY CAREFULL DURING
the photo developer, loaded with film, (A,B), 7.2(A,B,C,D,E), 7.4(A,B), THIS STEP!!! Discharge the capacitor
“The last time the relabeled and sold under a different 7.14(C), 8.1(A,B), by touching the scissors to it. Do this a
United States got really 8.2(A,B,C,D,E), 8.4(A,B), 8.5
serious about energy
name. These cameras may not work few times- until no more sparks fly.
correctly and are not recommended (A) 5. Take the pieces of your camera
efficiency – after the
1974 oil price shocks – for use by the major film and camera Social studies: 6.7(C), 6.9(A,B),
apart slowly and carefully. Look at them
U.S. oil use fell so low companies. 6.21 (B,C,E), 6.22 (B,C,D,E), to see whether you could reuse that
that OPEC was nearly 7.20 (C,D), 7.21 (B,C,E), piece and how easy it would be to do.
wiped out. A more 7.22(B,C,D), 8.20 (C,D,F),
To collect the needed materials for this 6. Separate the pieces into piles by
permanent reduction – 8.28(C,D), 8.30(B,C,E),
even if partly offset by lab, contact a local photo developer. color.
8.31(B,C,D)
rising demand in the You can use any brand of camera
fast-growing Asian body for this experiment. Explain your ELA: 6.4(A), 6.10(A),
economies – would lab and purpose and request that they 6.15(A,B,C,E,F), 6.17(A,C),
completely change the 6.18(A), 7.4(A), 7.10(A),
save camera bodies for you for a
global order. As oil 7.15(A,B,C,E,F), 7.17(A,C),
prices fell – to as low specific timeframe. Kodak provides
7.18(A), 8.4(A), 8.10(A),
as fifteen dollars a a preaddressed, postage paid 8.15(A,B,C,E,F), 8.17(A,C),
barrel, some analysts envelope for the photo developer to 8.18(A),
say – many big oil return the one-time use cameras in.
states would see their
geopolitical status
Request that this bag also be given
tumble.” to the class, so you can return the parts when you are
finished with the lab, therefore closing the recycling
Paul Roberts,
The End of Oil, 2004. loop. Cameras without a flash will not have a battery
or a need for step 4 of the lesson.
6

For more information on recycling one-time use

cameras, check the following websites: http://
www.fujifilm.com/JSP/fuji/epartners/
EnvironmentQS.jsp or http://www.kodak.com/global/en/
corp/environment/kes/pubs/pdfs/OTUCRecycling.pdf.

http://www.kodak.com/global/en/corp/environment/
kes/pubs/pdfs/OTUCRecycling.pdf

Answer the following questions and

document your conclusions:
1. Make a chart of 10 pieces you found. Indicate
whether they could be reused/recycled, and how
easy/difficult it would be to do that.
2. Did you notice signs of “clumping”, areas of the
same material in the same place?
3. What do you notice about different colored piles of
plastic? What do you think those colors might tell
us? What percentage of each color do you find?
4. Approximately how long did it take you to take the
camera apart?
5. Could this time be decreased with the use of
machines and sorters?
6. What type of sorting properties could be used?
7. What do you think stores do with these cameras
after they develop the film (other than give them to
crazy teachers)?
8. What would you want the developers to do if you
were the camera company owner?
9. Would the price of one-time use cameras change if
all parts were recycled? How?
10. Is your hypothesis correct? How would you change
h t t p : / / w w w. f u j i f i l m . c o m / J S P / f u j i / e p a r t n e r s / it if it were not correct?
EnvironmentQS.jsp 11. What did you learn?
4 12. Compare your results with results derived using a
different hypothesis.
Section A
PROGRAM NEWS
Are you changing schools?
I
f you are a Watt Watchers sponsor and are planning Remember to contact us with the updates and contact
a move to a new school, please let us know where changes… good records will not only allow us to “Seventy-five percent of the
electricity used to power
you are moving. Updating your information will communicate with sponsors better, it will help keep
home electronics is
ensure that upcoming Watt Watchers materials will you on the list for the five-year lifetime Watt Watchers consumed while the
follow you (and we have a lot of new materials coming lapel pin. products are turned off.
down the pipeline this fall). We will be glad to send Across the U.S., this equals
you a new kit if you will leave your Watt Watchers kit the annual output of 12
power plants and costs
behind with a new sponsor who you recruit to
consumers over $1 billion
take your place. Once you have each year.”
recruited a new sponsor for
EPA, www.energystar.gov
your old school, contact
Watt Watchers so
we can welcome
our new
sponsor and
make sure he
or she has all
the materials
needed to
continue the “If we did a better job of
managing our resources
successful more sustainably, conflicts
W a t t over them would be
Watchers program reduced. Protecting the
that you started. global environment is
directly related to securing
peace.”
Nobel Peace Prize winner
Wangari Maathai

Revised Knowledge is Power

A
s classrooms have changed, so has
the way you report what you are
teaching. A unit topic and the
approximate date you will teach it used to be
good enough. Now you turn in a spreadsheet
with each day planned in detail including a
starter, the activities, assessment, and of
course the TEKS.
At Watt Watchers of Texas we know teaching
energy efficiency and conservation are
important and that they are hard to fit in to a
year filled with mandatory topics. For this
reason we have revised our Knowledge is
Power Energy Efficiency Curriculum
Supplement.
The new lessons are written in a more teacher
friendly format. They include starter activities,
discussion questions, and extensions. They
also include a revised list of TEKS that better Q: How many
fits the main activities. philosophers does it
take to change a
These lessons have a suggested grade level, light bulb?
which the TEKS are listed for, but we hope
A: You cannot
that you will expand out into the other grade change a light bulb.
levels. All the lessons are great and can be By its nature it will
used for students of all ages. go out again.

You can find copies of the revised lessons

on the Watt Watchers of Texas website or on
the new CD coming out this spring.
We will continue to support your efforts to
teach energy efficiency and conservation by
revising Knowledge is Power as needed and
adding new topics and activities. Keep up
the good work!!
9
Section A

