Environmental Responsibility:  “Zooming” in on Energy Conservation 

Several years ago a character called Cosmic Zoom visited HSC students here on “Sunship Earth” and left a lasting legacy of conservation. Named after this character, HSC’s Cosmic Zoom is a student initiative that ensures that lights are switched off in the Middle School. Grade 6 science teacher Nancy Wands explains:

“Cosmic Zoom began several years ago, after one of the annual Grade 6 trips to YMCA Camp Wanakita. Students participate in a program called Sunship Earth™ where they learn about the environment and how living things interact with one another to keep our planet healthy. Part of the program covers the impact of humans on our planet and what we can do to lessen our impact.  Saving energy is one of these.  At camp, a character called Cosmic Zoom, checks the kids’ cabins to make sure they have turned off their lights and heat when they leave the cabin in the morning.”

After one of these trips, a group of Grade 6 students decided to carry on this tradition back at school. Two or three students sign up for a month at a time and their job is to check all the Middle School classrooms, hallways and offices before they go to lunch to make sure that everyone has turned off his/her lights.  It is then announced after lunch during regular announcements. “Most days we get a perfect score because it is very embarrassing if your room is announced,” says Mrs. Wands. “It’s a simple idea, but the kids love it and it’s positive for our environment.”

The College recently installed “Cosmic Zoom” technology, otherwise known as occupancy sensors, in the DeGroote and Page Gymnasiums. It isn’t nearly as much fun, but it’s a very effective earth-friendly solution for areas not patrolled by the Middle School students.