In this experience, students were emersed in real-life campaign roles to work collaboratively in creating an energy party platform for the state.  To best represent the class period’s ideas, one candidate from each class was chosen to represent the platform and participate in the culminating “Energizing Virginia” gubernatorial debate.  The debate format mimicked that of a real debate by challenging the candidates to respond authentically, question each other, and apply the knowledge researched by their campaign staff.    Through this lesson, students are learning about how they can be active in the community through voting and the role energy plays in the sustainability of the environment.