“Two centuries ago, the
first industrial revolution
made people a hundred
times more productive,
harnessed fossil energy
for transport and
production, and nurtured
the young U.S. economy.
Then, over the past 145
years, the Age of Oil
brought unprecedented
mobility, globe-spanning
military power, and
amazing synthetic
products. But at what
cost? Oil, which created
the sinews of our
strength, is now
becoming an even
greater source of
weakness: its volatile
price erodes prosperity;
its vulnerabilities
undermine security; its
emissions destabilize
climate. Moreover the
quest to attain oil creates
dangerous new rivalries
and tarnishes America’s
moral standing. All these
costs are rising. And their
root causes—most of all,
inefficient light trucks and
cars—also threaten the
competitiveness of U.S.
automaking and other
key industrial sectors.”
Amory Lovins,
Winning the Oil Endgame, 2004.
www.oilendgame.org
10
Section A
PRESERVING YOUR KIT
A
Watt Watchers kit contains about $25 worth of Watt Watchers can not supply your program with the
materials, not including postage. The notebooks, consumable supplies, like forms, that are needed to
lanyards, name tags, pencils, sample tickets, keep the program active. We do provide you with a set
forms, and manual are all essential parts of a successful of originals in the Watt Watchers manual to allow you
program. The idea behind providing each school with a to make copies as necessary. They are also available
complete kit is to make it easy to get started. A new on our website and CD-ROM.
Watt Watchers sponsor can open up the kit and start The permanent parts of your kit are also the most
the program in a matter of minutes. expensive parts and these are the items important to
Well, that works for this year but, what about next year preserve. We purchase lanyards and notebooks by the
and the year after that? Can Watt Watchers send a new thousands since they are imprinted and are cheaper in
kit every year? Well, I suppose we could but it would quantity. If your notebooks/lanyards get damaged or
defeat our overall mission which is to have Watt misplaced please let us know so that we can replace
Watchers active on every school campus in Texas, all them.
7,000 of them. On the other hand, Watt Watchers is We can easily supply your program with new pencils
committed to supporting our current schools because and blank color nametags each fall. We encourage you
we want you to stay active and even expand your energy to give the pencils and paper nametags to participating
saving activities. So the simple answer is – we will
students along with a certificate of appreciation
supply as many kits to at the end of the year.
everyone needing Please contact Watt
materials as we Watchers with your
possibly can under our supply request and we
budget. Obviously our
will get them out to you
ability to provide kits is as soon as possible.
limited but our goal is to
keep as many current If you move to a new
and future schools active school we hope that
in Watt Watchers as you will leave your
Watt Watchers kit
possible. So, please tell
behind with a new
us what you need and
we will do our best to sponsor you recruit
supply you. to fill your shoes,
and enroll your
On the practical side, new school too. We
let’s discuss the will be glad to
options you have send you a new
as a sponsor. kit. During the
Some of the transition, please
materials in the kit are help us to keep
consumable and will have your records straight.
to be replaced by your school We want to accurately
as they are used. Examples of account for each active Watt Watchers school. Good
these are tickets and forms. Other materials are meant records will allow us to communicate with sponsors so
to be permanent parts of your kit. Examples of these that everyone is aware of the most up to date Watt
are notebooks, lanyards, and name badge holders. Still Watchers information.
other items in your kit fall between these two extremes.
Examples of these are pencils and name tags.
Close Encounters
of the
Energy Kind
A
n Energy Encounter is a one day event
to provide lots of information, ideas, and
excitement about energy projects for
students, teachers and administrators. Groups
from several different schools in a district or
region come together for fun, learning, and
motivation. It is a great way to pick up energy
project ideas for Student Council, Future
Teachers of America, National Honor Society,
Future Business Leaders of America, your
Science Club or other group.
Watt Watchers is working on scheduling Energy
Encounters in San Antonio/Austin, Dallas, and
Houston. Please contact us to find out details
or to schedule an Energy Encounter in your
area. Call or e-mail: watts@utep.edu or 1-
888-WATTEAM.
And the Award goes to-o-o-o...
162 Watt Watchers of Texas Sponsors
W
att Watchers of Texas sponsors are a very
special group of concerned, action oriented
educators, determined to make a change in
the way we use energy at school and in our homes.
Watt Watchers of Texas established the 5 Year Pin
program to recognize these unsung heroes. After being
a Watt Watcher Sponsor for five years, you will have
saved thousands of dollars for your school district. You
will have prevented tons of pollution from entering our
atmosphere. And, you will have educated dozens of
students about caring for their world. Not to mention
changing the habits and attitudes of fellow teachers
and administrators. Those are heroic actions.
There are currently 739 teachers across Texas who
This year Watt Watchers of Texas has the
pleasure of sending out 162 lapel pins. It is
very important to Watt Watchers to be able
to recognize these individuals that
have helped make our program
the success it is today.
Are you wondering what it takes
to get a lapel pin? Here is how
you can receive this beautiful pin:
Teachers -
! Be an active Watt Watcher sponsor for 5 or
more years.
Energy Managers/Administrators at district level
-
! Sign up majority of the schools in your district
to participate in the Watt Watchers of Texas
Program. Supply Watt Watchers with a list of
sponsors on each campus.
! Implement the Sleep is Good program in your
district.

6
! Benchmark school buildings in your district.
A car that gets 20
School Administrators - miles per gallon
! Support a Watt Watcher program in your school (mpg) emits
and report savings to the Watt Watchers of Texas approximately 50
program. tons of global-
have been consistently helping to save energy, save warming-inducing
money, and prevent pollution for five years or more. carbon dioxide over
its lifetime, while a

List of recipients for 2005

40-mpg car emits
only 25 tons. Over
the average lifetime
of an American car
School District School Name Sponsor Name COPPELL ISD: COPPELL H S- WENDY LEVEL (100,000 miles), a
COPPELL MIDDLE NORTH- GARY HAYDEN 40-mpg car will also
save approximately
ALAMO HEIGHTS ISD: ALAMO HEIGHTS H S - CAROL MARSH CORPUS CHRISTI ISD: KOSTORYZ EL- LINDA MOYER
$3,000 in fuel costs
ALDINE ISD: ALDINE HIGH SCHOOL- LIZ WOLF CROSBYTON CISD: CROSBYTON MIDDLE- AMY RICHARDSON
compared to a 20-
ALEDO ISD: ALEDO HIGH SCHOOL- GLORIA ANDREWS CULBERSON COUNTY-ALLAMOORE ISD: VAN HORN H S-
mpg car.
ANDREWS ISD: ANDREWS HIGH SCHOOL- JOYCE MERRELL LYNN SOLIS
(Natural Resources
DEVONIAN ELEM- LINDA YOUNGBLOOD EAGLE EL- YOLANDA ORTEGA Defense Council)
6

