A heightened awareness of global warming has parents and educators searching for ways to teach children about environmental challenges, without scaring them. Electra, Sparky and the Carbon Critters - featured characters in EnerAction, a new online energy education program - may just be the answer.
"EnerAction is fun, interactive and positive. Kids play with carbon calculators to see the energy use and greenhouse gas emissions that result from different actions, " says Johan Stroman, Director of GreenLearning in British Columbia. "As more energy is used, the Carbon Critters' feet grow bigger. Sparky and Electra help kids find ways of reducing energy use and shrinking the critters' energy footprint."
EnerAction is one of many innovative energy education projects of GreenLearning, the Pembina Foundation's flagship education program. EnerAction supports elementary students and teachers in tackling energy conservation and efficiency projects in their classrooms, schools and communities.
"In order to create the best program and resource possible, we are hosting a series of workshops to get teachers' input on EnerAction," says Nadine Raynolds, workshop coordinator. "Ultimately the effectiveness of this program depends on the enthusiasm of teachers - which is very high."
"Teachers are demanding resources that will help them teach about critical environmental issues in their classrooms - resources that are related to the school curriculum, provide young people with the knowledge and skills they need to act, and ultimately, give them hope," adds Stroman.
More than 80 teachers across southern British Columbia will meet Electra and the Critters, and take them back to their classes and schools. Schools in six communities are hosting workshops:
Kamloops: April 2
Victoria: April 12
Nelson: April 4
Burnaby: April 16
Saltspring Island: April 11
Vancouver: April 17
"Learning through play, following a story with creative characters and inviting kids to think critically about their own energy use will help make these tough societal issues easier to understand. EnerAction empowers kids to take action on their own ideas," said Nadine Raynolds.
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