Relay Education organized the 16th Kids’ World of Energy Festival in May 2024. This month-long event teaches young minds about renewable energy and promotes energy conservation and environmental stewardship. These interactive sessions combine STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) topics.
82 classes from across Canada participated with over 1700 students. This made this year’s festival one of the furthest reaching yet.
“I found it educating, fun and innovative for learning with the students. I highly recommend this way of teaching and helping the students become part of the learning experiments.”
-Teacher from Muscowpetung Saulteaux Nation, Saskatchewan.
A nationwide educational extravaganza
The Kids’ World of Energy Festival spanned many provinces, including British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Ontario, Quebec, Nova Scotia, and the Northwest Territories, reaching thousands of grades 5 and 6 students. The festival’s core mission was to increase awareness and understanding of energy and environmental issues through hands-on learning. Since its start in 2008, the festival engaged over 36,000 students and parents, fostering a deeper appreciation for sustainable practices and renewable energy technologies.
Engaging workshops and activities
The festival featured a variety of interactive activities designed to captivate and educate young learners. Some of the popular stations included:
- Plug in the Sun: This activity station, taught students about how solar panels work and the value of solar energy as a renewable resource. Students engaged in activities that demonstrated the practical applications of solar power in everyday life.
- Capture the Wind: At this station, students explored the mechanics and benefits of wind energy. They learned how wind turbines make power through hands-on activities.
- Digest This: During this activity, students explored the chemical processes behind biogas power. They learned how methane can be used for electrical energy by completing experiments.
“The kids had so much fun with the hands-on learning. The stations were very engaging and the variety of activities kept kids excited and on task.”
– Teacher from Sherwood Community School, Calgary, Alberta.
Community involvement
Dedicated volunteers from various companies, the community, and schools supported the festival. These volunteers played a crucial role in the event’s success. They helped with demonstrations and hands-on activities. Their participation not only helped to facilitate the event, but many volunteers expressed seeing the impact of their efforts on young minds. The volunteers were enthusiastic and dedicated. They showed the importance of community involvement in education. They also showed how such experiences can inspire a commitment to sustainability and renewable energy in both personal and professional life.
A festival with a purpose
The Kids’ World of Energy Festival was more than an educational event; it was a movement towards a sustainable future. Relay Education instills knowledge and passion for renewable energy and conservation in young minds. This fosters growth of eco-aware people for the future. The growing number of participants and the continuous support from sponsors and community partners reflected the festival’s long-term impact.
For more information on future events and how to support the festival, visit Relay’s festival webpage: https://relayeducation.com/programs/festival
Join us in celebrating and promoting a sustainable future through education and innovation.
Thank you to our event sponsors Schneider Electric, FortisBC, Pattern Energy, Northwest Territories Power Co, and Elexicon. We also appreciate the funding support from TD Friends of the Environment Foundation.
“Relay Education brought hands-on learning where students got to explore. It promoted exploration and discovery of renewable energy and made important science concepts much more relevant to the students.”
-Teacher from Viola Desmond Public School in Ajax, Ontario.