David Tichnell

Fifth and sixth-grade students at Holy Ghost Catholic School will be making the grade in energy awareness thanks to Tichnell's innovative "A+ for Energy Awareness" program. The program helps students learn about the 10 primary sources of energy. Using an energy audit assessment tool, students will examine energy sources in a variety of non-profit locations throughout their community, including their school. Students will use a radiometric thermal imager to ensure precise measurements during the audits. Once the audits are complete, students will share their findings with the locations to assist them with becoming more energy efficient. Students also will get their community involved by selling compact fluorescent bulbs. Proceeds from the bulb sales will be used to fund additional energy audits in the future. Throughout the course of the project, students will create research templates, posters, PowerPoint presentations and audit checklists, all designed to help make their learning more meaningful. Tichnell is a resident of Albuquerque.