Glen Ellyn students pick up energy-saving tips

Sixth-grade science students at Glen Crest Middle School in Glen Ellyn picked up some tips Friday from the National Energy Foundation on why and how to save energy at home and school.

Sponsored by Nicor Gas and ComEd, the "Think Energy" program taught the importance of saving natural gas, electricity and water and encouraged students to take what they learned home.

Each student received a free conservation kit that included a high-efficiency shower head, shower timer, kitchen and bathroom aerators, and a digital thermometer, along with three compact fluorescent light bulbs. The kits also included a home energy work sheet for the students to fill out with their families.

Science teacher Suzanne Hood, who filled out an application online to bring the program to the school, said if 80 percent of the kids bring back completed work sheets, each of the school's three sixth-grade science teachers could receive up to a $100 mini-grant for their classroom.

"They did a good job of relating to the kids," Hood said of the energy experts. "I think the kids got a lot out of it."