ANSON ISD: ANSON H S- LORI PITTARD
ARANSAS COUNTY ISD: ROCKPORT-FULTON MIDDLE
SCHOOL- PHIL DECKER
ARLINGTON ISD: BOWIE H S- TODD WATKINS
AZLE ISD: LIBERTY EL- JACKIE RUSH
BANDERA ISD: BANDERA MIDDLE- CHERYL WANGER
BASTROP ISD: RED ROCK ELEMENTARY- LINDA BORSHEIM
BRAZOSPORT ISD: GRIFFITH EL- KATHY HOLT
BRYAN ISD: MARY BRANCH ELEMENTARY- DANA MULLER
ALTON BOWEN ELEMENTARY- LORI EVANS
JOHNSON ELEMENTARY- DEBBIE BARTON
BUNA ISD: BUNA J H- ERIC FORD
BURLESON ISD: NICK KERR MIDDLE SCHOOL- R. GEORGE
MOUND EL- TERESA CARPENTER
CALDWELL ISD: CALDWELL MIDDLE- CONNIE JOHNSON
CANUTILLO ISD: CANUTILLO MS- JOE BUENO
CANUTILLO PRI- JUDITH VALLE
JOSE H DAMIAN EL- JULIA MELENDEZ
DEANNA DAVENPORT EL- RAY VILLALOBOS
DEANNA DAVENPORT EL- MARGARITA REZA
CANYON ISD: ARDEN ROAD ELEM- CHRIS NORTON
CLINT ISD: WM DAVID SURRATT ELEMENTARY- GRACIELA
ACOSTA
EAST MONTANA MIDDLE SCHOOL- SANDRA MANRIQUEZ
COLLEGE STATION ISD: COLLEGE STATION MIDDLE SCHOOL-
CYNDE SAMPSON
COLUMBIA-BRAZORIA ISD: CHARLIE BROWN INT- IRIS
HOWARD
CYPRESS-FAIRBANKS ISD: BLEYL MIDDLE SCHOOL- BETH
MUYSKENS
DALLAS ISD: GILBERT CUELLAR SR EL- RENEATA BENJAMIN
MOISES MOLINA H S- DANIELLE MITCHELL
THOMAS L MARSALIS EL- C. EASON
DENTON ISD: CALHOUN MIDDLE- DARLA PURCELL
CROWNOVER MIDDLE SCHOOL- PAUL TAGLIABUE
DONNA INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT: DONNA HIGH
SCHOOL- MARTIN ESTRADA
MARIA ALICIA P MUNOZ ELEMENTARY- IRMA ESTRADA
LE NOIR ELEMENTARY- GLORIA GONZALES
A P SOLIS MIDDLE SCHOOL- OLGA JIMENEZ
EDCOUCH-ELSA ISD: EDCOUCH-ELSA H S- JUAN MARTINEZ
EDGEWOOD ISD: HOELSCHER ELEMENTARY SCHOOL-
SANDRA MORALES
EMMA FREY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL- AUDELIA ALVARADO
STAFFORD ELEMENTARY SCHOOL- H. ALMARAZ
EDINBURG CONSOLIDATED: CANTERBURY ELEM- MARISSA
GORENA
HARGILL ELEM- CARLYN HEATH
EL PASO ISD: ROSS MIDDLE- AIDA CASTORENA
MESITA EL- DELIA CAMACHO
SCHUSTER EL- BLANCA GARCIA
CROSBY EL- CHARLOTTE CLARKE
GUERRERO EL- KRISTIE HARE
FORT BEND ISD: HIGHTOWER H S- MS. BURNHAM
OYSTER CREEK ELEMENTARY- NANCY BROCK
11
FT DAVIS ISD: FT DAVIS H S- AMY SLOVER
Section A
 List of recipients for 2005 continued from page A-12
FT DAVIS H S- CAMILIE DOSS
FT HANCOCK ISD:
FORT HANCOCK
SCHOOL- MELISSA
PETREY
GALENA PARK ISD:
NORTH SHORE SR H
6
S- GIL GAONA
“The picture for long GIDDINGS ISD:
term oil is not GIDDINGS INT-
encouraging. Even if CAROL WEYAND
you don’t subscribe GLADEWATER ISD:
to the fear that oil will GLADEWATER H S-
run out tomorrow, it is DELORES AUVIL
clearly going to BROADWAY EL-
become riskier by the KATHY HOMENIUK
year – technically, GLEN ROSE ISD:
geologically, GLEN ROSE H S-
environmentally, and M E L I N D A
ultimately STRICKLAND
economically and GOOSE CREEK CISD:
politically. Yet thus BAYTOWN J H- CAMILLE BURT MULESHOE ISD: WATSON
far, governments, and J H- HOLLY HOOTEN
GRAND PRAIRIE ISD: REAGAN MIDDLE - BRENT JONES
the populations that WATSON J H- TRACY
BARBARA BUSH EL- EMMA BRUCE
elect them, seem to BEEN
be in a state of denial HARRY S TRUMAN MIDDLE- CHERI ALEXANDER
NAVASOTA ISD:
about petroleum. SO GRAND PRAIRIE H S- DEBBIE BEAUDIN NAVASOTA INT-
…the real question I s GRAPE CREEK ISD: GRAPE CREEK INTERMEDIATE- CINDY CHRIS TYSON
not whether oil will BLEVINS NAVASOTA
run out (it will) but GRAPEVINE-COLLEYVILLE ISD: BRANSFORD EL- ANN MCKEE PRIMARY- MRS.
whether we have the MEISEL
COLLEYVILLE HERITAGE H S- TERRI KITZMILLER
capacity, the political
will, to see that HAMLIN ISD: HAMLIN MIDDLE- NORMAN POND
NORTH FOREST ISD: KIRBY MIDDLE- ESTHER
outcome soon HARLANDALE ISD: WRIGHT EL- JOHN
DYKES
enough to prepare HASBROOK
EAST HOUSTON INTERMEDIATE- DAISY
ourselves for it.” RAYBURN EL- ELISA TELLEZ-TREVINO
HALL
Paul Roberts, VESTAL EL- RON GAMBLE
FONWOOD EL- WILLIE MONTGOMERY
The End of Oil, 2004. HARLINGEN CISD: AUSTIN EL- BLANCA
HILLIARD EL- DANA WILLIAMS
6

