The grade 5 students, with the help of their teacher Christina Van den Eynden, of the Prairie Waters Elementary School and other schools across Alberta recently participated in the Classroom Energy Diet Challenge and won the 250 point prize – a whopping $2000.
The students decided to plant a tree in keeping with their environmentally friendly way of thinking. They had a choice of three trees, a trembling aspen, Colorado spruce, and a white spruce, and after a vote they decided that the trembling aspen was the best; it will give plenty of shade and it will grow a lot faster than other trees so that when they have outdoor classes the other children that attend the school will be able to learn how it grows. Interesting trembling aspen fact – it can grow up 25 feet!
And to further dedicate this event a rock with a plaque will be placed at the base of the tree with 2013-2014 Class.
What is the Energy Diet Challenge?
‘The Classroom Energy Diet Challenge is a competition among Canadian classes from kindergarten to Grade 12 that aims to increase energy awareness among youth and educators. There are three streams to the competition: the Classroom Challenge, the Video Contest and the Green Your School Contest (learn more about each stream below). As classes progress through the competition, students will learn valuable lessons about energy use and share that knowledge with their school, communities and the rest of the country. This year there are more than 40 prizes to be won, with a total value of $40,000.
Throughout the competition, each class will complete a series of energy-themed, curriculum-linked challenges that teach them about diverse energy issues. Each time a class completes a challenge, they will earn points. In order to receive these points, the teacher must submit proof of students’ work (in the form of photos, worksheets, etc.) through the contest website. The more challenges a class completes, the more points they will earn. All classes who achieve thirty points or more will be eligible for great prizes.’
Some of the Challenges
A Green Powered Canada
Students will research and present renewable energy technologies currently being used in Canada.
Buckle Up
Students will explore energy-efficient driving and give tips and tricks to a variety of audiences.
Community Connections
Students will research community initiatives for saving energy.
Do you really need it?
Students will reflect on the energy using items in their life and determine what is essential and what is a privilege. They will then attempt to reduce their leisure energy consumption.
From You to Us
Students will look at a variety of transportation methods and explore the energy demands of each.
Get Growing
Students will learn about the process of photosynthesis and the important role that it plays in carbon offsetting.
Green Innovations
Students will design and create new products to make the world more energy efficient.
Green Your School
Students will reflect on the energy used at their school and determine how to reduce or offset it.
How Big Are Your Carbon Feet?
Students will learn about the concept of carbon footprints and calculate their own for one year. They will also compare their footprint to people in different regions around the world.
Letter to the Editor
Students will engage in a written dialogue with a media outlet or local government about an energy-related issue.
Making the Energy Grade
Students will assess their current energy use, think of ways to reduce it and track their changes.
Media Mania
Students will look at the different types of media, their portrayal of energy use and misuse, and the role they play in society.
One Hour, No Power
Discover how many hours your class can go without using power.
Post-It
Students will use a variety of materials to create art encouraging people to become more energy aware.
Recycle, Reduce and Re-gift
Students will take a closer look at the recycling programs in their school and community and find ways to reduce the amount of waste they produce.
Sign Up or Sign Out
Students will create a pledge form and encourage community members to sign it and pledge to reduce their energy use.
Spread the word
Students will make presentations to other classes, their school, and/or community groups to further the reach of the classroom energy diet challenge and its key messages.
Story Time
Students will use stories and illustrations to explain energy-related topics to a variety of audiences.
The Phantom of the Classroom
Students will learn about the concept of phantom power and locate the phantoms in their lives.
The Windy City
Students will take a closer look at wind power and discover the benefits and drawbacks of this renewable energy source.
Tips, Tricks and Announcements – Oh my!
Students will use a variety of methods to provide the public with tips and tricks to reduce their energy use.
Track Your Trash
Students will record the amount of garbage produced by their class or school and then actively try to reduce it.
Transportation Tricks
Students will assess current driving habits and trends while discovering how to reduce the energy requirements for daily trips.
Water Works
Classes will identify the amount of water required for a variety of processes and explore water reduction strategies.
What’s For Lunch?
Students will look at the energy requirements associated with food production and transportation.
