Talking to Reception age children about Renewable energy - Help please...

[Spagblog]

My DH is giving a talk to my daughters reception class next Monday. He is quite knowledgeable in solar and wind energy, but not very good at talking to 5yr olds about it.

Can anyone recommend any teaching guides, or useful props/games/things for the kids to try.

He is going to try and heat some water with a solar tube for them to feel.
I thought maybe making individual windmills?

Any other ideas?

I would've suggested making windmills too

He could try the following links (although I've not checked them all out - they're just what's immediately to hand):

Solar Energy International

Project to promote an energy concious and educated society

Practical environmental education project linking students and scientists

TeacherNet

CREATE

National Energy Foundation

A further good resource, although book-based is: Earth, Water, Fire and Air: Playful Explorations in the Four Elements (Paperback) my own children's fave for this sort of thing - lots of ideas of learning about the elements through play.

CAT sell some very cool solar cell toys - little helicopters etc. by mail order
www.cat.org.uk

Could he use one of those calculator with the PV - as an example of solar?

I would start with something very basic, like a windmill moved by hot air caused by a candle (like those christmas thingys) or a hot water bottle for a camping shower (do they still do the black bags with a hose attached? or am I totally out of date?)

wonder in the differences between European and American camping styles, perhaps here the people just walk to the shower? while in the other side of the Atlantic you won't expect to see any signs of civilisation while you are camping?

Oh thanks!
This is great, I'll have a look through in a minute...He is talking about not doing it if the weather is bad on Monday, but I think it is just the nerves talking!

I would demonstrate the differnce between non-renewable energy and renewable - e.g do some minor miracle with a matchstick or a burning oil burner of oil- and once it has gone, it has gone...and then something with renewable energy...blowing air or something.