"Conserve and preserve," magic wand-wielding students chanted as they transformed into Junior Energy Wizards.
During yesterday's Magic of Saving Energy show at Northeast Elementary School, Joules the NStar Energy Wizard taught students the finer points of conservation through a series of tricks.
"My job here today is to teach you how to save energy so you can all become Junior Energy Wizards yourself," Joules said. "How many kids sit blindly in front of a TV with a remote? Get off your butts and go play!"
Joules, a measurement of heat, electricity and mechanical work, was played by Royal Sorell, a magician from Peabody.
NStar asked Sorell to offer a magic show based on a storybook it distributes about energy, he said.
"The show itself is a fairly elementary show. The message is to 'shut it off,' " he said.
Luis Herrera, 7, said he planned to talk to his parents about conserving energy when he got home from school.
"I learned to turn off the TV when you're not using it," he said. "I'm going to do some magic tricks when I get home."
NStar officials say the show reaches out to future generations of energy consumers.
"By providing students with useful and age-appropriate information, they too begin to develop an understanding of their role today and tomorrow about conserving natural resources," said spokesman Mike Durand.
Sorell, a member of the Society of American Magicians, founded by the legendary Harry Houdini, said he would not have accepted the job if he didn't believe in its message.
"Any conservation ultimately comes down to common sense. You don't use more than you need," he said. "As a society we're taught indulgence ... you have to get the message out to the kids."
Sorell said three magicians have played the role of the Energy Wizard for NStar for the last two years. They are budgeted by NStar to perform 40 shows at schools annually.
NStar hosts the show for students in kindergarten through third-grade throughout its service area. The company also offers "Energy Pursuit," a game show for students that provides compact fluorescent light bulbs for school fundraisers.
Jeff Gilbride can be reached at 781-398-8005 or at jgilbrid@cnc.com
