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.
Step-by-step guide to talk about a renewable energy source
Step 1
Choose one renewable energy source to research such as solar wind hydro geothermal biomass or tidal.
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.
Step 3
Decide whether you will make a poster or build a small model to show your energy source.
Step 4
Gather the materials you will need from the list and set them on a clear workspace.
Step 5
Draw a simple plan for your poster layout or sketch the steps to build your model.
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.
Step 7
Add at least three labels or short sentences to your poster or model that explain the parts and how they work.
Step 8
Write one clear sentence that explains why this energy source helps people such as providing electricity saving fuel or reducing pollution.
Step 9
Decorate your poster or model with color arrows icons and details to make it easy to understand and fun to look at.
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.
Step 11
Practice your talk out loud two times while pointing to your poster or model.
Step 12
Share your finished creation and your short talk on DIY.org.
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.
Watch videos on how to talk about a renewable energy source
What is Solar Power? | National Geographic
4 Videos
What is Solar Power? | National Geographic
All About Solar Energy - Earth's Renewable Resources
Solar Electricity Explained
How do solar panels work? - Richard Komp
Facts about renewable energy for kids
🌞 The Sun delivers more energy to Earth in one hour than people use in a whole year, so solar power has huge potential.
🌬️ A single modern wind turbine can generate enough electricity for over 1,000 homes each year.
💧 Hydroelectricity is the largest single source of renewable electricity worldwide and has powered communities for over a century.
🌋 Geothermal power can run 24/7 because it taps steady heat from inside the Earth, not weather-dependent resources.
♻️ Switching to renewable energy reduces carbon dioxide emissions and helps make air and water cleaner for people.
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