The mantras of the energy conservation movement are well-known. But most experts agree real change won't happen unless the next generation of consumers buys into the idea.

Representatives from the Environmental Protection Agency talked to seventh graders at Lowe's Grove Middle School Tuesday. The agency brought filmmaker Jeff Barrie to meet students in the school's special Math, Science and Education Network. The students had watched Barrie's documentary, "Kilowatt Ours," the day before.

The films talks about simple ways people can cut energy use and costs. Barrie talked to students about their own habits and asked lots of questions about what the students knew after watching the movie. Students who answered or asked questions received compact fluorescent light bulbs to take home.

"I never knew they blew up mountains for coal," student Gabriel Herman said. "And using wind and solar power ... It seems kind of obvious."

Herman earned two light bulbs and said he plans to use them to replace the reading light in his room.

Barrie said he's always surprised by his young audiences.

"I'm always impressed by the level of care and concern students have for the environment," he said.

EPA volunteers also showed students how to use a "watts meter" to measure how much energy hair dryers, wireless routers and toasters use. The Research Triangle Park-based EPA branch has made hundreds of visits in the past year to low-income schools and communities to raise environmental awareness.

"We gave them a visual so they can really show their parents what they learned and perhaps influence what they buy in their home," said Kelly Leovic, EPA's program manager for environmental education. "We want children to learn by doing."

The Math, Science and Education Network is a special elective class. Teacher Jamila Bowser said bringing in guest speakers helps get lessons across.

"In middle school, it's all me, me, me," she said. "This is a great way for them to learn how these issues actually affect them directly."

Kaila Russell, 12, said she's trying to get her dad to buy solar panels for their home.

"I've heard solar power is greener," she said. "Instead of trying to blow up the mountains, you can save them."

She said her dad's considering it.