Partnership brings Earth Day to life for Canutillo Elementary students

Students at Canutillo Elementary School celebrated Earth Day recently with a hands-on lesson in renewable energy, thanks to a partnership with Schneider Electric that brought science to life in a creative and engaging way.

As part of the activity, Schneider Electric volunteers introduced “Solar Bugs,” small, bug-shaped paper designs that students colored and decorated before transforming them into moving creations powered by solar energy. Each student received a small solar cell and motor, which they attached to their designs, allowing the bugs to vibrate and move when exposed to light.

CES quickly filled with excitement as students tested their creations, holding them up to light sources and watching their personalized bugs come to life. The activity blended art, science and environmental awareness, offering a memorable way for students to explore how alternative energy works.

Teachers and volunteers guided students through the process, explaining how solar panels capture sunlight and convert it into energy. The simple but effective demonstration helped students understand the basics of renewable energy and its role in reducing reliance on nonrenewable resources.

The Earth Day lesson also emphasized the importance of protecting natural resources and making environmentally conscious choices. By connecting the activity to real-world applications, students were able to see how small innovations can contribute to larger efforts to care for the planet.

“Thanks to our friends at Schneider Electric, our students had the opportunity to learn about solar power in a way that is interactive and fun,” said Principal Alma Ramos. “We love that learning in Canutillo is a community effort and that our teachers count on the support of our partners to help our students receive high-quality instruction.”

The partnership reflects a broader commitment within Canutillo ISD to provide students with meaningful, real-world learning experiences. Collaborations with industry partners like Schneider Electric help bring additional expertise and resources into the classroom, enriching instruction and exposing students to potential career pathways in science, technology and engineering.

For many students, the Solar Bugs activity marked their first introduction to renewable energy concepts. By combining creativity with hands-on experimentation, the lesson made complex ideas accessible and engaging for young learners.

Schneider Electric representatives said they were proud to support the initiative and to work directly with students in the community. Activities like Solar Bugs are designed to spark curiosity and inspire the next generation to think critically about energy use and sustainability.

Educators at Canutillo Elementary said the event aligned closely with their goals of fostering curiosity and critical thinking. By integrating STEM-based activities into the curriculum, the school continues to create opportunities for students to explore new concepts in meaningful ways.

The Earth Day celebration served as a reminder that learning extends beyond textbooks and that community partnerships play a vital role in enhancing educational experiences. With the support of organizations like Schneider Electric, students are gaining valuable insights into the world around them while developing skills that will serve them well in the future.

As the Solar Bugs zipped and vibrated across desks, the lesson left a lasting impression — one that connected creativity, science and environmental stewardship in a way students are unlikely to forget.

Thanks to our friends at Schneider Electric, our students had the opportunity to learn about solar power in a way that is interactive and fun. We love that learning in Canutillo is a community effort and that our teachers count on the support of our partners to help our students receive high-quality instruction.Alma RamosCES Principal