Learning Outcomes

By the end of the workshop, children will be able to:

KNOWLEDGE & UNDERSTANDING:

• Understand that "energy" comes from resources like water, sun, and wind.
• Recognise that computers and robots need energy to work.

SKILLS & ABILITIES:

• Work in pairs to play games and count "energy points".
• Share ideas through drawing, storytelling, or role-play.
• Build models (Lego/Minecraft) to express eco-friendly ideas.

ATTITUDES & VALUES:

• Show care for the environment through small daily actions.
• Appreciate how innovation can help build a greener future.

European Dimension / Erasmus+ Connection

• Digital & Ecological Citizenship: Introduces responsibility with digital tools early on.
• Transnational Solutions: Compares energy-saving actions across homes and countries.
• Green Deal Objectives: Emphasizes how digital innovation helps meet EU sustainability goals.

1. Resources and Tools

Stories & Books (PDFs):

• "Energy Makes Things Happen", "Planet Power", "Energy Island".
• "The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind", "City Green".

Materials Needed:

• Energy Collector Game Cards (illustrated AI tasks).
• Stickers (for energy points).
• Paper, crayons, Lego blocks, or Minecraft: Education Edition.
• Tablets/Laptops (optional).

2. Working Methods

• Storytelling: Using books to introduce abstract concepts like energy.
• Gamification: "Energy Collector Game" to make energy usage visible and countable.
• Creative Play: Building eco-cities to visualize solutions.
• Reflection: Sharing personal surprises and pledges for home actions.

Activity Overview (3-Week Plan)

3. Introduction and Motivation (Week 1)

Discovering Energy & AI

Goal: Introduce the idea that technology uses energy.

• Welcome: "Today we learn about robots, computers, and energy!"
• Storytime: Read "Energy Makes Things Happen" or "Planet Power".
• Discussion: "Does a tablet need food? No, it needs electricity!" "Where does electricity come from?"
• Activity: Children draw or point to pictures of things that use energy (e.g., TV, Lights, Fridge).

4. Research and Learning (Week 2)

Energy Collector Game

Goal: Understand that some actions use more energy than others.

• Setup: Divide children into 2–3 teams. Place 6–8 illustrated cards face down.
• Cards: Show tasks like "Robot Vacuum", "Playing Music", "Watching Video". Each card has a number of "Energy Stickers".
• Gameplay: Teams take turns picking cards and collecting stickers.
• Math & Science: Count the stickers. Who used the most energy? Why? (e.g., Video uses screen + sound).
• Conclusion: How can we save energy? (Turn it off when done!).

5. Creative Application (Week 3)

Helping the Planet with AI

Goal: Show that technology can help the environment.

Question: "How can robots help nature?" (e.g., watering plants, sorting trash).

The Task: Work in small groups to build an Eco-City using Lego, paper/crayons, or Minecraft.

Must Include:

• Green spaces (trees, parks).
• Technology helpers (Recycling robots, solar panels).

Presentation: "Our robot collects rubbish to help the animals."

6. Reflection and Evaluation

Closing Circle

Children share orally or draw:

• "What surprised me?"
• "What can I do at home?" (e.g., turn off lights, unplug tablet).

Teacher Note: Encourage positive feedback for every eco-friendly idea.

Online Resources and References

1. "Energy Makes Things Happen" (Book/PDF).
2. "The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind" (Book/PDF).
3. Minecraft: Education Edition - Sustainability Lessons.