Grade 3 Environmental Activities Environment And Its Resources – Energy Notes

Environment and Its Resources — Energy

Notes for Class (Age 8, Kenya)

Energy helps us do work. We use energy to cook, to travel, to light our homes and to run machines. Some energy comes from the sun, water, wind, plants and the earth. Kenya uses many of these energy types.

Main sources of energy

• ☀️ Solar (Sun) — The sun gives light and heat. Many Kenyan homes and schools use solar panels to get light.
• 💧 Hydro (Water) — Rivers and dams make electricity in some parts of Kenya.
• 🌋 Geothermal (Heat from Earth) — Kenya uses heat from under the ground (Rift Valley) to make electricity.
• 🌬️ Wind — Wind moves big turbines to make electricity. There are wind farms in Kenya.
• 🔥 Biomass & Fossil fuels — Wood, charcoal and petrol give heat and power but can cause smoke and pollution.

Why energy is important

• Energy cooks our food and keeps us warm.
• Energy lights classrooms and homes so we can read and study.
• Energy runs machines and helps hospitals, farms and shops.

Ways to save energy (easy for kids)

• Turn off lights and fans when you leave a room. 💡
• Use sunlight to read during the day instead of switching on lights. ☀️
• Walk, cycle or share a trip to school when you can. 🚲
• Close doors and windows so rooms stay cool or warm. 🚪
• Help plant trees. Trees give shade and reduce the need for cooling. 🌳

Safe rules around energy

• Do not touch electric sockets or wires — tell an adult. ⚠️
• Always have an adult when using stoves or fires. 🔥
• Use clean stoves or solar cookers to make less smoke. 😷→♻️

Fun activities and experiments

1. Sun clock (sundial) — On a sunny day, put a stick in the ground and mark the shadow each hour. Watch how it moves.
2. Wind spinner — Make a paper spinner and watch it turn in the wind. Talk about how wind has power.
3. Energy hunt — Walk around home or school with a grown-up. List things that use energy (lights, kettle, phone).
4. Draw a poster — Draw and colour different energy sources and ways to save energy. Put it in class.

Remember: energy helps people and nature. We must use energy wisely and keep our environment clean.