Our first workshops in Vorarlberg got off to a great start: Under the title “Our Sun—the Super Energy Source,” we explored with the children the role the sun plays in our lives—and how energy, heat, and everyday life are specifically connected.
What were the workshops about?
The focus was on questions that directly speak to children while also opening up broader topics:
What can the sun do?
We gathered information, observed, and discussed: light, growth, orientation, daily rhythms—and, of course, energy.
Why do we need the sun—and who needs it?
From plants to animals to us humans: The sun is the foundation of life. It was especially important to us that children come up with their own examples and broaden their perspective: Who benefits from what—and why?
Heat and Energy: Where Does Heat Actually Come From?
One key takeaway was the realization that heat and many energy processes on Earth are ultimately linked to the Sun. This became tangible through vivid examples and group discussions.
How can you save energy?
To wrap things up, we turned our attention to everyday life: Together, we thought about where we need energy in our daily lives and what steps—big and small —can help us save energy.
Hands-On Methods That Stick
The children especially enjoyed our interactive activities. One highlight was a modified version of the “City, Country, River” game, which we adapted to focus on energy. Instead of the traditional categories, the questions were along the lines of:
— Who needs energy?
–What is energy used for?
— How can I save energy?
The playful format motivated the children to come up with many ideas quickly—while at the same time organizing concepts and connections.
As a thank-you, we also received a drawing of windmills from a student at an elementary school at the end of the program!! Thank you, Valentin!
Debriefing is part of our organizational learning process
A key component was the joint debriefing. This is where “aha” moments became apparent, open-ended questions were gathered, and content was reinforced. It was precisely this reflection phase that allowed us to document our experiences even during the first few rounds: What works particularly well? What questions do children ask? Where do engaging discussions arise?
Initial Findings from the Launch
— Playful formats encourage participation and make it easier to get started with complex topics.
— Questions such as “Who needs energy?” shift our focus from the individual to systems (the energy cycle).
— Reflecting on the activity helps highlight learning progress—and provides valuable insights for further development.
We’re delighted that the launch in Vorarlberg has sparked so much curiosity and energy—and we’ll be incorporating these initial insights directly into our next workshops.
Photo credits: B-NK GmbH