Who is this for: Y3 – Y6
Format: Teacher‑led
Purpose: The pre-workshop learning helps to lay the foundations for our visit, encouraging pupils to think about where energy comes from, how we use it, and simple ways they can save energy at home, at school and within their communities.
Learning intentions
By the end of this micro‑session, pupils will:
– Understand how human activity effects our planet.
– Identify different types of energy and how much they’re used across the UK.
– Understand why energy should be used wisely and identify sources of Phantom Energy.
What you need to do:
Simply follow the flow of the page, read the text, watch video and use discussion prompts with your class. Don’t forget to download the printable resources at the bottom of the page before we visit your school. Enjoy the journey and have fun becoming NRGenius’s together!
Greeting future NRGeniuses!!
Welcome to the WattWeb, our virtual lab, where we’ve got loads of things for you to learn. Meet some of the Team: The Prof, Eddi, Joules and The Count and learn about our planet, where we get our energy from and how we can work together to Power Down & Save Up.
What is Energy?
Energy helps things work and move.
Your body needs energy from food to run, learn and play.
Homes, schools and devices need energy too, helping to power lights, heating, cooking and technology.
Energy helps things work, move and happen.
Energy helps us → Energy comes from different sources → The choices we make matter.
Renewable or Non-Renewable?
There are two main types of energy sources:
Renewable energy comes from sources that won’t run out, such as the sun, wind and water.
Non-renewable energy comes from fossil fuels such as coal, oil and gas. These take millions of years to form and will eventually run out.
Where Energy Comes From
(5mins)
Let’s Investigate the energy sources that power the UK, uncover the facts behind each one and find out which energy sources are renewable or non-renewable, and why it matters.
(ask the class and flip the discs to discover more)
1. Which energy sources are renewable?
2. Which energy source do we use most in the UK?
3. Which energy is no longer used in the UK?
30%
of the UK’s power
comes from wind
RENEWABLE
12%
of the UK’s power
comes from nuclear power plants
NON-RENEWABLE
7%
of the UK’s power
comes from solar
RENEWABLE
0%
of the UK’s power
is from Coal.
NON-RENEWABLE
27%
of the UK’s power
comes from Gas-Turbines
NON-RENEWABLE
8%
of the UK’s power comes from Bio-Mass Power Plants
RENEWABLE
???
of the UK’s power
comes from Oil.
NON-RENEWABLE
2%
of the UK’s power
comes from Hydo-Electric
RENEWABLE
Power Down & Save Up!
We use energy every day, often without even noticing.
The more energy we waste, the more money it can cost and the greater the impact on our planet.
That’s why NRGeniuses are on a mission to: Power Down & Save Up!
What is Phantom Energy!
(3 mins)
Whether energy comes from renewable sources or from fossil fuels that can’t easily be replaced, every bit of energy matters. That’s why it’s important not to waste it. But did you know that some energy is used even when we think things are switched off?
This hidden energy is called phantom energy. It is the sneaky electricity used by devices left on standby, such as TVs, games consoles and chargers. Energy powers almost everything we do, from lighting our homes and schools to charging tablets, running fridges and keeping us connected, but sometimes energy gets wasted without us even noticing!
Join The Count as he reveals where this hidden energy is lurking and teaches you how to spot it, stop it and become an NRGenius!
50–60% of energy is wasted in the UK
Your task while watching:
Which devices in your home could be using phantom energy? Be ready to share your ideas after the film!
Meet The Count, the former Energy Vampire!
🧛⚡
Join The Count as he reveals where this hidden energy is lurking and teaches you how to spot it, stop it and become an NRGenius!
NRG Mission: On the Street!
(5mins)
Join our team as we meet real people and families to find out how energy, bills and the cost of living affect everyday life. Watch their stories and see if you can help them become NRGeniuses by suggesting ways they could save energy.
NRGenius Challenge!
How many energy-saving tips can your class think of? Collect your best ideas ready for your Power Down Pledge when we visit!
Quiz Time
Is wind renewable or non-renewable?
Wind is renewable because it comes from a natural source that won’t run out.
What is Phantom Energy?
Phantom Energy is the small amount of power that devices drain when they are left plugged in and in stand-by mode
Why should we save energy?
Saving energy can help save money, reduce waste and protect the environment.