Home Energy Action Talent (H.E.A.T)

What is the H.E.A.T. Contest?

As part of the District Energy Action Plan community strategies, we are planning to host a student-led behavior change competition between schools to promote better energy management practices. As we adapted to distance learning, however, we had to rethink what kind of competitions could be done with students at home. The first part of our solution is the Home Energy Action Talent (H.E.A.T.) Contest. All students in the district had the opportunity to submit a video about how to save energy at home. Those videos were judged by the SPPS Energy Action Team.

The first and second place winners of each age group will all receive Visa® gift cards, generously supplied by our Xcel Energy partners. First Place in all age groups will receive $100, and Second Place will receive $50.

H.E.A.T. Contest Winners 2021

"Over the course of the HEAT contest I learned lots of new ways to save energy and environment at home." - Abby Haldorson, 8th Grade participant and winner of the pilot contest

Abby went on to describe her experience with the HEAT Contest:

"I wanted to participate in the HEAT contest because I wanted to find and show ways that I can save energy in my own home to help the environment too, and I want to encourage others to do the same.  I involved my parents to help me video tape and I involved my brother by having him help me show how the rain barrels work. I think it was much easier to have my family help me and it made it more fun. I am definitely interested in doing more contests like this because it was so much fun to learn and make a video! I also encourage others to enter these contests because it is really good way to share your thoughts and ideas with others."

Students submitted videos until December 18, and the winners were announced on January 11.

 

Teachers and Students: To access the detailed instructions for making the videos in future contests, see the documents below:

HEAT Contest Elementary Level Instructions

HEAT Contest Junior and High School Level Instructions

HEAT Contest Teacher Instructions

H.E.A.T Contest Pilot Version

The video contest was piloted in November 2020 with the help of teachers from three classes: Ms. Dosland at Capitol Hill, Ms. McCleery and Ms. Houdek at Central. Six creative, brave students submitted videos for the pilot contest, and the Partners in Energy team voted on one middle school winner and one high school winner to receive a $50 Visa gift card.

Middle School Pilot Winner:

Abby Haldorson, Eighth Grader at Capitol Hill Middle

High School Pilot Winner:

Victoria Pekel, Twelfth Grader at Central High