Its never too young to teach green
Do you have young children at home? How about teaching them about solar energy? Frankly, I was very surprised last summer when my two oldest boys seemed to know quite a bit about solar power when I interviewed them for a youtube video. It could be that we live in a “green” state and a “green” city, Bend, Oregon, that gives my children a bit of an edge.
If you don’t have the geographic advantage, there are some simple solar energy lessons for kids that you can incorporate into your daily life. Come with me as we review the easiest things to learn about solar power.
First, though, here is a portion of my solar power interview of two kids, ages 8 and 10:
1. Notice solar panels around town and point them out to your kids. Ask them if they know what they are. Tell them that using solar panels saves electricity, and see if they can come up with other ideas about reducing power demands and expense.
2. Watch for special events that feature solar power. Often, museums and other child-centric entertainment will have exhibits or special experiments in which kids can participate. In Oregon, my favorite place to go is the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI), in Portland. But even our local childrens’ museum, “Working Wonders” publishes a monthly newsletter that features upcoming experiments and art projects for kids.
Don’t see anything around town? Why not write or call and suggest a solar energy exhibit?
3. Rent a movie that features alternative energy resources. A recent favorite, Nim’s Island, includes a family living off-grid with the use of solar panels and wind turbines. What an entertaining way to show the possibilities of solar power! My friend Amy even hosts a “Green Family Movie Night” at her house, showing the film, and thinking about other ways to go green.
4. Purchase solar powered gadgets, like driveway lights, cell-phone chargers and more. Explain to your children how using them will save energy and money.
5. Convert to 100% solar energy! Install your own solar panels at home and be an excellent example, not only for your kids, but the entire neighborhood! Think about how proud your children will be to be a leader in renewable energy around town.
Do you have any other ideas about solar energy lessons for kids? Anything that worked for you especially well – or not? Please share below!
Tags: learn about solar power, solar energy kids, solar energy lessons
I love how ‘into it’ the kids are! What a perfect time to instill the whole green concept. They are so curious.
Great post.
Hi Shirley! Thank you! I am very proud of my kids and their knowledge and appreciation about ways to save the environment. Even more so, I am happy that much of their views they have picked up outside our home. That gives us a super foundation on which to build as parents and a family.
Hope all is well – thanks for visiting and commenting,
Stephanie
Hi
Our school is learning about ways to save electricity and power we can either make a poster, video, pamphlet and a cartoon video.
we have chosen a video we are very interested in learning more about solar power i almost forgot im 12 and ashleighs 11 and were from terrace school Waipukurau chb new zealand schools adress: 164 Porongahau Road and i do not know why i just gave you the email address
bye!!!!