I-SAVE (Individuals-Save and
Vie for Efficiency) 2012

For the second time, Wayne-Westland Community School District’s energy conservation program, “I-Save” (Individuals-Save and Vie for Efficiency) partnered with Project S.N.A.P. in a program for third and fourth grade students. This special project educated students about resource conservation and the importance of caring for our planet.  Students were given the  opportunity to become resource conservation leaders by sharing their own ideas on how to save energy at school and at home through the creation of individual artworks and artist’s statements.

The program culminated in the creation of a 4’x6′ mosaic mural featuring the conservation-themed artworks that the students created.  The mosaic mural is on display in a prominent location at each school where students, teachers, school staff and parents could see the “big picture” as well as the individual artworks that students created.

To kick off the program, students and teachers attended a special assembly to learn key concepts about resource conservation and how they could take a leadership role in helping their school.   Following the assembly students created artwork for the mosaic and wrote an artist’s statement explaining what they created and their thoughts about how to save energy.   The project provided a variety of enrichment opportunities for students in the areas of art, science, math, and computer technology.

A special assembly was held when the mosaic mural was complete to reveal the mural to participating students and remind them of what they had accomplished by working together.  Students also received a poster reproduction of the mosaic mural to take home and share with their family and friends.

I wrote about saving power and changing to energy efficient light bulbs because they don't take as much power. I want to be part of the mosaic because I want to show people that kids can help the earth... and people that look at the mosaic can help the earth become a better place.

I-Save is a voluntary program developed by Wayne-Westland Community Schools as an internal energy conservation program and an alternative to performance contracting or outside energy consultants. The goal of the program is to change the habits of all building occupants to reduce utility consumption in an effort to conserve our natural resources, lessen our impact on the planet, and save money.

Participants can access the mosaic mural online in the Project S.N.A.P. Online Art Museum, read and share their artist’s statement and see how their artwork fits into the “big picture”.   The mosaic mural is also on display as part of the  “Featured Programs” in the Project S.N.A.P. Online Art Museum.