Floral Park-Bellerose School sixth-graders in the Engineering Club participated in the Energia Real-World STEM Learning/Career Exploration Program from May 5-26.
Energia, an energy-savings engineering firm that works with school districts and municipalities, has worked with the Floral Park-Bellerose Union Free School district on an Energy Performance Contract, assisting the schools with energy improvement upgrades.
Approximately 21 students participated over the several weeks of the four-module program. They learned general energy concepts and vocabulary and energy-saving data calculations, as well as participated in a building walkthrough with an engineer identifying energy-efficiency opportunities.
From the engineer, the students learned how their building has utilized LED lightbulbs and moderated temperatures.
Dr. Chuck Russo, director of career exploration for Energia, met with the students virtually for the first week of the program and then came to the building every week after to discuss the various topics.
As a culmination to the program, the students participated in a “lessons learned” video, which was filmed and edited by Energia and shown at the district’s Board of Education meeting on June 6.
Sixth grade teachers and club advisers Rachael Sutherland and Kristen Orsillo oversaw the program and began the Engineering Club this school year.
“Our students from our sixth grade Engineering Club did such a great job and really exceeded our expectations on the Real-World STEM Learning/Career Exploration project,” Superintendent of Schools Dr. Kathleen Sottile said. “Thank you to Energia and our teachers, Rachel Sutherland and Kristen Orsillo, for going the extra mile to take on this initiative. The abilities of our students never cease to amaze us, and we are so proud of them. Thank you again to Energia for affording us with this wonderful opportunity.”
