Conservation

Electric freeze dance

Discover what uses electricity and simple ways to save electricity through a fun dancing game.

Grade 1
Game
40 mins
New

Overview

Play a freeze dance game to learn how we use electricity in our lives, discuss simple ways to conserve electricity, and colour an energy saving message to remind us to save electricity.

What you'll need

"Electric freeze dance" pictures
Device to show pictures: classroom screen or tablet
“Turn off the lights” template (print one per student)
Colouring pens, markers and scissors per student

Instructions

Introduction

Start by sharing that electricity is used for many things in our lives, like powering our lights, electronics and appliances.
Show students an electrical outlet in the classroom and explain that we plug in our devices and appliances to power them with electricity. Ask students to look around the classroom or think of things at home to identify what things ‘plug in’ like computers, cell phones, lamps and TVs.
- Explain that things like the classroom lights are also plugged in and connected to electricity but it’s a hidden connection.

Electric freeze dance

Students play a game to identify what items use electricity and which do not. The game can be played in the classroom, gym or outdoor space.
Using the "Electric freeze dance" pictures, project them onto a screen in the classroom, or show them on a tablet in the gym or outdoor space.
Play a fun song during the dance, possibly electricity-themed.
- Two fun examples are Bennie and the Jets (commonly called Electric Boots) by Elton John and High Voltage by AC/DC.
The game begins with everyone dancing. Show students the first picture: a lamp. Students then decide if the item in the picture uses electricity or not. If it uses electricity, they continue dancing and if it does not use electricity, they freeze on the spot. Continue the game showing each picture in turn.

Turn off the lights

Discuss that it’s important to save electricity and not waste it. Ask students to share ways to save electricity like turning off lights, closing the fridge door and unplugging the toaster.
Provide each student with a “Turn off the lights” template. Ask them to colour the image and cut it out. Students can display the images at home to remind everyone it’s important to turn off lights and save electricity.

Additional Information

Assessing your students

Assess students’ ability to connect and engage in group discussions by listening and sharing ideas.
Assess students’ awareness and sense of responsibility with saving electricity.
Assess students’ critical thinking and judgement during the electric freeze dance game.

Modify or extend this activity

Extensions

Students do a pre and post light audit at home. Before doing the activity ask students to count how many lights are on in empty rooms at home. After students have taken home their “Turn off the lights” templates, challenge them to save electricity and repeat the audit. See if your class has saved electricity.

Modifications

Students can participate in these activities in school or at home.

Examples of items that use electricity:

Washing machine and dryer
Television
Cell phone
Laptop
Tablet
Refrigerator
Blender
Lights and lamps
Electric stove
Toaster
Kettle
Microwave
Vacuum cleaner
Fitness tracker
Digital reader

Simple ways to reduce electricity:

Turn off lights, use sensors / controls, switch to LED lights (most efficient technology)
Use natural light when possible
Turn off and unplug unused appliances and devices
Decide what to eat before opening the fridge door
Hang laundry to dry instead of using the dryer
Have energy-free Fridays and turn off the TV and play board games

Clean energy in B.C.

In B.C. we use the power of falling water through hydroelectric dams to create clean, reliable and renewable electricity. However it’s also important to conserve energy. This helps to protect our environment, share the resource in our growing communities, and save money on our electricity bills.

How does this fit into the curriculum?

Grade 1 Applied Design, Skills and Technologies – Big Ideas

Skills can be developed through play.

Grade 1 Applied Design, Skills and Technologies – Curricular competencies

Use materials, tools, and technologies in a safe manner in both physical and digital environments.
Develop their skills and add new ones through play and collaborative work.

Grade 1 Social Studies – Big ideas

Our rights, roles, and responsibilities are important for building strong communities.

Grade 1 Social Studies – Curricular competencies

Use Social Studies inquiry processes and skills to ask questions, gather, interpret and analyze ideas; and communicate findings and decisions:
Access information from audio, visual, material, or print sources.
Make comparisons to discover similarities and differences.
Brainstorm, discuss, and compare possible solutions to a selected problem.