Three ways to teach children about sustainability and its benefits.
According to a study, some climate change observations in Australia are projected to continue in the future. It further suggests that Australia will be experiencing the following in the coming years:
- Hotter days
- More acidic oceans
- Higher sea levels
- More intense rainfall levels
- Declining snow depths
Climate change is here, and it will continue to affect the entire planet. This is why it is important to teach the next generation about sustainability.
A country like Australia provides an ideal platform to do this because of its abundant sunlight and potential for renewable energy.
Teaching sustainability and renewable energy, such as solar technology, can empower the next generation. They will have the tools to understand, actively participate, and appreciate a sustainable society.
The Importance of Teaching Sustainability
Teaching sustainability allows the youth to make informed decisions. It creates a sense of responsibility because it empowers the youth to adopt sustainable practices.
With their knowledge of sustainability, they can contribute to making a better and greener planet. The information they gain from learning about sustainability will instil lifelong values that promote love for the environment and a preference for sustainable living.
Specific to solar technology, incorporating this topic in the curriculum will provide learners with the skills and knowledge about one of the most common renewable energy solutions.
Hopefully, learning about it will inspire them to take on this type of renewable energy solution. Teaching sustainability to the next generation need not just happen within the four walls of the classroom. There are other more hands-on ways to do this through projects, partnerships with relevant organisations, and of course having solar-powered infrastructure.
The younger generation needs to participate actively in the learning process so they can fully embrace sustainability. After all, it is their generation who will inherit the planet, and driving it to a cleaner and brighter tomorrow will be beneficial to them.
What is Solar Technology?
Solar technology is one type of clean and renewable energy. It works by harnessing the power of the sun and converting it into energy that can be used as power or electricity.
Solar technology helps reduce humanity’s reliance on fossil fuels and lessen the production of harmful greenhouse gas emissions. There are three main components to a solar technology equipment, and these are the following:
- Solar Panels – The panels capture the sunlight during the day, which is initially converted to direct current or commonly referred to as DC.
- Inverter – From the name itself, it inverts the harnessed energy from DC to alternate current or AC. This type of electricity is used to power common equipment at home.
- Battery Storage – This is helpful when the sun is not shining because it stores any excess energy that is not used at home. There is also the option of sending back any excess energy to the grid. Doing this results in credit that can be used to lower the household’s electricity bill.
Teaching the next generation about solar technology and other sustainability practices offers a realistic and tangible way to engage them.
How Can We Incorporate Sustainability in the School Curriculum?
Integrating sustainability into the school curriculum is an effective way to introduce students to the benefits and applications of renewable energy. There are several ways to do this; one of the most common examples is by organising workshops.
The school can partner with an organisation that champions sustainable energy, such as solar power, and share their tips and learnings with the students. The more interactive the session, the better it is. When the children are involved in the discussion, they can better retain information. Plus, interactivity can also create more interest in the topic.
Field trips to renewable energy sites such as windmills or solar farms can be another way of incorporating sustainability into children’s studies. This way, the children can see firsthand how the technology works.
They can easily connect the environmental advantages of using renewable energy when they see the actual equipment at work. Going on educational trips can help the students grasp the concept of solar energy and its impact on sustainability.
Here, we list other ways to teach the next generation about sustainability.
1. Create Hands-on Sustainability Projects.
Involving the students in hands-on sustainability projects will allow them to get a deeper understanding of how the technology works.
This can come in the form of building small solar-powered devices like solar ovens or chargers. Through these kinds of projects, they are not only enhancing their problem-solving skills, but they can also identify the practical applications of renewable energy.
These hands-on projects will enable students to witness how renewable energy actually turns into usable power. These kinds of activities also incite curiosity and innovation.
2. Incorporate Solar Technology Into the School Infrastructure.
The country’s schools can serve as sustainability models by incorporating solar technology into their infrastructure. This can be done by installing solar panels on school rooftops.
The school will benefit from this because of reduced energy costs. At the same time, it will showcase the benefits of renewable energy to students, teachers, and the community. As such, it’s a win-win situation for everybody.
By practising the school’s sustainable solutions, the students are more likely to adopt similar measures in their personal lives. This will then create a ripple effect of positive change.
3. Explore Collaborations and Partnerships.
Get in touch with the community’s solar organisations and environmental groups. In fact, you can look at partnerships with energy companies because most of them also have their own sustainability programs now.
Considering these kinds of collaborations and partnerships can make teaching sustainability more effective. These partnerships can guide the schools through a more comprehensive approach to teaching sustainability.
This can be done through guest lectures, workshops, and interactive sessions led by experts in the sustainability field. It is an excellent way to enhance the learning experience of the students.
It is also a good way to introduce and, hopefully, to inspire the students to explore careers in renewable energy.
Consider installing solar technology for your office or home with Aztech Solar.
Now is the time to adopt a more sustainable approach to energy. Aztech Solar can help you get started on this journey because we are the trusted solar power installers in Newcastle and Hunter.
Email us at info@aztechsolar.com.au to find out more or call 02 4067 2634 to speak with a representative.
