Can you feel the heat? The days are growing longer, and the weather is getting warmer, so you’re probably thinking about summer break and all of the ways you can unplug, enjoy the outdoors, and savour some much-needed down time.  

As you and your students get ready for summer vacation, now is the perfect time to teach them energy-saving habits that will benefit the planet — while still enjoying everything this season has to offer.  

Learning about energy efficiency can help your students understand how their energy consumption can impact our environment. Grab your sunscreen and let’s get started with some energy efficiency tips to share in your classroom! 

Energy efficiency tips

Whether you’re inside cooling off or outside enjoying the heat, there are plenty of ways to reduce your energy use. Here are five tips to share with your students:

1. Close the blinds. Closing the blinds during the day will help keep the sun’s rays out. It’s an easy, no-cost approach to stay cool inside during the summer.   
2. Adjust your thermostat. Another easy way to reduce your energy use is to adjust your thermostat at night and when you’re not home. Your students can let their parent or guardian know they can save up to 4% on cooling costs by increasing the temperature by 3°C or more for at least eight hours a day during the summer.
3. Leave the gaming consoles behind. While it can be tempting to stay inside all day playing your favourite video games, challenge your students to unplug more often. Try leaving the games behind and opt for outdoor activities like going for a bike ride or reading a new book in the shade.
4. Have a picnic. Give the kitchen stove a break! Get the whole family on board to reduce their energy use by setting up a picnic. Don’t forget to pack lots of snacks, water, and some fun activities like a frisbee or deck of cards.   
5. Unplug your electronics. When you’re not using electronics or small appliances such as computers or coffee makers, don’t forget to unplug them. When left plugged in, these items can use small amounts of energy, even if they’re not turned on. 

Ready, set, brainstorm!

There are so many easy ways that you and your students can be energy efficient this summer. Host a brainstorming session with your class to discover even more ideas! Don’t forget to use our free resources for inspiration, like our colouring pages for Kindergarten to Grade 5, our Great Wall of Energy activity for Grade 6 students, and our All About Energy presentation for Grade 9 students. 

Need help with lesson planning? Connect with our Outreach and Engagement Coordinator who can lead your students through fun and educational energy efficiency activities. Contact us today to get started!