Reed Encourages Hoosiers to Learn about State’s Energy Sources

Learn Green, Live Green focus for October: Indiana’s Energy

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - According to the Energy Information Administration, Indiana ranks 8th in the nation in total energy usage. Because of this, and other alarming energy statistics, the Indiana Department of Education is encouraging Hoosiers to learn more about Indiana’s energy throughout October as part of the ongoing Learn Green, Live Green initiative.

“Learning about Indiana’s energy can help Hoosiers better conserve these resources and save ourselves money in the process,” said Superintendent of Public Instruction Dr. Suellen Reed.

Alternative energy sources

Though Indiana ranks high for fossil fuel consumption, the state is an emerging leader in the production of alternative fuels. As one of the nation’s top corn-producing states (fifth in the nation), Indiana’s potential as an ethanol producer is growing. Combined production of Indiana ethanol plants currently operating and those under construction will exceed 1 billion gallons of ethanol annually, using approximately 390 million bushels of corn. Moreover, Indiana is the fourth largest soybean state with four biodiesel plants currently in operation.

Indiana also possesses viable wind resources scattered across the northern half of the state. Earl Park, located in Benton County, is home to Indiana’s first working wind farm which provides renewable energy that reduces total greenhouse gas emissions. To learn more about Indiana’s alternative energy sources, go online to www.doe.in.gov/green.

Randolph Eastern school makes conservation a priority

Union City Community High School is committed to teaching students about alternative energy sources through hands-on activities. Currently, the school, which is part of Randolph Eastern School Corporation, has a solar and wind electric system made up of eight solar panels and a 90-foot wind turbine.

Although the system currently produces less than one percent of the school’s electricity, it offers big opportunities for project-based learning activities that span multiple subject areas. Students are able to work with the system directly through monitoring data, predicting energy output and studying how carbon-free electricity helps cut down on harmful emissions. Students and staff agree that these lessons are proving effective.

“I didn’t know a whole lot about alternative energy until I took the environmental education course,” said Ali Gelhaus, senior. “Now, I love learning about it. It makes me feel good to know our school is doing something to help the environment.”

To learn more about the solar and wind system at Union City Community High School and what other schools across the state are doing to “go green,” visit www.doe.in.gov/green and click on the Spotlights link. 

Keep up the ‘green’ work

Although this month’s focus is Indiana’s Energy, Hoosiers should take a look at all the other Learn Green, Live Green initiatives such as recycling, reducing waste, using renewable resources, choosing more environmentally friendly transportation and learning more about beneficial organisms. For more information on our past initiatives, visit www.doe.in.gov/green and click through the different months on each of the tabs or go to the Recycle Bin.

Learn Green, Live Green

Learn Green, Live Green is a year-long initiative, launched in January 2008, that is designed to help educators, students, parents and community members discover practical, cost-effective ways to model environmentally-responsible behavior both inside and outside of the classroom. The Learn Green, Live Green concept fits naturally with Indiana’s academic standards, local school curricula and student learning goals at each grade level. Local participation is completely voluntary.

Each month in 2008, the Indiana Department of Education spotlights a different aspect of the issue through an interactive Web site, www.doe.in.gov/green, while offering a variety of related resources for schools and communities.

Source: Indiana DOE