VILLAREAL
THURGOOD MARSHALL EL- CLOTEAL
HOUSTON ISD: JOHNSTON MIDDLE- JANE
STIDOM
SAKELY
ORE CITY ISD: ORE CITY MIDDLE- BECKY
HOUSTON ISD: HARTMAN MIDDLE-
MYERS
TEFFINE CHAMBERS
ORE CITY MIDDLE- M. MURPHY
HUNTINGTON ISD: HUNTINGTON H S- J’NELLE
SHORT PALACIOS ISD: EAST SIDE INTERMEDIATE- MARY
CARROLL TRAYLOR
HURST-EULESS-BEDFORD ISD: BELL H S- SHERRI
ROSSE PARIS ISD: PARIS H S- JERRY FLEMING
JARRELL ISD: JARRELL H S- VINETTE MAKAL PASADENA ISD: RICHEY EL- JOSEPH BEATTY
KILLEEN ISD: SMITH MIDDLE SCHOOL- JULIAN CHANEY PERRYTON ISD: PERRYTON H S- BOBETTE DOERRIE
LA JOYA ISD: MEMORIAL MIDDLE- BRENDA TREVINO PFLUGERVILLE ISD: JOHN B CONNALLY H S- TRISHA SMITH
MEMORIAL MIDDLE- JOSE CHAPA PARK CREST MIDDLE- SARA JOHNSON
E B REYNA EL- JOSE DIANAS PFLUGERVILLE EL- M. GREGORY
PATRICIO PEREZ ELEMENTARY- MARYBEL URESTI PARMER LANE EL- JONI MCKEE
JUAREZ/LINCOLN HIGH SCHOOL- ALEX MARTINEZ PHARR-SAN JUAN-ALAMO ISD: CARNAHAN EL- MARICELA
ROMERO
JUAREZ/LINCOLN HIGH SCHOOL- ANA LOYA
DOEDYNS EL- JANIE REYNA
LA VERNIA ISD: LA VERNIA EL- SHELLY SHAFFER
PLAINS ISD: PLAINS EL- MARY PETTIGREW
LAGO VISTA ISD: LAGO VISTA EL- JUDI FLORES
PLAINVIEW ISD: HOUSTON SCHOOL- DAVID BARRETT
LAKE TRAVIS ISD: LAKE TRAVIS H S- LES VAUGHAN
ASH 6TH GRADE LEARNING CENTER- SUSAN THOMPSON
LAMAR CONSOLIDATED ISD: LAMAR J H- VICTORIA BEDO
PRIVATE: All Saints Episcopal School- SHARRON BRAUN
LAMESA ISD: LAMESA MIDDLE- JACKIE WELLS
REAGAN COUNTY ISD: REAGAN COUNTY ELEMENTARY- TINA
LAREDO ISD: DR LEO CIGARROA H S- ESTHER BUCKLEY
NOLAND
LAMAR MIDDLE- BLAS MARTINEZ
RICHARDSON ISD: LAKE HIGHLANDS H S- KATHRYN LASTER
LAMAR MIDDLE- JAVIER MATA
RICHARDSON H S- DEBBIE DEATON
DR LEO CIGARROA H S- FRANCISCO NIETO
LAKE HIGHLANDS J H- DEBORAH KEMPSTON
LEWISVILLE ISD: LEWISVILLE H S- ALLISON STAMEY
RIVERCREST ISD: RIVERCREST J H- LEAH BULL
LEWISVILLE H S-NORTH- BARBARA STOCK
ROSEBUD-LOTT ISD: ROSEBUD INTERMEDIATE- PAM PARCUS
LITTLE CYPRESS-MAURICEVILLE CISD: LITTLE CYPRESS J
ROUND ROCK ISD: SPICEWOOD EL- SHERYL SEIDERS
H- SUSAN ELLIS
RUSK ISD: RUSK J H- JOHN BURKHALTER
LOS FRESNOS CONS ISD: LOS FRESNOS HS- JUAN YBARRA
SAN SABA ISD: SAN SABA MIDDLE SCHOOL- LINDA
LOVELADY ISD: LOVELADY H S- DEBBIE LELAND
ROUNDTREE
LUBBOCK ISD: CAVAZOS J H- LAVERNE SHAW
SANGER ISD: CLEAR CREEK INT- BERNADETTE RICHARDSON
MACKENZIE J H- DENNIS CHANCE
CLEAR CREEK INT- RUBY HENLINE
LUFKIN ISD: LUFKIN H S- KAY JONES
SANTA ROSA ISD: SANTA ROSA HS- CLARISA VASQUEZ
MAGNOLIA ISD: WILLIE E WILLIAMS ELEMENTARY- ELIZABETH
SPRING BRANCH ISD: NORTHBROOK H S- CARTER FRANKLIN
WALKER
TEXAS CITY ISD: BLOCKER MIDDLE- B. IVERSON
MARBLE FALLS ISD: COLT EL- MARIA ZUBER
BLOCKER MIDDLE- JANET MASON
MCALLEN ISD: MCALLEN H S- ROLANDO GARZA
WESLACO ISD: LOUISE BLACK ELEMENTARY- MARIA A.
MERCEDES ISD: MERCEDES H S- SOPHIA DUMFORD-GUERRO
GOMEZ
MIDLAND ISD: DE ZAVALA ELEMENTARY- ELVA DAVILA
WESTWOOD ISD: WESTWOOD H S- LISA SANFORD
MIDLOTHIAN ISD: MT PEAK EL- MARILYN HOPKINS
WHITEFACE CONS ISD: WHITEFACE H S- SHIRLEY
MIDWAY ISD: MIDWAY INT- LEAH SMITH PATTERSON
MINERAL WELLS ISD: MINERAL WELL H S- JEFF WILLIAMS YSLETA ISD: EASTWOOD KNOLLS EL- YVETTE VELA
MONAHANS-WICKETT-PYOTE ISD: MONAHANS H S- BLANCA INDIAN RIDGE MIDDLE- A. PLAZA
12 SMITH
EASTWOOD H S- DEBY LEWIS
MONAHANS H S- MICHELLE BENHAM
EASTWOOD HEIGHTS EL- CHRISTY VIESCAS
Section A
 Section

The Newspaper for Watt Watchers and Watteam.

B
Spring 2005
Now incorporating WATTimes and the Texas School Energy Manager News.

R ECYCLING RANGERS
Round Ups Starting Soon!
Ponder this:
Today, 62 million newspapers will be printed in the
US, and 44 million will be thrown away. That means
the equivalent of about 500,000 trees will be dumped
into landfills this week. Source: The Earth Works
Group Recycler’s Handbook
Watt Watchers of Texas is sending out a call to all
the schools in Texas that have a recycling bin in their
parking lots but no program to go along with it. It
may sound strange to you but many schools have
the recycling bin and there are only a handful of
teachers that use it. We want to help you make a
change in your school – be known as the Recycling
Rangers for your school. Much like our Watt
Watchers patrols who are responsible for reducing
energy waste by
turning off lights,
our Recycling Rangers will
be responsible for
7. Kick Off the
reducing the
Program. Recycling is a hands-on tool
amount of paper for teaching students about the
and other 8. Continue
papermaking process, the
recyclable educating your environment, and personal

material that audience. responsibility.

9. Measure By recycling 1 ton of paper you

goes to waste. save: 17 trees, 6,953 gallons
The program is your results. of water, 463 gallons of oil, 587
easy and, like 10. Keep it up. pounds of air pollution; 3.06
cubic yards of landfill space;
always, Watt This is a sketch of and 4077 killowatt hours of
Watchers is here to support you every step of the the Recycling
energy.
way. The Recycling Rangers program will be Rangers program – In 2003 Americans recycled
released just in time for you to get your program more than 50 percent of all
if you have some paper consumed in the US. All
started for Texas Recycles Day on November 15, ideas about how to make this program come to life, of that old paper went back
2005. we would love to hear them. Watt Watchers will make
into new products such as
newspapers, corrugated
Our goal in this program is for Texas schools to make available to you graphics and facts to assist you with containers, grocery sacks,
a difference. Schools represent a significant source getting your program kicked off and running. We want cereal boxes, and office paper.
To build on this success the
of paper that can be recovered for recycling. you to be a success and one way we can ensure your US paper industry has set a
According to the U.S. Environmental Protection success is by providing you with the appropriate tools. goal to increase its paper
recovery rate to 55 percent of
Agency (EPA), waste from schools, institutions and all paper by 2012.
businesses makes up about 35 to 45 percent of all
Paper is a recyclable and
municipal solid waste. On average, up to 80 percent renewable resource you use
of a school’s waste stream can be recovered, and in every aspect of your life. It
is an everyday wonder, made
about half of that is paper. Texas Teachers and more wonderful every time
students can make this happen in their schools with you re-use it!.
the Recycling Rangers program.
Here’s a glimpse of the Recycling Rangers program:
1. Contact Watt Watchers for a complete manual
2. Gather the Facts: Conduct an audit to
determine the amount and types of items in
your school that can be recycled.
3. Determine what to collect: Talk to your
recycling company to find out what they will
accept – they may only recycle paper and you
need to know that before you sign on for
recycling aluminum, glass or other items.
4. Get Support from the Administration and Staff.
5. Pick a Sponsor.
1
6. Organize Collection Procedure.
Section B
 Electrifying Extras the OEC offers a Knowledge Box similar to Watt
Adopt-a-Beach Watcher’s Traveling Energy Exploration Stations. This
The statewide Adopt- a-Beach box can be borrowed after attending one of the OEC’s
program will have their spring classes for up to one month. Shipment of the Knowledge
cleanup on April 23, 2005. Box is limited to the greater Houston/Galveston Area.
There are 29 check-in sites
along the coast, so if you are
close to the water, you are close
to a clean up site. Check their
website, www.glo.state.tx.us/
adopt-a-beach, for a complete
listing.

