PEAK is a comprehensive standards-based physical science education program designed to empower elementary and middle school students with the knowledge to manage energy use in their homes, schools, and communities. Through PEAK students gain the skills to reduce home energy use by up to 10%. In addition, schools involved with PEAK exhibit reductions in their electricity usage.

PEAK creates a generation of individuals capable of controlling their energy future. With a service-learning framework, PEAK recognizes in order to empower students to manage energy use, they must understand the entire energy equation, from the science of how energy is converted, to the environmental ramifications of electrical generation, and the financial impacts on to their family. Now implemented throughout the state, PEAK contributes to California’s Energy Action Plan by teaching the importance of reducing energy usage during peak demand times.

PEAK is currently being taught in the following areas:

• PEAK Community Energy Partnership (Southern California)
• PEAK San Diego
• PEAK San Francisco Bay Area
• PEAK Northern Illinois
• PEAK Sweden

Four Student Energy Actions form the foundation of PEAK:

1. Plugging in new and efficient technologies. (Energy Efficiency)
2. Shrinking use through conservation. (Energy Efficiency and Conservation)
3. Shifting use off peak hours. (Demand Response)
4. Exploring renewable energy. (Self-generation)

PEAK classroom lessons and an interactive software program that allows them to simulate reductions in their homes' energy use teach students the four energy actions. Students also have access to the PEAK Students Website (www.peakstudents.net), containing information, games, and additional resources on smart energy management.

The following resources are provided as part of the program:

• A comprehensive, standards based Teacher Resource Guidebook including 11 hands-on lessons
• Professional development for educators
• "Tool Kit" of materials sufficient for an entire classroom to perform all lessons
• Ongoing support/classroom site visits by PEAK staff
• Special events such as PEAK "Kick-Off" Assemblies and contests
• Compact Fluorescent Light Bulb Fundraisers for Schools
• "Energy Challenge Software": an interactive computer program allowing students to simulate reductions in their homes' energy use, and play games
• PEAK Students Network: a website uniting PEAK students, with information, games, contests and additional resources on smart energy management (www.peakstudents.net)
• "Saving Energy At Schools": a special program in Northern Illinois and the San Francisco Bay Area, involving energy audits and upgrades to school sites and the formation of student “Energy Patrols”

For more information on how to bring PEAK to your school, energy related events or the PEAK curriculum please visit www.peakstudents.net, contact Trisha Ortega at (949) 701-4646, or email tortega@energycoalition.org