Energy Campaigns: Grades 4 - 7

BC Hydro youth branding graphicThe Energy Campaigns program provides students with opportunities to explore energy use and to develop strategies that encourage energy conservation. A practical, hands-on approach empowers students to take action in reducing their school's environmental impact. Materials and activities are designed to meet the varied needs, interests and approaches of B.C. teachers and students. Schools receive a comprehensive package of support materials as part of the workshop.

How it works

BC Hydro's Energy Campaigns program teaches energy conservation, sustainability and climate change concepts through a unique training model.

School-based teams attend a workshop, hosted by a BC Hydro facilitator, in their school district. Each school group is comprised of a teacher, with four to six lead students. The training session introduces sustainability concepts and provides materials to participants.

When the lead students return to school, they share what they have learned with the rest of their class. Using the materials provided by BC Hydro, the whole class investigates how the school uses energy and then develops a campaign to reduce the use of energy and natural resources in the school community.

The teacher's role:

  • Participate in workshop activities
  • Facilitate the student group during workshop
  • Support student initiatives at the school

The student's role:

  • Participate in workshop activities
  • Act as a catalyst/leader of initiatives at the school

Program components

Energy investigations

Energy investigations help classes identify energy use in the school. Students work independently or in teams to gather information through hands-on investigations, a process that develops many cross-curricular skills:

  • Analytical and critical thinking
  • Research, inquiry and interpretation skills
  • Problem solving and group decision-making
  • Planning and time management

Energy Action campaigns

Based on the results of the investigation, students develop and deliver a school-wide campaign to encourage their school community to take action to conserve energy. The campaigns allow students to have a direct, positive impact on energy use at their school. These initiatives are an example of social marketing and are designed to be student-driven. Students practice communication skills, develop creativity and work as a team in implementing their action plans through a variety of strategies:
  • Group discussion and debates
  • Creative thinking
  • Poster and pamphlet writing
  • Displays, presentations and announcements
  • Public Service Announcements

Public Service Announcements

A Public Service Announcement (PSA) can be created by students to make real energy conservation change happen in their school. Through dance, drama, music and visual arts, students use imagination, innovation, and creativity to tell the story of energy conservation at their school. This provides further opportunities for students to practice active leadership and citizenship.

How to get involved and register for a workshop

Call BC Hydro School Programs at 604 736 7424.

In the spotlight

BC Hydro Energy Campaigns workshop was highlighted on Global TV Newshour.
View the segment now.

Take a look at some student-created videos.

Last Modified: May 12, 2009