5 Simple Ways to Teach Kids About Energy Conservation
This post is brought to you in collaboration with Colorado Springs Utilities. All opinions are mine alone. Here I’m sharing 5 Simple Ways to Teach Kids About Energy Conservation and exciting news about a $500 Gift Card Giveaway! #ChangeTheCurrent
As a Teacher certified in Early Childhood Education, one of the most important things I learned in my graduate study was the impact modeling has on young learners.
When we take the time to model certain behaviors or make a commitment to change something about the way we live, it speaks volumes to our kiddos and makes a significant impact on how they learn, act, and live out their lives.
As a budget conscious family, my husband and I are always looking for ways to conserve. We find ways to conserve on our grocery bill, home maintenance, and our electric bill.
That’s one of the reasons why I’ve taken the pledge to “Change the Current.” A pledge to make a concerted effort to conserve power by turning off lights and using energy efficient bulbs. I felt this was also the perfect time to talk with my kids about energy conservation and the important role electricity plays in the management of our household expenses and in the running of our everyday lives. So here I’m sharing 5 Simple Ways to Teach Kids About Energy Conservation.
$500 Gift Card Giveaway open to Colorado Springs Utilities Customers who take the #ChangeTheCurrent Pledge
Right now, Colorado Springs Utilities is giving away $500 Gift Cards to selected winners of the “Change the Current” pledge. Why not pick up some tips on ways to be more energy efficient? Enter the challenge, and you might win a wonderful prize for yourself and your family. Link: ChangetheCurrent.com
5 Simple Ways to Teach Kids About Energy Conservation
- Solar Lights – We use solar lights in our yard out front. Solar can be a wonderful alternative form of energy. The batteries charge in the sunlight by day and emit a welcoming glow at night. This saves on having to power the lights with electricity and offers an excellent example of modern power saving devices in use. When you’re out shopping at a home repair store, check out the solar lights, even if you don’t buy any for your home, teach your kids about how these energy efficient lights work. After all, they will become caretakers of their own homes someday.
- Rechargeable Batteries – Disposable batteries create an enormous amount of waste. Teach kids about rechargeable batteries. Choosing rechargeable batteries will not only save you money in the long run (by not having to buy more disposable batteries) it also reduces the ecological footprint on the environment. The simplest way to define ecological footprint would be to call it the impact of human activities measured in terms of the area of biologically productive land and water required to produce the goods consumed and to assimilate the wastes generated. [source: http://wwf.panda.org/about_our_earth/teacher_resources/webfieldtrips/ecological_balance/eco_footprint/]
- Wind Power – My boys [ages 5 and 7] love to play with pinwheels. These lightweight toys are the perfect hand-held tool to demonstrate how a windmill works. We travel from Colorado to Texas every year and we pass huge windmills on the way. By talking with our kids about the power generated by these tall towers capturing wind power, we introduce our kids to an alternative source of energy and we encourage them to stretch their imaginations for the future of alternative sources of energy.
- LED Lights vs. Incandescent Lights – Teach kids about different lighting options. Did you know, if you have a typical modest Christmas display on your home, your energy costs would be approximately $10-$15 for incandescent lights or around $2.00 for LEDs for the holiday season? Have a fancier display? Save even more money with LED lights. LED lights consume 80 to 90 percent less power than compared to incandescent lights, plus they last up to 100,000 hours. Considering the 3,000-hour average lifespan for incandescent Christmas lights, you’ll save even more by not having to replace your decorations as often. And that’s just Christmas decorations, think about what LED lights will save you inside of your home in energy costs for the lights you use every day. Now through Dec. 22, Colorado Springs Utilities customers can drop off old holiday light strands at the Conservation and Environmental Center and receive up to $15 off* the purchase of select Celebrations by ACE Brand Holiday LED light set at participating local Ace Hardware stores. *One $5 coupon per strand exchanged. Limit 3.
- Teach Kids about how energy [or electricity] works via a toy Circuit Board – If you really want to teach kids about energy and/or electricity, this electric circuit board from Snap Circuits is amazing. My eldest is only seven and after building several “example” circuits from the kit, he decided to create his own invention. He calls it the “Super White Noise Speaker Experiment.” Yes, just what we need, another noisemaker in this house. Of course, I’m perfectly fine with it, if it helps our son stretch his creative genius. I’ll even tolerate a noisy toy if it’s building his brain power!
