225 Connecticut Students "Keep Connecticut Cool"

Jack Meltzer

Willimantic, Conn. - For the past six months, more than 225 Connecticut students in grades 4 through 12 submitted research and development plans for climate change solutions. The plans are part of the "Keep Connecticut Cool Challenge," a contest for students to create climate change solutions for their towns and communities. 

On April 26, the students will gather at the Connecticut Science Center in Hartford, and have their works evaluated by a panel of judges.

  Projects will be on display throughout the Science Center.  Prizes will be awarded totaling $10,000, with awards in separate categories for teamwork, collaboration and best overall plans. 

 In the past, project plans for raising climate awareness in schools have included conducting energy audits, installing thermostats and sensors, replacing lights and promoting energy-saving behaviors. Student plans have also incorporated the replacement of  styrofoam trays in lunchrooms; raising climate awareness among students and community through TV messages; family forums; film festivals; energy fairs; and projects to purchase rainforest land and carbon sequestration.

Towns represented in the challenge include Avon, Bridgeport, Bristol, Burlington, Coventry, Danbury, East Hartford, Hartford, Lebanon, Mansfield, New Haven, New London, North Stonington, Northford, Norwalk, South Windsor, Storrs, Trumbull, Waterford and Westport.

The "Keep Connecticut Cool Challenge" is administered by the Institute for Sustainable Energy at Eastern Connecticut State University, and funded through the Connecticut Energy Efficiency fund.