A Treasure Chest for Schools

• Anna Davies (left) of Holbury Junior School and her pupils display the contents of their "Energy Chest", accompanied by Carol Dunford of ExxonMobil and Ann Saffery of CREATE. Photographer: Ian Jackson.

Energy Chest tool kits - worth over £350 each - are being supplied to 11 local schools by ExxonMobil. They contain items such as:-

•  a wind kit – to help pupils investigate how power from wind can be turned into electrical and mechanical energy

•  a light meter – for carrying out lighting surveys

•  a digital thermometer - to help with heating surveys

•  and lots of other relevant resources.

This is part of a programme for ExxonMobil Link Schools that have expressed an interest in reducing energy costs. Specialist training has been offered to the schools by CREATE, a national charity for promoting and co-ordinating energy education.

The aim of the overall programme is to help schools develop a whole school approach to energy management.

The resources in the Energy Chest will enhance the programme and ensure that energy studies become a regular part of school activities.

The Energy Chest Tool Kits will be delivered by representatives of CREATE in conjunction with workshops for teachers and pupils, to introduce activity ideas that will make full use of the equipment.

One of the first schools to benefit was Holbury Junior School . Ann Saffery of CREATE worked with children at the school during their recent enrichment week.

Carol Dunford of ExxonMobil said: “We are delighted that CREATE has joined with us in teaching tomorrow's adults about the important issue of saving energy both at school and at home”.

Anna Davies, teacher and Science Co-ordinator at Holbury Junior School said: “This is a veritable treasure chest! It will help to motivate our pupils to take part in lots of investigations and help them learn about the importance of conserving energy.

This is a key element of the Eco-Schools Programme, which the school is preparing to participate in.