GEORGETOWN – Fifth graders at the Otselic Valley Elementary School were recently awarded $500 by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) for the implementation of a renewable energy and global climate change project. OV Library Media Specialist Julie Hammer and fifth and sixth grade science teacher Judith Smith will supervise the program – a creative, original puppet play focused on climate change and its local impact.

One of 15 schools recognized state-wide by NYSERDA, Hammer, Smith and the students were awarded the grant based on their creative approach to climate change education and their potential for increased knowledge on energy issues and global warming.

The $500 will be utilized for a pair of proposed field trips, possibly to visit the Madison wind farm and Syracuse Center of Excellence, said Hammer.