Faith Curriculum Library: Tapestry of Faith: World of Wonder: A Program on the Seven Principles of Unitarian Universalism for Grades K-1

Activity 3: Stand Up to Save Energy

Activity time: 10 minutes

Materials for Activity

  • Newsprint, markers, and tape

Preparation for Activity

  • Recruit an adult volunteer to record the children's suggestions for energy saving.
  • Optional: Read "365 Ways to Save Energy" for more examples.

Description of Activity

Tell the children that green energy also includes saving energy by not wasting it. For example, it saves energy if you keep the window closed when you run the air conditioner in the summer so the cold air doesn't escape. That way, you have less air to cool down.

Ask the children for some ideas or examples of saving or wasting energy.

Now explain that you are going say an activity aloud, and they should stand up if it saves energy or sit down if it wastes energy; if they are not sure, they can crouch somewhere between standing and sitting. Have them start sitting down.

Use the practices below and/or add your own:

  • Taking showers instead of baths. (saves energy)
  • Turning the lights off when they are not needed. (saves energy)
  • Leaving the outside door open in the winter, letting the warm air out and the cold air in. (wastes energy)
  • Turning off the TV when no one is watching it. (saves energy)
  • Opening and closing the refrigerator door quickly. (saves energy)
  • Washing dishes in the dishwasher, even if it's not full. (wastes energy)
  • Walk or ride your bike to school instead of taking a car. (saves energy)
  • Leave the water running while you brush your teeth. (wastes energy)
  • Putting on a sweater when the room is cool, instead of asking someone to turn up the thermostat. (saves energy)

To conclude, ask the children for more ideas to save energy. Have the adult volunteer write their ideas in simple statements, to include in posters or bookmarks in the next activity.

Including All Participants

If there are mobility concerns, do this activity by raising hands instead of standing.