Want Even More Ways to Conserve Energy?
You can find loads of tips to conserve energy and save off your family’s electric bill AND enter the $500 Gift Card Giveaway online at: Change the Current .
Follow Colorado Springs Utilities on Facebook [Colorado Springs Utilities on Facebook] for up to date ideas and money saving ideas. You can also follow Colorado Springs Utilities online to take advantage of special offers and giveaways when they’re posted on social media channels. Just click the links below.
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/CSUtilities
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/csutilities/
- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/SpringsUtilities
Do you have any tips to share?
Do you have any tips on energy conservation to share? Please leave a comment below, share an idea, and join the conversation. I love hearing from my readers.
Hi, I’m Monica.
Did you know you can enrich your preschooler’s early childhood education with just a few simple preschool activities at home?
Hi, I’m Monica, an Early Childhood Education Certified Teacher. I started out as a homeschool preschool mom, but quickly learned I have a passion for helping other moms and teachers with their preschool at home efforts. I share preschool tools and kids’ activities via my website at HappyandBlessedHome.com; and I’ve developed an entire preschool learning curriculum at VisualMontessori.com.
If you enjoy encouraging posts for moms, easy recipes, free preschool tools, and ideas for family fun, I hope you’ll connect with me online. I’d love to hear from you. Sign up for my e-mail newsletter and get some free printable activities for kids ages three through eight sent directly to your inbox.
Best Wishes!
Blog / Facebook / Pinterest / Twitter /Google + / Bloglovin’/ Instagram
Looking for more Early Childhood Education Teaching Tools and Christmas Learning Fun?
If you enjoyed this 5 Simple Ways to Teach Kids About Energy Conservation, you’ll also love these holiday-themed activity packs using similar artwork – in these family friendly posts. Stop by and pick up your fun free printables today!
 STEM Gift Ideas |
 FREE Ornaments |
|
 FREE Chore Charts |
 Nativity Puppets |
|
Have a Pinterest board packed with learning activities for kids or parenting tips? Please spread the love and share this post by pinning it on Pinterest!
For shares that include a brand URL, please include the #ad hashtag in your social share.
5 Simple Ways to Teach Kids About Energy Conservation
This post is brought to you in collaboration with Colorado Springs Utilities. All opinions are mine alone. Here I’m sharing 5 Simple Ways to Teach Kids About Energy Conservation and exciting news about a $500 Gift Card Giveaway! #ChangeTheCurrent
As a Teacher certified in Early Childhood Education, one of the most important things I learned in my graduate study was the impact modeling has on young learners.
When we take the time to model certain behaviors or make a commitment to change something about the way we live, it speaks volumes to our kiddos and makes a significant impact on how they learn, act, and live out their lives.
As a budget conscious family, my husband and I are always looking for ways to conserve. We find ways to conserve on our grocery bill, home maintenance, and our electric bill.
That’s one of the reasons why I’ve taken the pledge to “Change the Current.” A pledge to make a concerted effort to conserve power by turning off lights and using energy efficient bulbs. I felt this was also the perfect time to talk with my kids about energy conservation and the important role electricity plays in the management of our household expenses and in the running of our everyday lives. So here I’m sharing 5 Simple Ways to Teach Kids About Energy Conservation.
$500 Gift Card Giveaway open to Colorado Springs Utilities Customers who take the #ChangeTheCurrent Pledge
Right now, Colorado Springs Utilities is giving away $500 Gift Cards to selected winners of the “Change the Current” pledge. Why not pick up some tips on ways to be more energy efficient? Enter the challenge, and you might win a wonderful prize for yourself and your family. Link: ChangetheCurrent.com
5 Simple Ways to Teach Kids About Energy Conservation
-
Solar Lights – We use solar lights in our yard out front. Solar can be a wonderful alternative form of energy. The batteries charge in the sunlight by day and emit a welcoming glow at night. This saves on having to power the lights with electricity and offers an excellent example of modern power saving devices in use. When you’re out shopping at a home repair store, check out the solar lights, even if you don’t buy any for your home, teach your kids about how these energy efficient lights work. After all, they will become caretakers of their own homes someday.
