Workshops provide energy, environmental education teaching tools

Mississippi Power is helping bring excitement and fun to the classroom by providing innovative ways for educators to teach energy and environmental education.

Workshops held in Pascagoula and Ellisville, and scheduled for Decatur in September, will help teachers of middle and high school students incorporate energy education into their classrooms.

Mississippi Power and the Mississippi Development Authority co-sponsor the workshop which is conducted by the NEED (National Energy Education Development) program to promote energy education and energy awareness in the classrooms.

The workshops not only bring balanced energy education programs to the nation’s schools, they also promote professional development of teachers.

“The NEED workshops present energy as a science and not just a product,” Community Development Representative Ann Holland said. “Discussions include the different types of fuel used to generate electricity, renewable and non-renewable sources of energy, the science of energy and energy efficiency and conservation.

“It’s also important that both the educator and the student view science and math as fun and interesting to learn,” Holland said. “The techniques and explanations of energy presented in the workshop give teachers insight and ideas they can take into the classroom to inspire their students.”

The program stresses the importance of science, technology, engineering/energy and mathematics (STEM) which prepares students for entry into career and technical programs, college or university studies and ultimately to careers in industry.

“At Mississippi Power we are invested in the communities we serve and are committed to making a long-term impact,” Holland said.