Looking for a fun, educational way to energize your classroom? Try launching a monthly energy-saving challenge! This engaging activity brings a healthy dose of competition into your lessons while teaching students the value of using less energy at school and at home. Here’s a simple guide to help you kick off your classroom challenge. 

STEP 1: USE FREE ENERGY RESOURCES 

The first step in launching your monthly challenge is to introduce the concept of energy efficiency. It’s important to explain why saving energy matters. Help your students understand that it’s not just about reducing costs — it’s also about protecting our planet and building a bright future for our province. Luckily, there are plenty of free resources available to help make this lesson a breeze. 

Generation E offers ready-to-use materials for students in kindergarten to high school. They’re designed to help you break down complex topics into fun, age-appropriate activities that your students will love.  

 

STEP 2: BRAINSTORM AS A CLASS 

Once your students understand the basics of energy efficiency, it’s time to get creative! Lead a brainstorming session to come up with energy-saving actions your students can take at school and at home. 

Ask questions to spark discussion, such as: 

• “What small changes can we make to save energy in the classroom?” 

• “What energy-saving habits can we share with our families?”

Encourage students to think outside the box! Younger kids might suggest simple actions like turning off lights, while older students could propose ideas like taking shorter showers or advocating for energy-efficient appliances and electronics at home.  

Write down all suggestions to create a class list of energy-saving ideas. This collaborative approach not only fosters teamwork but also empowers students to take ownership of their energy-saving efforts. 

 

STEP 3: TRACK ENERGY-SAVING HABITS 

Now that your students have a list of energy-saving actions, the real challenge begins! Encourage them to monitor their habits throughout the month and track their progress. 

For younger students, tools like the Classroom Checklist are perfect for keeping things simple. They can check off actions like turning off lights or unplugging devices, making it easy to see their progress. 

For older students, take it a step further by encouraging them to design their own personalized habit trackers. They can record actions like reducing screen time or adjusting their thermostat at home. You can even create a shared class tracker to celebrate group achievements. 

As the month progresses, take time to discuss results and celebrate milestones. Did your class remember to turn off the lights every day? Did anyone inspire their family to start saving energy? Sharing successes can motivate everyone to stay engaged and try even harder. 

 

READY TO START YOUR CHALLENGE? 

You can access all our free resources on our website. Or, if you’d like support, Generation E’s Outreach and Engagement Coordinator is available to visit your classroom for free! These classroom talks are engaging, interactive, and designed to complement your curriculum.  

Ready to spark excitement, inspire action, and help your students make a real difference? Check out our FREE resources or book a classroom talk today!