Celebrate National Energy Awareness Month by teaching children about energy and the role it plays in everyday life.
As President George H.W. Bush wrote in a 1991 proclamation, “America’s utility companies and other energy providers supply the light, heat and power that are needed to operate our factories and farms, our schools and defense installations, and other places of work.”
Fostering strong connections with energy and technology can create appreciation for the ways energy is a part of their lives. Here are a few ideas to get you started.
Discover what energy is. Explain sources of energy and how they’re used. Understanding the importance of energy can promote understanding the need to conserve it.
Conduct science experiments to have fun while demonstrating energy. You and your kids can create a solar oven or a rain machine.
Explore your house for ways to conserve energy. Unplug unused appliances and turn off lights. See who can remember to practice these efforts in the future.
Turn an energy audit into a family challenge—a competition where family members hunt for energy issues or solutions around the house. See who can make the longest list or come up with the most unusual or creative idea. You might be surprised at how energy aware your kids can be.
Illustrate energy use or renewable energy sources like solar, wind or hydropower with arts and crafts or activity books.
Read about energy in books or online.
Visit eia.gov/kids for games, riddles and puzzles about energy.
Burn calories by playing outside, and promote a connection between your children and the environment. Remember to turn the lights off before heading outdoors.
Developing energy awareness in your family members allows them to be actively involved in maintaining your family’s energy use and budget.
National Energy Awareness Month reminds us that energy choices affect future generations, not just our budgets.
