Virtual (energy) reality: Transportation thanks to Discovery and DirecTV

October 21, 2015 | By Barbara Vergetis Lundin

Students in classrooms nationwide will soon experience a virtual field trip of sorts.

EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy

Discovery Education and DirecTV will host a live virtual event for classrooms across the country on October 27 to celebrate National Energy Awareness Month and Energy Star Day.

The virtual event will offer students the unique opportunity to meet U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Gina McCarthy, be transported to EPA headquarters in Washington, D.C., and engage in a virtual discussion on how energy use affects the planet's climate.

Hosted by Discovery Education's Director of Education Outreach and Curriculum Integration Kyle Schutt, students will learn about specific actions they can take to be more energy efficient in their own homes, schools and communities.

"Today's students are tomorrow's innovators, decision-makers, and problem-solvers," said EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy. "I'm thrilled to participate in an Energy Star Day event aimed at educating young people about the tools we have to act on climate change, and inspiring them to design the solutions of the future."

The virtual event is an innovative way to engage students in the science of energy efficiency and the critical issue of climate change. Discovery Education is also offering classroom activities related to energy efficiency, including comprehensive pre-and post-event lessons, which educators can utilize to enhance the learning experience and prepare students for the virtual event.

"Technology is fundamentally altering education and unlocking new possibilities. This collaboration is a wonderful example of that," said Charlene Lake, senior vice president of corporate social responsibility and chief sustainability officer for AT&T Services, Inc., of which DirecTV is now a part. "It is important that we not only prepare students academically, but also empower them to be good stewards of our planet."

For more:
- visit this website

http://www.smartgridnews.com/story/virtual-energy-reality-transportation-thanks-discovery-and-directv/2015-10-21