The Texas General Land Office

http://www.glo.state.tx.us/
(GLO — the parent organization for Adopt-a-Beach)
adopt-a-beach/
has launched The Learning Zone as an educational
learningzone/aab-
tool for parents and kids. This is to inform them about
web.htm
the dangers of marine debris. The website has some
wonderful games such as Match the Trash- a Earth and Sky Radio
concentration type game that reveals pictures of
former Adopt-a-Beach events as you make matches. Series
As well as, Word Combing- a set of crossword puzzles http://www.earthsky.org/shows/
with categories such as trashy stuff and beach critters. earthcare/
There are also quizzes, coloring pages, trivia and more
wonderful games. All the information is available on Earth and Sky is a radio show out of Austin.
the web or, you can request a copy of the CD-ROM The website has transcripts of the broadcasts as well as
by calling 1-877-TX COAST. downloads so your class can listen
to the broadcast. A searchable
The Offshore Energy Center topic index shows broadcasts
6

about many topics that fit well with

http://www.oceanstaroec.com/
Americans use a
the Watt Watchers of Texas
billion gallons of
If you are in need of information or lab supplies to program. It’s also a great way to
motor oil a year, 350 teach the non-renewable portions of your curriculum, link Project Learning Tree (PLT) activities to
million gallons of the Offshore Energy Center can help. The Ocean some great background information and
which end up Star, a jack up drilling rig, is located on Galveston radio programs. Click on for teachers and
polluting the Island and is open for tours year round. The OEC’s you will see a list of Earthcare stories.
environment. Educational Outreach Program’s purpose is to These stories will give you a quick
(Department of Energy enhance science and technology curriculums for overview and if you see the PLT tree
and Maryland Energy
Administration) school children, from kindergarten through grade 12, logo, then it has been correlated to a
utilizing teacher workshops, field trips and overnight PLT activity. Each broadcast also has
6

and summer camps. The Center works with schools background information and sometimes, the editors
and teachers to promote the importance (past, present notes.
and future) of the offshore energy industry and its
contributions to our quality of life. The program is also In addition, a section of the website is devoted to
designed to ensure awareness of the industry’s answering your science questions. If your students can
contribution to and continued improvement of our ask it, they can answer it. Hundreds of topics already
environment. In addition to the teacher workshops, answered are listed in the FAQ section. This is a
wonderful tool for the “why’s“ of childhood.

§ Watt Watchers is a free, state-

sponsored program to help
school districts save energy and
money by getting students
involved.
§ Students patrol the school
looking for empty classrooms
with the lights on. They turn out
the lights and leave a ticket for
the teacher.
§ It may sound trivial but…when
the teacher forgets to turn out
the lights an 2 extra hours a day,
at lunch and after school for
example, — It costs the district
$50 every year.
§ Get your students involved.
Save energy, save money, and
2 prevent pollution.
Watt Watchers of Texas
1-888-US WATTS (1-888-879-2887)
P.O.Box 68660, El Paso, Texas 79968 Fax: 1-888-879-2887
e-mail: info@wattwatchers.org
http://wattwatchers.org
Your Name: _________________________________________________
School Name: _______________________________________________
School Address: ____________________________________________
(Free kit will be shipped to your school / Street address preferred)
City: ______________________ Zip: _____ - ____ County: ______
School Phone: ( ) ____ - ______ School Fax: ( ) ____ - _____
Email Address: ___________________________________________
Name of School District: ___________________________________
Date: _________ Spring 2005

Section B
 Watt’s Going on?

6
Just by using the

Watt Watchers of Texas Event Calendar 2005

“off the shelf”
energy-efficient
technologies
available today, we
could cut the cost

May 3rd – Energy Education in Texas Workshop – ESC June 18, 2005 – SolarFest 2005 – Maverick
of heating, cooling,
and lighting our

Region 1 Edinburg Park, San Antonio homes and

workplaces by up
A free event Sponsored by Solar San Antonio. Solar Fest 2005
This 6 hour workshop will cover all the Watt Watchers of Texas to 80%.
will showcase the latest in renewable energy technology and (U.S. Department of
materials available for teachers. Teachers will be able to explore
provide an opportunity to learn more about renewable energy, Energy
through the Traveling Energy Exploration Stations and
energy saving techniques and sustainable building applications. and Maryland Energy
experience the Knowledge is Power curriculum supplement at
Solar Fest 2004 reached approximately 1500 people from Administration)
work. For More information on this workshop, please contact
around South Texas. Over 35 exhibitors showcased all phases

6
Kirstin Wilsey at 1-888-WATTEAM
of renewable energy and sustainable living. For more
information, contact Solar San Antonio at
May 4th – Energy Education in Texas Workshop –ESC www.solarsanantonio.org
Region 1 Zapata
This 6 hour workshop covers all the Watt Watchers of Texas
materials available for teachers. Teachers will be able to explore
through the Traveling Energy Exploration Stations and
experience the Knowledge is Power curriculum supplement at
July 11th – Energy Education in Texas Workshop – ESC
work. For More information on this workshop, please contact
Kirstin Wilsey at 1-888-WATTEAM
Region 17 Lubbock
This 6 hour workshop covers all the Watt Watchers of Texas
materials available for teachers. Teachers will be able to explore
May 15, 2005 – The Cool House Tour – Austin - the Traveling Energy Exploration Stations and experience the
The Texas Solar Energy Society and the Austin Energy Green Knowledge is Power curriculum supplement at work. For more
Building Program and offer the 9th Cool House Tour, open information on this workshop, please contact Kirstin Wilsey at
houses of exemplary design, construction and technology. Tour 1-888-WATTEAM.
houses showcase energy efficiency, passive design and solar
technologies. Purchase the $10 guidebook at Central Market
or online in May. For information, email info@txses.org.

