San Gabriel, Calif., Schools Win Energy Grants

Jul. 15–SAN GABRIEL — Michael Winters and his students at Gabrielino High School work year-round to learn more about alternative energy sources, and to spread that knowledge to others.

Winters has teamed with Gabrielino teachers Daphne Richer and Evelyn Torres-Rangel to channel $30,000 in grants from energy provider BP into a variety of projects related to sustainable energy, including a 150- gallon industrial production unit to process biodiesel fuel from restaurants’ excess grease.

The three teachers were among 58 Los Angeles County educators who received $520,000 in “A+ for Energy’ grants this week to teach energy and energy conservation in their classrooms. Three other West San Gabriel Valley teachers Dan Hyke of Alhambra High School, Joan Stevens of Arcadia High School and Cherise Hoskins of Eliot Middle School in Altadena also were selected for the grants of up to $10,000.

By teaming at Gabrielino and combining resources, the teachers are better able to leverage student interest and community partnerships. They are working with a variety of organizations, from Cal State Los Angeles to Old Rad Labs, Miramar College and the California Energy Commission.

“We believe in a community approach to what we do,” Winters said. “We really are motivated to get out and revolutionize energy in California.”

Among the Gabrielino teachers’ projects is the establishment of a set of science-specific lesson plans for elementary, middle and high school classrooms to go along with a set of eight biodiesel processors. The machines, built by Gabrielino students, will be shared with other schools throughout the state via a lending library so other schools do not have to purchase the specialized equipment, Winters said.

“We can use low-cost biodiesel fuel as an alternative energy to get kids excited about how simple alternative energy is,” Winters said.

At Eliot Middle School, Hoskins received a $5,000 grant to help her eighth-grade students build solar and electric cars. They’ll compare the cost efficiency based on speed and the wear- and-tear on the cars, she said.

“It’s something I’ve wanted to do, but this is the first time I’ve had the funding,” Hoskins said.

Hyke, who also received a BP grant last year, will continue working with his students at Alhambra High School to study the feasibility of solar energy for vehicle transportation.

Hyke, who isn’t currently teaching summer school at Alhambra High, used last year’s grant to provide students with solar panels and their choice of a variety of model car chassis, wheels and axle bodies.

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