{"id":12662,"date":"2026-02-04T15:13:30","date_gmt":"2026-02-04T14:13:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.b-nk.at\/uncategorized\/our-sun-the-super-energy-source-introductory-workshops-in-vorarlberg\/"},"modified":"2026-07-09T12:27:33","modified_gmt":"2026-07-09T10:27:33","slug":"our-sun-the-super-energy-source-introductory-workshops-in-vorarlberg","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.b-nk.at\/en\/projekte-en\/umwelt-nachhaltigkeit-en\/our-sun-the-super-energy-source-introductory-workshops-in-vorarlberg\/","title":{"rendered":"Our Sun\u2014the Super Energy Source: Introductory Workshops in Vorarlberg"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Our first workshops in Vorarlberg got off to a great start: Under the title \u201cOur Sun\u2014the Super Energy Source,\u201d<\/strong> we explored with the children the role the sun plays in our lives\u2014and how energy, heat, and everyday life are specifically connected. <\/p>\n\n

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What were the workshops about?<\/strong> <\/h2>\n\n

The focus was on questions that directly speak to children while also opening up broader topics: <\/p>\n\n

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What can the sun do?<\/strong> <\/h4>\n\n

We gathered information, observed, and discussed: light, growth, orientation, daily rhythms\u2014and, of course, energy. <\/p>\n\n

Why do we need the sun\u2014and who needs it?<\/strong> <\/h4>\n\n

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\u2014and why?<\/em> <\/p>\n\n

Heat and Energy: Where Does Heat Actually Come From?<\/strong> <\/h4>\n\n

One key takeaway was the realization that heat and many energy processes on Earth are ultimately linked to the Sun<\/strong>. This became tangible through vivid examples and group discussions. <\/p>\n\n

How can you save energy?<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n

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\u2014big and small<\/strong> \u2014can help us save energy. <\/p>\n\n

Hands-On Methods That Stick<\/strong> <\/h2>\n\n

The children especially enjoyed our interactive activities. One highlight was a modified version of the \u201cCity, Country, River\u201d game<\/strong>, which we adapted to focus on energy. Instead of the traditional categories, the questions were along the lines of: <\/p>\n\n

— Who needs energy?<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n

–What is energy used for?<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n

— How can I save energy?<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n

The playful format motivated the children to come up with many ideas quickly\u2014while at the same time organizing concepts and connections. <\/p>\n\n

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! <\/p>\n\n

Debriefing is part of our organizational learning process <\/strong> <\/h2>\n\n

A key component was the joint debriefing<\/strong>. This is where \u201caha\u201d 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<\/strong> even during the first few rounds: What works particularly well? What questions do children ask? Where do engaging discussions arise? <\/p>\n\n

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Initial Findings from the Launch<\/h2>\n\n

— Playful formats<\/strong> encourage participation and make it easier to get started with complex topics. <\/p>\n\n

— Questions such as \u201cWho needs energy?\u201d<\/strong> shift our focus from the individual to systems (the energy cycle). <\/p>\n\n

— Reflecting<\/strong> on the activity helps highlight learning progress\u2014and provides valuable insights for further development. <\/p>\n\n

We’re delighted that the launch in Vorarlberg has sparked so much curiosity and energy\u2014and we’ll be incorporating these initial insights directly into our next workshops. <\/p>\n\n

Photo credits: B-NK GmbH<\/p>\n\n

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