Students from Northcott Prairie School are learning about energy in a whole new way, weaving together science, technology, energy, arts and mathematics (STEAM) and cross-curricular integration, thanks to an A+ Energy Grant from Inside Education.

Teachers and students presented to the Board of Trustees of Rocky View Schools (RVS) on June 19, showcasing how they used the grant to create inclusive learning activities in a rich, inclusive and meaningful environment.

Teacher Makayla Widmer said the teaching team decided to apply for the grant as a response to the new Alberta Education science curriculum. The $2,500 the school received was used to turn the school’s Grade 6 students into “energy explorers”.

Using hands-on, play-based activities, the students said they were encouraged to explore real-world applications of STEAM in fun ways that enhanced their learning. According to Ainslee, one of five students who presented to the Board, one of the first activities the students took part in was a community walk so they could see how various sources of energy are used.

At Energy Day, the students learned how solar panels work, played board games to understand the benefits and risks of a variety of energy sources, and participated in an art project that brought the topics to life. This fun day kept students engaged and demonstrated their critical thinking, collaboration skills, creativity, problem-solving and other important skills, all goals of RVS’ Education Plan.

During the presentation to the Board, student Easton led trustees through Power Play, an interactive activity which had some trustees and RVS executive volunteering to act as the various components of energy transmission. The exercise Illustrated how an energy source is converted and used to power a home’s electricity, resulting in turning on and off a light bulb. Easton said students also took part in a hexagon learning activity during which students were asked to show the connections between various words written on hexagon shapes. This exercise helped students see how each step of the process of creating and converting something into energy is interconnected.

According to Widmer, the students investigated many forms of energy such as natural gas, wind and solar and explored the impact some of these are having on climate change. Another student, Olivia, said she learned how making small changes now can make a difference over time, and what might be in store for the planet if we don’t diversify. The students also read several books by Indigenous authors with topics that helped them to understand the impact of energy on the environment and the land.

They also researched the Seventh Generation Principle, rooted in Indigenous cultures, which encourages people to consider the impact of present-day decisions on the well-being of future generations. Student Aaleyah said the students investigated the work some energy companies are doing to embrace this philosophy. The art project the students produced during Energy Day focussed on what the world would look like seven generations from now if we don’t change how we interact with energy, according to student Jace.

While writing the grant application was a lot of work, Widmer said it was well worth it to be able to provide her students with this valuable learning opportunity.