Grade Level(s): 6-12 classroom teachers, STEM educators and instructional coaches, Curriculum specialists, and Administrators interested in sustainability and STEM integration

Date(s): June 17, 2026

Location: Mountain Horticultural Crops Research and Ext. Center, 455 Research Drive, Mills River, NC 28759

Cost: Free

Description: Discover how buildings, homes, and everyday systems can bring energy efficiency concepts to life for grades 6–12 students. Educators will engage in hands-on investigations, tour a LEED-certified building, and leave with practical, standards-aligned Switch Classroom lessons ready for the classroom.

Is your school or district looking for engaging, hands-on ways to teach energy concepts while meeting 6-12 science standards? Join us for a full-day professional learning workshop focused on energy efficiency, building science, and real-world STEM applications using Switch Classroom lessons and investigations.

Participants will explore the science of energy efficiency through interactive instruction, a tour of a LEED-certified building, and classroom-ready investigations that can be adapted for middle and high school learners. This turnkey experience connects science standards to authentic, place-based learning and provides practical ideas educators can take back to their classrooms.

Workshop Agenda (Tentative):

• 9:00 – 11:00 am

Introduction to Energy Efficiency & the Science Behind It

• 11:00 am – 1:30 pm

Tour of a LEED-certified building, followed by lunch

(Participants will drive themselves; the tour will occur immediately before lunch.)

• 1:30 – 3:00 pm

Hands-on Energy Efficiency Projects & Investigations:

• Innovative Building Design Research Project
• Family Energy Awareness Challenge / Home Electricity Audit
• Investigating Passive Solar Heating Lab

Contact(s): Michelle Taylor at mtbenign@ncsu.edu

Application Deadline:

Apply Now