Nov 19, 2008 7:00 pm US/Eastern
Brockton Elementary School Goes Green
BOSTON (WBZ) ―
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The Mary E. Baker Elementary School in Brockton.
WBZ
There is a new trend when it comes to education -- green schools.
In these eco-friendly classrooms, the environment is not only part of the lesson plan, it is core to the way the school functions.
The
Mary E. Baker School in Brockton is a new green school with an enrollment of almost 800 K-6 students. Unlike other states, there is no mandate for new schools to be built green in Massachusetts, but the state does provide substantial financial support for schools that opt to build green.
Take a seat in Paul Anderson's sixth grade class and you'll get a lesson on solar panels.
But the students don't need to open a text book to see this renewable energy source. Instead, a quick field trip to the roof of the school brings the lesson to life. Almost 200 solar cells face the sun, generating enough energy to power 10 homes for a year.
Energy saving tips for your home.
Sunlight is also harnessed to light up classrooms, cutting electricity bills and improving the learning environment. Research studies have shown that students perform better in the glow of natural versus artificial light.
The heating and cooling systems used in the school are closely monitored to maximize energy efficiency and smart classrooms shut off air flow and ceiling lights when students are out on recess. Total energy savings are expected to be $60,000 a year.
By studying long term operating costs at the school, the state hopes to determine the effectiveness of the many energy saving measures used at the Baker School.
The school was also built using lots of recycled materials. The playground surface is made of recycled rubber tires and recycled plastics make for fun on the jungle gym.
Cleaning products are non-toxic, improving air quality, and even the mops are made of recycled materials.
Classroom activities wrap around these environmentally friendly measures and students take these lessons home to parents.
Green schools are truly creating an environment for lifelong learning and a new generation of environmentalists.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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