Melissa Donovan
The Orlando Utilities Commission (OUC) is once again collaborating with schools in Orange and Osceola counties to promote lessons in sustainability and resource conservation. The long-running education programs aim to help students understand the importance of protecting Central Florida’s environment through creative, hands-on learning.
In Orange County, the Water Color Project introduces 4th–12th-grade students to topics such as water conservation and the preservation of local ecosystems. Classroom discussions and art activities encourage students to think about how daily choices affect the region’s natural resources.
Osceola County’s Watts Savings Project focuses on energy awareness for 4th and 5th-graders. Students learn how electricity is produced and consumed, and explore ways to reduce energy use in homes and schools.
As part of both initiatives, students create artwork that reflects what they’ve learned. Selected pieces appear in OUC’s annual conservation calendars, which are distributed free to the community. Middle and high school students also paint rain barrels, which are later auctioned to support art programs in participating schools.
By blending science, art, and community engagement, these classroom projects aim to build awareness of how small conservation efforts can contribute to a more sustainable future across Central Florida.
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