With kids now back in school, encouraging them to engage in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) activities outside of the classroom can help them build confidence in their STEM skills while spending quality time together as a family. Children are more likely to take an interest in these subjects when their families provide opportunities to explore them in everyday life, especially through hands-on activities at home.
Need a practical way to apply that learning that benefits the whole family? Help your kids use their STEM learning to curb energy waste and enhance energy efficiency around the house.
Turn curiosity into action with energy experiments
Many kids already learn about electricity, light, and power as part of their science curriculum. At home, they can expand on that learning by doing simple experiments that explore how much energy appliances use and how to reduce that usage. Some energy-saving STEM activities for kids can include:
- Make a mini solar oven. Kids can use household items like cardboard, foil, and plastic wrap to create a solar-powered oven. It’s a hands-on way to explore how the sun’s energy can be harnessed for practical use.
- Experiment with LED vs. incandescent bulbs. Using a thermometer, children can compare how much heat different light bulbs produce, showing which ones waste more energy as heat instead of light.
- Create a power monitor notebook. Kids can track which electronics are used most often in the home and brainstorm ideas to cut down on unnecessary usage.
Use STEM thinking to build smarter habits
STEM learning encourages critical thinking and problem-solving. With a little guidance, kids can apply those skills to come up with their own energy-saving ideas, such as:
- Timing their showers to use less hot water (and less energy from the water heater)
- Unplugging chargers when not in use to reduce phantom electricity consumption
- Creating “lights out” reminders or posters for family members
- Testing insulation by checking which windows feel drafty and helping with weather-stripping installation or similar solutions
Empowering future problem-solvers
Helping kids understand how their actions affect energy use teaches them to care for the planet while building practical life skills. Through hands-on experiments and real-world problem-solving, they learn that science is something they can use, not just something they are required to study. The more kids practice using STEM to make a difference, the more likely they are to become tomorrow’s innovators and conservation leaders.
Reap the energy-saving benefits of STEM learning with Michigan Saves
Michigan Saves can help keep your energy bills down all year long. Our home and building financing can help you turn your home or business into a comfortable and efficient space with energy upgrades such as energy efficient windows, air sealing, HVAC systems, and solar panels. If saving money and energy is your goal, you’re in good hands. Find a Michigan Saves authorized contractor in your area to get started today.
