Author: Adrian Tennant | Published on 1 February 2024
Read what a teacher says about this activity:
‘The energy we use' activity is a great way of raising awareness of what we use energy for and where it comes. Today we hear a lot about climate change on the news and this topic is becoming more and more important. When I use this activity with my learners I can see them learning far more than just English.
Stage 1: Prepare
Either write up the following questions on the board, or dictate them to your learners.
- What is energy?
- What things do you have in your house that need energy? Make a list.
- What kind of energy do each of these things use? (e.g. gas, electricity, wood etc.)
- Where does this energy come from? How is it made?
- Which of your electrical items could you live without? Which couldn’t you live without?
Stage 2: Introduce
Put learners in groups and say: ‘Discuss the questions together. Make notes of your groups answers.’
Stage 3: Discuss
Monitor as they are discussing. Provide any vocabulary which might be useful.
Stage 4: Share
Say: ‘Let’s share our answers together.’
Write up anything interesting on the board and try to reach a class consensus.
Using activities that include social issues is a good way of encouraging your learners to think about the world around them and to take personal responsibility for their behaviour and the decisions they make.