Alternative Energy Workshops - Ongoing around the State

Alternative Energy seeks to improve Texas secondary students’ understanding of energy, environmental issues and increase
their awareness of alternative fuels in their communities. Alternative Energy begins by introducing physical and chemical principles
of energy and fuels, then proceeds to investigations of the nature and extent of energy resources, the economic and environmental
effects of energy use, alternative energy technologies, global climate change, health and safety.
Workshops for the 2004-2005 school year have ended. However, there will be summer workshops held at various colleges in
conjunction with the Texas Commission of Environmental Qualities’ Teaching Environmental Sciences program. A summer and
2005-2006 workshop schedule, when available, will be posted on the SECO Workshops web page at www.seco.cpa.state.tx.us/
seco_workshops.htm. For more information, call Juline Gurasich at (512) 936-9283 or email juline.gurasich@cpa.state.tx.us.
Teachers attending a workshop receive a free CD, which includes 25 hands-on investigations/activities, web resources and
numerous flash animations. There are 6 hours of CPE credit given to workshop attendees.

Slaughter Elementary
Celebrates Earth Day
Slaughter Elementary Celebrates Earth Day Earth Day was started in
1970 by Gaylord Nelson
Children in Ms. Bucklin’s class at Slaughter who wanted to make us
Elementary in Mckinney, Texas celebrated Earth Day more aware of the things
by making posters showing ways we could help save hurting our planet.
our environment. They studied the impact of pollution
on the earth, recycling benefits and talked about toxic
waste in their classes. They also discussed and

brainstormed ways
we could stop
polluting Mother
Food for thought: ☺
Earth by using
alternative fuels One disposable diaper 3
and recycling waste into new products.
may take up to 500 years to breakdown. Section B
 Traveling Energy
6 Replacing one
incandescent
lightbulb with an
energy-saving
Exploration Stations
are on the road again!
compact

H
fluorescent bulb ave you had one of Watt Watchers of Texas’ to your school and depending on the station you check
means 1,000 Traveling Energy Exploration Stations at your out you can have them for 2-6 weeks. When your time
pounds less carbon school? If you haven’t you need to get on the is up we will have the station picked up and shipped
dioxide is emitted to list today. These hands-on educational boxes are back to Watt Watchers. It is that simple. Don’t delay;
the atmosphere and
geared at grades 3-8 and come complete to your school get your name on the list for these innovative, exciting,
$67 dollars is saved
on energy costs
with an Educator’s Guide, Models, Activities, Resource educational stations created by Watt Watchers of Texas.
over the bulb’s Outlet and much more. Did I mention that they are free
lifetime. to check out to Watt Watchers schools? That’s right, To request a Traveling Energy Exploration Station,
(U.S. Environmental FREE! Just like everything that Watt Watchers of Texas please email Watt Watchers at info@wattwatchers.org
Protection Agency and provides schools with – there is no cost. We will ship it or call us toll free at 1-888-USWATTS.
Alliance to Save Energy)

Renewable Energy Contents

6

Electricity Station Contents Teaching Aides Sun Job Sentences

Teaching Aides Educator’s Guide Make a Geyser
#Good Planets are
Educator’s Posters Gas From Garbage
Hard to Find! An
Guide Models Resource Outlet
environmental
Traveling Wind Generator Kit The Race to Save our
information guide,
Energy Activities Earth Video
dictionary, and
Exploration Make your own wind Science in Action:
action book for kids
Station CD- meter Solar Energy Video
(and adults).
ROM Blast Off Solar Powered
#Young Discoverers –
Set of Posters Testing a Wind Racers: Racing with
Energy and Power
Models Turbine the Sun
#Usborne Science &
Watts’ Up Meter Wind Energy: True or The Wind at Work
Experiments -
Activities False Energy for Keeps:
Energy & Power
Tale of Two Build a Dam Electricity from
– a practical
Light Bulbs - Hold that Drop Renewable Energy
introduction with
Compact You are my Sunshine Energy from the Sun
Q: How many projects and activities
Fluorescent vs. – Solar Mask Wind and Water
modern poets #What makes
Incandescent What color absorbs Power
does it take to everything go? An
How do you the sun’s heat the Energist: Water
change a light Energy Primer
best? Energist: Renewable
bulb? rate? #DK Eyewitness
Static Electricity Make a solar water Energy
A: None. Books – Electricity
Pathway heater
Clever Calvin –
Fish are swimming Stickers
Solar Cooking contents
Where does
through theedges Glow Bulb electricity come
of my Flashlight from?
consciousness, Make an #Environmental Action Teaching Aides Books
Electromagnet – Energy Solar Cooking Poster How to make Solar
and Simple Circuits Conservation Cards Cookers
Read a Meter #Explore Science: Solar Cooking Bulletin Cooking with the Sun
I like
Books Energy – Power UP! Board Supplies Cooking with
the dark. #Make it Work! Switch On, Switch Off Sunshine
Educator’s Guide
#Electricity – the Electricity & Models When the light goes
hands on approach to Magnetism – Sun Toy on
science Activities, Cookit Who owns the sun
#The Magic School Bus transparencies, Soltac Eleanor’s
and the electric field trip teaching guide CookSack Kit Cookbook
#Exploring Energy #The GREEN SOS Sport Solar Cooking
Janice VanCleave’s – Encyclopedia – An A – Primer
#Electricity Z Sourcebook of
#Discovering Electricity Environmental
Energy Activity Pack Concerns and
#Where does electricity
come from?
#Benjamin Franklin’s
solutions
Junior Solar Sprint contents
Teaching Aides energy and a picture
Adventures with
Educator’s Guide – catalog of model solar
Electricity
includes: information cars.
#Good Planets
on the JSS program, Car Building Supplies
are Hard to
instructions on how to 16 motors
Find! Ecology
assemble the cars so 16 wheel kits
Action
that the station can be 8 Solar Panels
Workbook and
returned and used 8 glue guns
Dictionary
by other 8 matte knives
schools 1 roll of Velcro
and Camera
background
information
4 on solar

Section B
Energy Manager News
Iowa Park CISD Completes Facility Washington State First in Nation to
Upgrade Project Using State Loan Require ‘Green Building’ Standards

