Energy Conservation Project Conclusion

Everything we do has an impact on the world around us. Whether it’s drinking coffee, driving to work, buying groceries, or reading our favorite books, we are consuming energy and resources. For my research project I examined my book buying habits and the resources go into creating a book. I discovered that in 2006, there were 3 billion books sold in the US and that each of these books uses trees, water, and energy to produce. I also learned that only between 5%-10% of the paper currently being used by the book publishing industry is recycled paper. I am now more aware of what it takes to produce a book and how small changes, like using recycled paper, can make a significant difference. I have also discovered other options to purchasing books, like downloading ebooks or checking them out from the library.

The technical aspect of this project was more of a challenge; I had to re-familiarize myself with Excel, learn how to upload a PowerPoint presentation to the Web, and figure out how to record myself giving my presentation and then post it to Google Video. I learned that I am a novice when it comes to technology, but with a little persistence I can acquire skills that will be useful when I want to integrate technology into my classroom.

Although I gave my presentation to an audience of one I still felt nervous. I find that when I am in a classroom I become more comfortable presenting information to my third and fourth hour classes after having “practiced” with my first two classes.
Here is how I would evaluate myself presenting my energy PowerPoint:

Strengths:
I spoke clearly
I appear to be reasonably calm
I did not read every slide

Weaknesses:
I don’t appear to be very enthusiastic
I say um a lot
I did not have a smooth ending
I used my hands in a nervous way

This project has opened my eyes to the small ways we impact our environment and the small changes we can make to reduce that impact. I have come to appreciate my library more and have become more curious about the use of ebooks as an alternative to buying paper books.

Educational Philosophy

The things taught in schools and colleges are not an education, but the means to an education.
~ Emerson



Making this imovie presentation was a challenging and rewarding process. Having never used imovie before it took several hours of "hands on learning," before I possessed the necessary skills to design my final presentation.

I believe learning is a process, one that involves failures and successes, as I recently experienced with the making of this presentation. I also believe that education should connect students with the world around them; they should have the opportunity to acquire the tools and skills needed to be successful participants in the global community. Discover more by watching my movie.

Energy Conservation Project PowerPoint

Books can be dangerous. The best ones should be labeled "This could change your life." ~Helen Exley

For my project I researched an aspect of one of my passions…reading. I love to read and I love to buy books. There is no better feeling then sitting in a café on a snowy afternoon lost in a good book, or going to a bookstore with time to waste and money to spend. Although there may be other things out there that have greater impacts on the environment, such as plastic bottles and paper cups, the book publishing industry, and the consumers of the books they produce, does leave a significant footprint on our environment. In 2006, there were over 3 billion books sold in the US. I estimated that I purchase about 120 books per year. Each of these books uses trees, water, and energy to produce. One of the biggest factors in reducing the environmental impact of book publishing is the use of recycled paper. Unfortunately, only between 5%-10% of the paper currently being used by the book publishing industry is recycled paper. To learn more about the book publishing industry and how you can make a difference view my PowerPoint and spreadsheet.