Embracing Energy Conservation: A July Guide for Teachers

As the summer sun blazes down and July's warmth envelops us, it's an opportune time for educators to reflect on energy conservation both in the classroom and beyond. This month let’s explore ways to integrate energy-saving practices into our lives and teaching, while also preparing for the upcoming school year. Here’s a rundown of topics that can not only enrich your summer but also inspire your students to become energy-conscious citizens.

It's Getting Hot Out Here: The Electrical Grid's Capacity to Take the Heat

With temperatures soaring, the demand on our electrical grid can reach its peak. This is a crucial time to educate ourselves and our students about the grid's capacity and the importance of conserving electricity. Discuss with your students how increased energy consumption can lead to blackouts and what role renewable energy sources play in alleviating these pressures. Consider classroom activities that simulate energy consumption and conservation efforts, such as calculating the energy usage of common appliances and exploring alternative energy solutions like solar panels. Lead discussions or have debates about the challenges below.

Challenges Facing the Power Grid:

• Installing new transmission lines
• Determining equitable cost structure for lines that serve more than one state
• Expanding the network to reach renewable energy generation sites that are often far away from where the electricity demand is concentrated
• Protecting the grid from physical and cyber attacks

Resources for You and Your Students:

Here is a great article from the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) to share with your students about how energy travels through the grid to homes and businesses. You can also check out this article about grid modernization from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). Want to listen to a podcast? If so, check out the DOE’s “Direct Current.”

Prepping for the School Year: Energy-Saving Classroom Strategies

As you prepare for the new school year, think about ways to create an energy-efficient classroom. Here are a few strategies:

• Natural Light Utilization: Arrange seating to maximize the use of natural light, reducing the need for artificial lighting.
• Energy-Efficient Equipment: Consider investing in energy-efficient electronics and encourage students to power down devices when not in use.
• Environmental Projects: Plan projects that focus on sustainability, such as a classroom garden or a recycling program, to instill conservation habits in students.

Plastic Free July: Reducing Plastic Waste

Plastic Free July is a global movement that encourages people to reduce their plastic consumption. Engage your students in this initiative by organizing plastic-free challenges, where they can track their reduction in plastic use. Incorporate lessons on the impact of plastic waste on the environment and encourage students to brainstorm alternatives to single-use plastics both at school and home. Here are links to more resources from Plastic Free July:

• Educational Videos
• Solutions
• Changemaker Toolkit | Help Reduce Plastic Waste

World Ranger Day on July 31: Celebrating Conservation Heroes

World Ranger Day is a perfect occasion to highlight the vital role rangers play in conserving our natural resources. Share stories and documentaries about rangers who protect wildlife and ecosystems. You can also connect with local parks or reserves to arrange virtual or in-person ranger talks for your students. This not only celebrates the rangers' contributions but also inspires students to consider conservation careers.

Summer Fun Through the Lens of Conservation

Summer is a time for fun and relaxation, but it’s also an excellent opportunity to teach conservation in engaging ways. Encourage students to participate in outdoor activities that promote environmental awareness, such as:

• Nature Scavenger Hunts: Create a list of natural items to find, encouraging students to observe and appreciate biodiversity.
• Beach Clean-ups: Organize or join local beach or park clean-up events to instill a sense of responsibility towards nature.
• Eco-Friendly Crafts: Use recycled materials for summer crafts, teaching students about reusing and repurposing items.

By integrating these themes into your summer and school year plans, you’re not only preparing your students for academic success but also fostering a generation of energy-conscious individuals who are aware of the importance of conserving our planet’s resources. Here’s to a productive and energy-efficient July!