Energy Detectives:
Kindergarten – Grade 3

Program objectives

• To educate students and the school community about the link between energy use and the need to conserve resources for the future.
• To explore issues of sustainability, safety, stewardship and the environment.
• To provide opportunities for students to demonstrate leadership, teamwork and citizenship through energy conservation campaigns.

The core of the program is Smarty and the Energy Detectives: The Mysterious Equation, an appealing story that introduces students to energy, its uses and how we can conserve.

With engaging lessons and materials, the program encourages students to play an active role in energy conservation in their classrooms, schools and homes through energy action plans.

Teachers receive a complete set of classroom materials that includes:

Smarty and the Energy Detectives: The Mysterious Equation

• 32-page colour storybook [PDF, 8.8 Mb] illustrated by Kim La Fave, an award-winning illustrator
• Grade 2 reading level
• Copies for teachers and 15 classroom copies for students to read in pairs

Teacher Resource Guide

• Ten lesson plans (40-minute lessons)
• Literacy strategies, additional home activities and recommended reading list
• Black line masters, assessment tools, extension ideas and colour overheads
• Curriculum Correlation Chart [PDF, 414 Kb] shows, at a glance, how this resource meets B.C. Prescribed Learning Outcomes (PLOs) in English Language Arts, Social Studies, Science, and Health and Career Education

Energy Detectives Student Handbook

• A class set of student workbooks that provide activities to support the lessons

Playing cards, bookmarks and posters

• Illustrated to impart an electrical safety message

What teachers are saying about the program

"We found that students became more aware of our world and how we need to save electricity whenever we can! They have spotted safety tips in other areas of our class and at home. They learned to be Power Smart. Knowing where we get energy was also important to them and their understanding." – Teacher, Peace River North School District

"The students loved the supplies and activities and the game, stickers, and bookmarks were hits. We, as teachers, loved the IRP connections. Thanks for that useful tool so we don't reinvent the wheel so to speak!" – Teacher, Peace River North School District

"The kids really enjoyed the unit. Even parents commented on how much of the information they brought home and really pushed their families to be more energy smart, so I definitely would do the unit as is again. Thanks!" – Teacher, Vernon School District

"As a class we took on the goal of reducing energy by turning off lights in the school. My students made little cards to go above light switches with a simple message, and we placed them throughout the school. They took pride when we were "energy detectives" and took several walks throughout the school to see if our messages were working." – Teacher, Greater Victoria School District

"The materials look fantastic – very usable with a nice level of French for my grade 3s. It's so nice to find great material in French!" – Teacher, Coquitlam School District

For more information about the program

To find out more about BC Hydro's school programs and how to register, please send us an email with the following information and we will get in touch with you.

• Name
• School
• Grade
• Email

Or call BC Hydro School Programs at 604 736 7424.