Elementary school students were given the opportunity to compete against Mayor Lyn Hall, in a trivia game based on the television show ‘Are You Smarter Than A 5th Grader?’.
Hall was invited to Ron Brent Elementary school to compete against students, answering questions about electricity generation, consumption, and conservation.
The game was arranged as part of BC Hydro’s “Power Smart” program, which looks to educate the public on electricity within the province.
When asked about city initiatives, Hall mentioned the ongoing switch to newer, LED bulbs for streetlights that conserve energy and reduce light pollution.
Hall also highlighted the City of Prince George’s district energy system, which currently heats 13 buildings in the community.
“It’s important for us to do this as a city, and set an example,” he stated.
The presentation focused on early intervention, in hopes of establishing positive habits.
“Reaching out early is what it’s important, to get people to start building good habits early,” explained Bob Gammer, BC Hydro’s Nothern Spokesperson, adding that “conservation, which is what we were focusing on today, is a major key to protecting our environment.”
Ron Brent’s Principal, Conrad Turner, said that his students have been preparing for the special assembly all week: “Teachers have been taking the Power Smart information they were given, and incorporating it into curriculum to get kids ready to take the mayor on.”
When asked if he was ‘smarter than a fifth-grader’ Mayor Hall replied:
“I answered a few questions, but they answered more than I did. I would say about halfway through, we started to work together, which was really cool.”
More information on energy conservation can be found on BC Hydro’s Power Smart website.