A natural gas curriculum teaches students and parents alike
LAS VEGAS—Southwest Gas is finding success with an educational program aimed at schoolchildren throughout its service area. Energy Safe Kids, developed in cooperation with the National Energy Foundation, is helping kids in grades K–12 develop energy literacy, understand the safe use of natural gas and become ambassadors for energy education at home.
The program emphasizes three main points, ensuring that “Energy Safe Kids” think about energy issues, talk to adults about those issues and take action when needed. It is currently in use at just over 1,000 schools throughout Southwest Gas’ territory, which extends beyond Nevada.
Gary Swan, vice president of development for NEF, noted that children make natural ambassadors. “Parents tend to be really busy just getting through life. Kids have proven to be really effective at drawing their parents’ attention to things like natural gas safety and energy efficiency,” he told American Gas. “The impetus for making changes in the home, we’ve found, can really be driven by the kids. It’s a very effective way to reach those bill-paying customers whose lives are consumed with other things.”
The educational materials are also a hit with teachers. “Teachers say they want to teach about natural gas, but they have a lot of other things on their plate,” said NEF Director of Business Development Ian Wright. “This material works because it taps into what they already teach. Plus, they don’t have to pay for it out of their budget or their own pocket.”
In addition to offering a variety of classroom materials and take-home booklets and worksheets, Southwest Gas also has a strong online presence devoted to Energy Safe Kids and a range of related resources.
“In one form or another, Southwest Gas has been involved with us in this program since 1996,” Swan said. “They’re a great example in their community and an excellent education partner.” — Bob Bittner