Teach kindergarten students about renewable energy sources such as solar or wind energy. Then ask students to come up with their own renewable energy source such as garbage or vegetables or something more creative like ketchup. Ask the kindergarten students to invent and draw a picture of a machine that will run on their idea for a renewable energy.
Play a game to teach children non-renewable energy sources. Make flashcards with pictures of renewable and non-renewable energy sources. Show the children all the sources of energy on the cards and discuss how they work and whether they are renewable. Then ask students to dive the cards into two piles: renewable and non-renewable energy sources.
Help kindergarten students learn about conserving energy through an interactive chart. Have each student create a chart that has spaces where the children can put a checkmark every time they do something to conserve energy. For instance, put a line on the chart for a family bike ride instead of a car ride, or remembering to turn off a light switch when leaving a room. Other ideas include asking parents to turn down the thermostat a few degrees and taking short showers instead of baths. Reward children with a party at school when the majority of students have filled their charts with checkmarks.
Ask kindergarten students to get involved in learning about energy and how to be better stewards of it. Ask them to create an energy-saving poster to post at home or at school. Provide large pieces of paper and craft supplies for the children. Encourage them to draw pictures of ways people can conserve energy in their homes, such as using energy-efficient light bulbs.
Another energy-related lesson is to ask kindergartners to sign a pledge to conserve energy and to talk to parents about what their family can do to protect our energy sources. Make a pledge card on a computer graphic or word processor program and reproduce it. Hand it out to kids and ask them to sign it and bring it home to parents.