POTSDAM, NY -- A board game developed by faculty and students at Clarkson University took first place in the Jefferson County Energy Smart Expo competition.

The Energy Choices Board Game encourages middle school-age children to make smart energy decisions.

The creators say that's the perfect time to reach out to kids.

"They take on a little more responsibility at that point, and they start to make decision for themselves, and they're more apt to continue what they learn in the classroom outside the classroom," said Jan DeWaters, a Clarkson University Ph.D candidate.

"They'll be switching off the lights in their house when they're not using them. They'll even be telling the teachers to switch off the lights in the classroom when they leave the classroom," said Nate Barlow, another Clarkson University Ph.D candidate.

The game has become a hit with teachers across the nation, who have requested copies to use it in their classrooms.