The National Foundation for Energy Education (NFEE) is committed to changing the current energy eduation scene and quadrupling the national level of energy knowledge.  To that end it has developed a unique and entertaining program grounded in science and hinges on student leadership.  The program is The Great American Energy Debate.   Student leaders conduct energy education activities either during the entire school year, or during a month, week, or day.

To help spread the word, a number of state and national energy, education, and youth organizations through their weekly and monthly newsletters and publications are urging thousands of schools nationwide to participate in a 2012 TGAED program and to consider a yearly school program after that.  With yearly participation the level of energy education in a school and community will rise substantially.

A unique aspect of a school program is that student leaders conduct most of the sessions.  This supports the old adage that the best way to learn is to teach. The responsibility for becoming energy educated shifts from overburdened teachers to the shoulders of student leaders.  These students will become the energy leaders of their school and because of that experience may even consider the energy industry as a career field.

TGAED materials are designed for easy use by students.  The materials are enriched with energy education information, yet remain a standards based English, math, science, or social studies lesson.  Some teachers may even be prompted to use the well designed activities year round and not just during the scheduled program.  Click here for activities. 

Another exciting program component is The National Student Energy Survey.  It was created to  determine the depth of energy awareness and  knowledge of students in grades 7 through 12 and their opinions about current energy issues. Click here for more about the survey.

Schools are invited to visit the TGAED website to find instructions and materials for everything needed to conduct a school program of one or a dozen activities. Click here for the TGAED Implementation Guide.

Energy and energy related businesses are an active part of the program. A home builder, auto dealer, heating/cooling contractor, petroleum jobberor hardware store representative will speak to students in a structured program called Meet The Expert. Click here to view the six programs.