With a mixture of discussions and hands-on fun, use this climate change KS1 lesson to introduce children to the wonderful world of renewable energy. Watch as they come up with their own magical ideas to help the environment.
The things young children are already aware of are eye-opening, and their understanding of climate change problems is no exception.
Due to its nature, shielding children from this issue can seem like the best option, however, talking and teaching about it could be a much better choice to make.
Our children have a vital role to play in the planet’s future, and they can bring learning to life and apply it in innovative ways.
Climate change KS1 learning objectives
- The difference between fossil fuels and renewable energy sources, with different examples for each
- Why renewable energy sources including biomass are so important for the future
- What renewable energies look like
- That small changes to the way we live can help reduce how much energy we consume
Starter activity
Begin by introducing the terms fossil fuels and renewable energy. Discussion is key here to draw out the children’s prior knowledge. This will inform how much time they spend on this part of the lesson.
Ask the children to chat with their talk partner about what they already know. Then encourage the class to share their ideas.
Dr Thomas Bernard, co-founder of STEM publishing company QuestFriendz and co-author of the SuperQuesters series. SuperQuesters: The Case of the Great Energy Robbery covers environmental themes including renewable energy and is out now. You can follow QuestFriends on X. Browse more Earth Day activities.
Similar resources
- Space activities for kids – Active learning Planet Match game
- Animals including humans Year 3 – Food and eating PowerPoint
- Plastic in the ocean – Marine conservation resources for schools
- Percy the Park Keeper – KS1 wall display and resource pack
- The Island at the End of Everything – KS2 cross-curricular planning
