Warwick Middle School students participate in national science contest

WARWICK - Two Middle School Grade-6 students in Kim Wolckenhauer’s Earth Science class, Raquel Paredes, 11, the daughter of Richard and Nilsa Paredes, and Rachel Donnelly, 11, the daughter of Joe and Linda Donnelly, will receive certificates of “Honorable Mention” in the “The Igniting Creative Energy Challenge.” The national competition, now in its 10th year, is open to North American students in kindergarten through Grade 12. Contestants were invited to design and share innovative ways to make a difference in energy and water conservation and the environment. An International firm, Johnson Controls, funds the challenge through an educational grant with additional support from the National Energy Foundation. “We were introduced to the project by Ed Sattler, a teacher on special assignment for Environmental, Conservation, and Energy Education,” said Wolckenhauer. “The contest challenges students to develop science skills by creating projects addressing water or energy conservation and environmental stewardship.” Students were asked to submit entries that demonstrate an understanding of what an individual, family or group can do in their home, school or community to conserve energy and water and help the environment. Contestants were encouraged to express their ideas in any creative form such as science projects, essays, stories, artwork, photographs, music, videos, web site projects and so forth. The two students took the initiative to use concepts they had learned this year to create posters and a booklet reminding readers of their responsibilities in helping to conserve our resources. The young ladies worked together to create the text and artwork using a cartoon format with fun characters like Solar Sally, Eddie Earth and Wetland Walter. The booklet can be shared at library programs and in classrooms. The posters will be available to be placed in local store windows and parks. In addition to the valuable educational experience, the winners will join a hosted trip to Washington, D.C., and attend the Energy Efficiency Forum where they will share their Challenge entries and ideas with national leaders and energy policymakers. “Receiving honorable mention in a nationwide contest is an amazing achievement,” said Wolckenhauer, “I am extremely impressed with their passion and success.”