I W
owa Park CISD recently completed a facility ashington leads the nation’s “green building”
improvement program using funds from the pack with the first state wide law requiring all
Comptroller of Public Accounts State Energy new public buildings, including schools, to meet
Conservation Office’s low interest loan program, Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED)
LoanSTAR and other SECO services, The project began “Energy security, always a
standards for energy efficiency. Under this new law, officials
when the school district requested a free energy survey estimate energy coast savings of 20 percent through critical mission for any
funded by SECO through it’s Schools and Local sustainable building designs, something Washington Gov. nation, will steadily
Governments Energy Management Program. The Christine Gregoire hopes will encourage other states to acquire greater urgency
survey was conducted by Texas Energy Engineering and priority. As it does,
follow suit. California, Virginia, Hawaii, and Virginia are also
Services, Inc. (TEESI), one of three engineering firms considering similar legislation, and Mayor Richard M. Daley international tensions and
under contract to SECO. of Chicago has instituted the same guidlines for public the risk of conflict will rise,
buildings in The Windy City. (http://www.usgbc.org/ for and these growing threats
The school district operates four campuses consisting more information on LEED) will make it increasingly
of: Two elementary schools, a middle school and high
“With this bill, Washington state is taking the lead to build difficult for governments to
school. The Iowa Park School Board and staff
schools and other state buildings that do a much better focus on longer-term
recognized that because of the age and condition of
job of protecting Washington’s air, land and water,” Gregoire challenges, such as
the equipment the buildings were uncomfortable and said at a signing ceremony at Washington Middle School
climate or alternative fuels
detrimental to the learning environment. They felt a in Olympia. A planned remodeling and addition to the school
– challenges that are in
pressing need to upgrade the heating and air will meet the U.S. Green Building Council standards for
themselves critical to
conditioning systems in the two elementary schools, such things as using recycled materials, ensuring better
energy security, yet which,
and replace the lighting in all buildings. They also ventilation in buildings and reducing water and energy use.
paradoxically, will be seen
realized that funding the upgrades was a challenge.
“One of my hopes is that by showing the way, we will as distractions from the
TEESI conducted the preliminary assessment to
encourage everybody from mall developers to campaign to keep the
determine if the district could fund the needed upgrades
homebuilders to use the same green building techniques energy flowing.”
from energy savings and utility rebates. The study
that schools and other government buildings will be using,”
determined that they could implement the vital upgrades Gregoire said. Paul Roberts, The End of
and repay the LoanSTAR loan from energy savings over Oil, 2004.
the next 10 years. The school district received a Under the new law, all major public agency facilities
LoanSTAR loan for $678,500 with an interest rate of exceeding 5,000 square feet, including school buildings
3%. The project is expected to produce annual energy receiving state funding, would be required to meet the
savings of $68,600 to repay the loan. In addition, the green building council’s Leadership in Energy and
Environmental Design (LEED) standards.
district received approximately $51,000 in utility rebates.
According to the State Board of Education and
Superintendent of Public Instruction’s office, use of
Laredo Independent School sustainable building designs result in:
20% annual savings in energy costs
District’s Clean School Bus Initiative
20% reduction in water costs
38% in waste water production

T
he Texas State Energy Conservation, in 22% reduction in construction waste
partnership with the Laredo Independent School A potential reduction in student absenteeism
District, was awarded $555,000 to implement the
A potential 5% decrease in teacher turnover rates
EPA’s Clean School Bus Program by retrofitting 73
school bus engines for cleaner diesel engines. The A potential 5% to 26% improvement in standardized test
district will also purchase 5 large passenger clean diesel scores
buses by the 2006 school year.
One Million People Take Tide
The Laredo Independent School District’s Clean School
Bus initiative seeks to reduce children’s exposure to ColdWater Challenge
harmful emissions from diesel buses. The project will
-Savings Could Equal
implement several clean fuel technologies that meet
the 2004 federal emissions standards. The district will $63 Million, 6.9 Million Btus

W
implement a program that will cover the 2-year period ith high energy costs taking a bigger bite out
of the grant to retrofit and upgrade the bus fleet to the of consumer wallets each day, more than one

O
cleaner burning Texas Low Emission Diesel diesel fuel. million Americans accepted the Procter & Remember -at any
This will help the Laredo area remain in attainment of Gamble (P&G)/Alliance to Save Energy (ASE) ColdWater step of your
Challenge to wash their clothes in cold water to save project at the
air pollution standards. school or the
money and energy. The web-based challenge (www. district level,
During the first year, a vendor will reflash (install
coldwater challenge.com/) could save participants up to feel free to
particulate matter traps) to the electronic control $63 million and has inspired Colorado State University contact Watt
modules and install the retrofits in 50 buses; the Watchers if you
(CSU) to encourage students in its dormitories and have any
remaining 23 buses will be retrofitted during the second apartments to start washing in cold water. It’s part of a questions or if
year. The Laredo Independent School District new program, Take the Plunge, encouraging cold-water you think there
Transportation Department will track mileage and fuel washing for the 5,500 occupants of CSU’s residence halls are some
consumption and keep maintenance and logs for each obstacles. We
and family housing. are confident
retrofitted bus. that we will be
About 80 to 85 percent of the energy used to wash clothes
See State Energy Conservation Office website at able to help.
goes to heating the water, according the nonprofit Alliance
www.seco.cpa.state.tx.us/ to Save Energy. CSU provides coin-operated laundry
facilities for campus residents, costing users about $1 a
load. Miyamoto said CSU doesn’t keep track of how many
loads are done on campus each year. But even if each of
those 5,500 campus residents did one load of laundry a
week in cold water rather than hot water during the 32-
week school year, CSU could save roughly $30,000 per
5
year.
Section B
 Alternative Energy
Curriculum Summary
by Juline Gurasich
workshops. Teachers’ evaluations of the materials

Aboout the author: Juline
Gurasich,
Program Manager
Juline was a science teacher
with Austin Independent
School District (A.I.S.D.) for
seven years. In addition to
B
etween 1996 and 1998, under grants from
and the workshops’ presenter averaged 9.4 and 9.6,
the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), the
Texas State Energy Conservation Office respectively, on a scale of ten.
(SECO) and the Texas Alternative Fuels Council, In 2004 the curriculum moved from AFRED’s office
Alternative Fuels Research and Education Division to SECO’s office where other existing educational
(AFRED) produced a curriculum supplement programs on renewable energy, energy
entitled Alternative Transportation Fuels to fill a gap

F
her teaching position, she conservation, and energy efficiency will be
served as the Technology in the materials on energy available in Texas for streamlined into a new web-based version. The new
Liaison for her campus,
training teachers and students
interdisciplinary addition is
in computer literacy. Juline secondary- slated to be
also worked with the district in s c h o o l online by April
developing the precursor to
the Texas Essential
s c i e n c e 2006.
Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) courses.
standards. She went to the Working with
Railroad Commission in 2000
s c i e n c e Alternative
to manage the revision,
production, and distribution of curriculum E n e r g y
the Alternative Energy experts from begins by
curriculum supplement for
the Texas introducing
secondary schools under a
State Energy Conservation Education physical and
Office grant contract. Juline A g e n c y, chemical
develops curriculum
AFRED staff principles of
materials, correlates materials
to the Texas Assessment of wrote 22 energy and
Knowledge and Skills and lessons and fuels, then
TEKS standards, organizes,
activities, proceeds to
conducts, and evaluates
teacher-training workshops. correlated investigations
She produced an interactive, them with of the nature
dual platform, educational CD
T e x a s ’ and extent of
in 2004 and has given
presentations and conducted educational e n e r g y
over 50 workshops across the standards, resources, the
U.S. She currently works for
wrote and economic and
the State Energy
Conservation Office where produced a environmental
she is the Program Manager Telly-award- effects of
overseeing the development
winning 13- energy use,
of a web-based, secondary-
education curriculum and a m i n u t e alternative
Texas Education Agency introductory e n e r g y
approved, college level, fuel-
video (“Way technologies,
cell curriculum.
Cool Fuels”), global climate
produced change, and
classroom related health
posters, and safety
overhead i s s u e s .
transparencies, Thematic
other ancillary lessons are
materials and included for
conducted schools that
workshops across the state. use a school-wide approach to teaching.
In 2000 SECO proposed and DOE approved a Alternative Energy emphasizes the gathering
follow-on grant under which AFRED produced a and evaluation of data on energy, fuels, technology and
second edition of the supplement and offered air quality through hands-on laboratory investigations.
additional workshops. The renewable energy The use of open-ended, student-generated models,
section of the curriculum was expanded and an simulations and concept maps showing the relations
between facts, encourages students to form hypotheses,
6

additional section on global climate change added.

