How are we going to power the future? All school communities use resources that can positively or negatively impact the environment and the climate. This theme gives the student body a chance to understand how they can improve their carbon impact through smart energy choices.
Ideas and Inspiration
There are several smart steps that schools can take to minimise their environmental footprint:
- Installing energy-saving light bulbs
- Having solar panels on school roofs to generate their own energy supply or hot water
- Understanding where power is being used unnecessarily, as simple as turning off lights in unused rooms
Schools will also see the power bill reduce when this Theme is carried out successfully!
Some helpful resources
Eco Snapshot Data Collection Sheet
Developed by Camden Park Environmental Education Centre. This can be used by teachers with their primary schools students, or set as an activity for high school students to complete.
Environmental and zoo education centres (EZEC) are NSW public schools staffed by trained teachers. EZEC have partnered with Eco-Schools Australia to guide schools to a more sustainable future.
NSW schools can find their local EZEC here.
Solar Energy Experiment Student Booklet
Designed for Stages 2 and 3, though adapatable for youger and older students.
In this inquiry, students will find out the effect of colours on heat absorption.
Created by the EnviroMentors team at Keep Australia Beautiful NSW.
Climate Inquiry Student Booklet
Designed for Stage 2, this can be scaled up for Stage 3 students, or used as inspiration for Stage 4 lessons.
In this simple inquiry lesson, students will find out how your neighbourhood heats differently.
Created by the EnviroMentors team at Keep Australia Beautiful NSW.
Greenhouse Effect Experiment Student Booklet
Designed for Stages 2 and 3, though adapatable for older students.
In this inquiry, students will find out how carbon effects heat loss.
Created by the EnviroMentors team at Keep Australia Beautiful NSW.
A simple, informative (and up to date) list of energy resources in Australia).
Large-scale solar farm map of Australia.
STELR – Renewable energy ebook 2019 edition (student book)
An ebook covering lessons on global warming, energy, energy resources and electricity, batteries, wind energy and solar panels – also includes an open inquiry option.
STELR – Mathematics of Solar Panels (student booklet)
Student workbook that teaches students about solar panels and includes building mathematical skills in the area of geometry (e.g. by looking at the angle of the sun).
Accessible energy guide for younger students with information on traditional and renewable energy.
Suggestions and instructions on practical projects pupils can engage with to discover solar power. It also has some good background information.
A great long list of energy facts that help launch discussions.
An in-depth look at energy from source through use.
