Talk About A Renewable Energy Source!
Research one renewable energy source, make a poster or small model, and prepare a short talk explaining how it works and why it helps people.
About this activity
Research one renewable energy source, make a poster or small model, and prepare a short talk explaining how it works and why it helps people.
What you need
Step by step
- 1
Step 1
Choose one renewable energy source to research such as solar wind hydro geothermal biomass or tidal.
- 2
Step 2
Look up and write down three short facts about your chosen source: how it works why it helps people and one real-world example.
- 3
Step 3
Decide whether you will make a poster or build a small model to show your energy source.
- 4
Step 4
Gather the materials you will need from the list and set them on a clear workspace.
- 5
Step 5
Draw a simple plan for your poster layout or sketch the steps to build your model.
- 6
Step 6
Make the main piece: if you chose a poster write a big bold title and draw the main picture or if you chose a model build the main shape that shows how the energy is captured.
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Step 7
Add at least three labels or short sentences to your poster or model that explain the parts and how they work.
- 8
Step 8
Write one clear sentence that explains why this energy source helps people such as providing electricity saving fuel or reducing pollution.
- 9
Step 9
Decorate your poster or model with color arrows icons and details to make it easy to understand and fun to look at.
- 10
Step 10
Write a 1 to 2 minute talk that introduces the energy source explains how it works why it helps people and gives your real-world example.
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Step 11
Practice your talk out loud two times while pointing to your poster or model.
- 12
Step 12
Share your finished creation and your short talk on DIY.org.
Fun facts
How do I do the Talk About A Renewable Energy Source activity step by step?
Start by choosing one renewable energy source (solar, wind, hydro, geothermal, or biomass). Research how it produces power, real-world examples, advantages, and concerns. Decide on a poster or small model and sketch a layout with labels. Build the model from cardboard or recyclables, or design a clear poster. Write a 2–4 minute script explaining how it works and why it helps people, practice aloud, and prepare for simple questions.
What materials do I need for the Talk About A Renewable Energy Source activity?
You’ll need research resources (books, child-friendly websites, or library access), paper or poster board, colored markers, glue, scissors, ruler, and tape. For a model use cardboard, recycled containers, straws, skewers, paper cups, or a pinwheel kit; a small solar cell or LED is optional. For digital posters, use a tablet or computer, printer, and presentation software. Adult supervision and a tidy workspace are recommended.
What ages is the Talk About A Renewable Energy Source activity suitable for?
This activity suits kids roughly ages 6–14 and can be adapted. Ages 6–8: focus on simple concepts, picture-filled posters, and short guided talks with adult help. Ages 9–12: encourage independent research, hands-on models, and a 2–4 minute presentation. Ages 13+: include deeper explanations, basic data, and comparisons between sources. Always supervise tool use for younger children and adjust expectations to ability.
What are the benefits of doing the Talk About A Renewable Energy Source activity?
Benefits include building STEM knowledge, environmental awareness, research skills, creativity, and public speaking confidence. Children learn how energy is generated, compare sustainability, and practice explaining complex ideas simply. Making a poster or model strengthens fine motor skills and planning, while presenting boosts communication and critical thinking. The activity can also encourage teamwork and inspire long-term interest in science and civic responsibility.
Watch & Learn
Need help?
What can I use if I don't have poster board or model kit materials?
Use sturdy cardboard (cereal or shipping boxes) for a poster and recycled items like paper plates, yogurt cups, straws, skewers, tape and glue to build the main shape of a small model.
My model won't spin and the poster labels look messy—what should I check or fix?
For a spinning model, make sure the 'Make the main piece' axle is straight and seated in low-friction supports (straws or beads) and balance the blades, and for the poster rewrite the 'big bold title' and the three labels with a thick marker and a ruler for neatness.
How can I adapt this activity for younger kids or older kids?
Have younger children pick one obvious source, write one short fact and make a colorful poster with two simple labels while an adult helps practice the two talks, and have older kids research three technical facts, build a more detailed model (for example with a small motor) and add a labeled diagram before practicing their 1–2 minute talk twice.
How can I extend or personalize my poster or model to make it more impressive?
Add interactive or real-world elements such as an LED powered by a small solar panel on your model, extra arrows/icons and local real-world examples on the poster, and record your 1 to 2 minute talk to upload to DIY.org.