The curriculum supplement was retitled Alternative test them, and apply the knowledge thus gained to real-
A decrease of only Energy to reflect its broader scope. world issues. The activities are designed for group
1% in industrial learning, which promotes interaction among students.
energy use would In 2003, under an additional SECO grant, AFRED Rubric grading is included to encourage acceptance of
save the equivalent converted Alternative Energy into an interactive CD, an array of answers to open-ended questions.
of about 55 million providing classroom-ready electronic material. The
barrels of oil per electronic edition is animated, colorized and Workshops for the 2004-2005 school year have
year, worth about available on a dual-platform CD-ROM. It includes ended. However, there will be some summer
$1 billion. new lessons, lesson upgrades and hypertext links. workshops held at various colleges in conjunction
6

The linked resources chosen will help advanced with the Texas Commission of Environmental
students go further, clarify and extend concepts for Qualities’ Teaching Environmental Sciences
remediation, connect schools with local businesses program. A summer and 2005-2006 workshop
and community organizations, and integrate schedule, when available, will be posted on SECO’s
environmental education more thoroughly into website http://www.seco.cpa.state.tx.us/.
computer-based class activities.
Teachers attending workshop will receive a free CD,
Acceptance by teachers has been excellent. To which includes 25 hands-on investigations/activities,
date, 1770 teachers of physical, biological, earth web resources and numerous flash animations.
6 and environmental sciences have attended There are 6 hours of CPE credit given to workshop
attendees.
Section B
 Watch your Watts!
By Julian Marta
Reprinted from the Sierra Blanca
High School Newspaper – Vaquero Talk
Volume 4, Issue 4 February 2005

B
y now you have probably noticed the posters,
Another helper that the
notes, and reminders that are posted all over
Watt Watchers have is
the school displaying such slogans such as “Be
Bo Ramirez. Bo
Watt Watcher Wise: Please remember to turn off your
takes care
lights” and “Remember that sleep is good– turn off your
computers”. This is because a new program called
Watt Watchers is now being implemented in our school.
The program was started by the State Department of
Energy as a way to raise awareness of how much
electricity is wasted and to help conserve it as well as
reduce energy costs. As soon as the business office
learned of this program, they quickly adopted it and
have used it since early December.
Since the task of managing electricity use and misuse
is not an easy one, Mrs. Jackson and Mrs. Golden’s
first task was to find somebody to help them. The fifth of the ag building and
grade class was their choice. Since they were given the library.
this job back in December, this class has been busy
These fifth graders, along
every morning and after school making their rounds to
with Bo, have really been a big help to Mrs. Golden
make sure that lights are turned out when they are not
and Mrs. Jackson in the business office. “We’d like to
being used. “Tickets” are given to violators of the Watt
thank them for their dedication and their leadership in
Watcher rules as reminders for them to turn their lights
helping out the school with our energy costs, and we
off when they are out of the room or when they leave
hope that their enthusiasm will be passed on to next
for the day.
year’s fifth graders. We would also like to thank Mrs.
The fifth graders have displayed a great interest in Church for allowing us class time to promote the
program,” said Mrs. Golden. Q: How many
helping the school with its energy costs. Selena consultants does it
Palacios said, “I enjoy it because it’s helping the school take to change a
In appreciation for their great help, Mrs. Jackson and light bulb?
with the electricity bill.” Makinzee Dingman said, “We’re
Mrs. Golden have already held a party for the Watt
helping the school to save money.” A: We don’t know.
Watchers and will be holding a “build it yourself” ice
They never get past
The fifth graders have also noticed a big difference in cream sundae social on February 23rd at 3:00 for them. the feasibility study.
people’s awareness. “People are turning out their lights Please help them by staying aware and conserving
more because we leave the notes,” said Aaron Garcia. energy here at the school. This may be something that
These students have goals to meet and therefore will you can implement at your own home or business to
do all they can to save energy. “I like giving people save energy.
tickets, especially Mr. Golden,” said Johnny Urbina, also
a fifth grader.
“In the United States,
approximately 6.6 tons (almost

Energy Education in Texas

15,000 pounds carbon
equivalent) of greenhouse
gases are emitted per person
every year. Emissions per
person have increased about
3.4% between 1990 and 1997.
Eighty-two percent of
greenhouse gas emissions are
from burning fossil fuels to
generate electricity and power

W
att Watchers of Texas will be traveling across Region 17 Lubbock – July 11th our cars. The remaining
the state of Texas this spring and summer to emissions are from methane
deliver great new tools for teaching about For time and location information or to register for one from wastes in our landfills,
of the above workshops please raising livestock, natural gas
energy. Energy Education in pipelines, and coal, as well as
Texas, the Watt Watchers of contact your Science Specialist from industrial chemicals and
Texas Teacher inservice, is ready at the Region Service Center. other sources.”
to come to a Regional Education The workshop will be 6 hours in
EPA, www.energystar.gov
Service Center near you. length and Watt Watchers of
Teachers will learn about how to Texas will provide each teacher
start a Watt Watchers of Texas with a certificate. Every teacher
program at their school, explore will leave with a copy of the
energy with the Traveling Energy Knowledge is Power Curriculum
Exploration Station, put their supplement, a Junior Solar Sprint
minds to work with the kit, a Watt Watchers of Texas kit,
Knowledge is Power curriculum and lots of other freebies.
supplement, and much more. If you are interested in organizing
Workshops have been a workshop for your district or
scheduled in the following region, please call Watt
places: Watchers of Texas at 1-888-US
WATTS or 1-888-WATTEAM.
Region 1 Edinburg - May 3rd Check the Watt Watchers
website, wattwatchers.org, for
Region 1 Zapata – May 4th
up-to-date workshop listings. 7
Section B
Watt Watchers of Texas NONPROFIT ORG.
U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
EL PASO, TX
The Energy Center PERMIT NO. 77

University of Texas at El Paso

P.O. Box 68660
El Paso, Texas 79968
Please Route:
o Science Chair
o Student Council
o Librarian
o Energy Manager

Spring 2005 http://wattwatchers.org

1-888-US WATTS