-
Rechargeable Batteries – Disposable batteries create an enormous amount of waste. Teach kids about rechargeable batteries. Choosing rechargeable batteries will not only save you money in the long run (by not having to buy more disposable batteries) it also reduces the ecological footprint on the environment. The simplest way to define ecological footprint would be to call it the impact of human activities measured in terms of the area of biologically productive land and water required to produce the goods consumed and to assimilate the wastes generated. [source: http://wwf.panda.org/about_our_earth/teacher_resources/webfieldtrips/ecological_balance/eco_footprint/]
-
Wind Power – My boys [ages 5 and 7] love to play with pinwheels. These lightweight toys are the perfect hand-held tool to demonstrate how a windmill works. We travel from Colorado to Texas every year and we pass huge windmills on the way. By talking with our kids about the power generated by these tall towers capturing wind power, we introduce our kids to an alternative source of energy and we encourage them to stretch their imaginations for the future of alternative sources of energy.
-
LED Lights vs. Incandescent Lights – Teach kids about different lighting options. Did you know, if you have a typical modest Christmas display on your home, your energy costs would be approximately $10-$15 for incandescent lights or around $2.00 for LEDs for the holiday season? Have a fancier display? Save even more money with LED lights. LED lights consume 80 to 90 percent less power than compared to incandescent lights, plus they last up to 100,000 hours. Considering the 3,000-hour average lifespan for incandescent Christmas lights, you’ll save even more by not having to replace your decorations as often. And that’s just Christmas decorations, think about what LED lights will save you inside of your home in energy costs for the lights you use every day. Now through Dec. 22, Colorado Springs Utilities customers can drop off old holiday light strands at the Conservation and Environmental Center and receive up to $15 off* the purchase of select Celebrations by ACE Brand Holiday LED light set at participating local Ace Hardware stores. *One $5 coupon per strand exchanged. Limit 3.
-
Teach Kids about how energy [or electricity] works via a toy Circuit Board – If you really want to teach kids about energy and/or electricity, this electric circuit board from Snap Circuits is amazing. My eldest is only seven and after building several “example” circuits from the kit, he decided to create his own invention. He calls it the “Super White Noise Speaker Experiment.” Yes, just what we need, another noisemaker in this house. Of course, I’m perfectly fine with it, if it helps our son stretch his creative genius. I’ll even tolerate a noisy toy if it’s building his brain power!
Want Even More Ways to Conserve Energy?
You can find loads of tips to conserve energy and save off your family’s electric bill AND enter the $500 Gift Card Giveaway online at: Change the Current .
Follow Colorado Springs Utilities on Facebook [Colorado Springs Utilities on Facebook] for up to date ideas and money saving ideas. You can also follow Colorado Springs Utilities online to take advantage of special offers and giveaways when they’re posted on social media channels. Just click the links below.
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/CSUtilities
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/csutilities/
- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/SpringsUtilities
Do you have any tips to share?
Do you have any tips on energy conservation to share? Please leave a comment below, share an idea, and join the conversation. I love hearing from my readers.
Hi, I’m Monica.
Did you know you can enrich your preschooler’s early childhood education with just a few simple preschool activities at home?
Hi, I’m Monica, an Early Childhood Education Certified Teacher. I started out as a homeschool preschool mom, but quickly learned I have a passion for helping other moms and teachers with their preschool at home efforts. I share preschool tools and kids’ activities via my website at HappyandBlessedHome.com; and I’ve developed an entire preschool learning curriculum at VisualMontessori.com.
If you enjoy encouraging posts for moms, easy recipes, free preschool tools, and ideas for family fun, I hope you’ll connect with me online. I’d love to hear from you. Sign up for my e-mail newsletter and get some free printable activities for kids ages three through eight sent directly to your inbox.
Best Wishes!
Blog / Facebook / Pinterest / Twitter /Google + / Bloglovin’/ Instagram
Looking for more Early Childhood Education Teaching Tools and Christmas Learning Fun?
If you enjoyed this 5 Simple Ways to Teach Kids About Energy Conservation, you’ll also love these holiday-themed activity packs using similar artwork – in these family friendly posts. Stop by and pick up your fun free printables today!
|
STEM Gift Ideas
|
FREE Ornaments
|
|
|
FREE Chore Charts |
Nativity Puppets
|
|
Have a Pinterest board packed with learning activities for kids or parenting tips? Please spread the love and share this post by pinning it on Pinterest!
