Renewable energies
Energy is necessary for almost everything we do every day: turning on a light, using a computer, or heating a house. But not all ways of obtaining energy are the same, and some of them generate more pollution and affect the planet’s climate.
Renewable energies come from natural resources that do not run out.
They also produce less pollution and help take care of the planet by reducing global warming.
Solar energy uses sunlight to transform it into electricity. This is achieved thanks to solar panels, which capture the light and convert it into energy we can use every day. It is a clean energy and is available whenever the sun shines.
Wind can also be transformed into energy.
When it blows, it moves the large blades of wind turbines, which spin and produce electricity.
The more wind there is, the more energy can be generated, without polluting the air.
Water in motion, like that of rivers, has a lot of power. This power is used to move the turbines of hydroelectric dams and produce electricity.
It is one of the oldest forms of renewable energy and is still widely used.
The movement of the sea, such as waves and tides, can also generate energy.
This constant movement is transformed into electricity thanks to special systems such as marine turbines.
The ocean is a great source of natural energy.
Inside the Earth there is a lot of heat.
This heat can be used to generate energy through geothermal power plants that convert it into electricity.
It is an energy that comes from inside the planet and is naturally renewed.
Using renewable energies is a way to take care of the Earth today and also in the future.
By using the sun, wind, water, the sea, and the Earth’s heat, we can obtain energy without harming nature or increasing global warming.
Choosing clean energy is a way to think about the planet and about those who will live on it tomorrow.
After reading this Eco-note, we invite you to keep learning with simple and fun activities to do in the classroom or at home. With small actions and big ideas, together we can help take care of our planet.
Observe in the classroom or at home which things work with energy (lights, computers, chargers).
Build a sustainable city!
Create a model of a city using boxes, cardboard tubes, bottle caps, containers and other recycled materials to build houses, trees, bicycles, solar panels or wind turbines.
Imagining cleaner and more sustainable cities helps us think about a better future for everyone.
Download the coloring page and color it.
Use natural light instead of turning on lights.
Turn off lights when they are not needed.
Unplug devices that are not being used.
Try an EcoKids eco-game about energy or caring for the environment.
Saving energy also helps protect the planet. Turn off lights you are not using, unplug unnecessary devices and take advantage of natural light whenever you can.
Ideas for working on this eco-article in the classroom or at home
