many parents want to teach their children about renewable energy and energy efficiency early in life, because once they get in the habit of it, it will be a habit they continue to follow the rest of their lives. But where do you start when teaching renewable energy for kids? A good start would be to define exactly what renewable energy is. You can suggest they make a list of non-renewable and renewable energy sources and build from there. Some examples might include: Non-renewable: Oil / Gas, natural gas, coal, Nuclear Renewable: Solar, wind, geothermal, Hydro / Water
Explain them how renewable energy comes from natural forces. It’s different from fossil fuels because it does not greenhouse gases or other pollutants.
You can further explaining how a large-scale production of electricity from renewable energy sources have only recently become more popular. Some reasons why it is becoming more popular include: climate change caused by pollution and fossil fuels are all used up and becomes more expensive.
A really good idea is to teach children about energy efficiency. Have them make a list of all the electrical devices they use for one day as a TV, computer, lights, etc., and how long, and if possible effect of each unit. If they can not get power, you can look up the average power for each unit of administration demo purposes. Have a rough market operation to show them how much power they use in one day.
Now have them do a ‘savings’ day when they turn off units when they are not using them, turn off lights when not in a room, turn down the heat / Mains a few degrees, etc. Now recalculate daily wattage and show them how much energy they saved a few simple changes.
Another good idea is to show them how to install a solar or wind turbine can generate electricy their own home. It is not as expensive as you might think. You do not need an expensive commercial system. You can build your own for $ 100-200 dollars and your children can even help if they are old enough. The less energy they take for granted, the better.
This experience will stick with them (especially at such an impressionable age) and they’ll be using this practice for the rest of their lives. Learn renewable energy for kids, the sooner the better!