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Energy Island

How one community harnessed the wind and changed their world

Elementary

Description

Featuring the true story of a small Danish island that transformed into a model of sustainability, this book will inspire and motivate readers to learn about renewable energy systems.  Residents of Sanso were disinterested in energy independence until a massive storm reminded them they could no longer rely on the mainland for electricity and fossil fuels.  As they emerged from the darkness with innovative technologies like wind turbines, biomass furnaces and electric cars this remarkable community has demonstrated how a little ingenuity and commitment to a better future can transform our world.

General Assessment

Recommendation of how and where to use it

This story supports science and social studies concepts related to renewable/non-renewable resources, alternative energy, sustainability and community engagement.   The book can form the basis of a classroom action project where students evaluate energy consumption and implement strategies for reducing the environmental footprint of the school.   Simple activities like turning lights off in unused classrooms, recycling and LED lightbulbs could also be showcased through a community workshop that involves students working with residents to encourage “green” practices at home.

An interesting science project might involve students in building a model wind turbine or solar oven to learn about renewable technologies.  The assignment could even be expanded to involve a local community garden or organic farm to feature how these technologies can be used to grow and process local foods.

Relevant Curriculum Units

The following tool will allow you to explore the relevant curriculum matches for this resource. To start, select a province listed below.

  • Step 1Select a province
  • Alberta
    • Step 2Select a grade level
    • Grade 1
      • Step 3Select a subject
      • Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Matter and Energy: Understandings of the physical world are deepened through investigating matter and energy.
      • Social Studies
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Active citizenship contributes to the vitality of communities that can promote pluralism among diverse people in a democratic society
    • Grade 2
      • Step 3Select a subject
      • Social Studies
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Active citizenship contributes to the vitality of communities that can promote pluralism among diverse people in a democratic society
    • Grade 3
      • Step 3Select a subject
      • Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Matter and Energy Understandings of the physical world are deepened through investigating matter and energy
      • Social Studies
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Active citizenship contributes to the vitality of communities that can promote pluralism among diverse people in a democratic society
    • Grade 4
      • Step 3Select a subject
      • Social Studies
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Active citizenship contributes to the vitality of communities that can promote pluralism among diverse people in a democratic society.
  • British Columbia
    • Step 2Select a grade level
    • Grade 1
      • Step 3Select a subject
      • Social Studies
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Local Communities:: We shape the local environment, and the local environment shapes who we are and how we live.
    • Grade 3
      • Step 3Select a subject
      • Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Science 3: Thermal energy can be produced and transferred.
    • Grade 4
      • Step 3Select a subject
      • Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Science 4:Energy can be transformed
  • Manitoba
    • Step 2Select a grade level
    • Grade 3
      • Step 3Select a subject
      • Social Studies
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Communities of the World: Communities of the World
  • New Brunswick
    • Step 2Select a grade level
    • Grade 4
      • Step 3Select a subject
      • Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Properties and Uses of Earth Materials: Learning and Living Sustainably
  • Northwest Territories
    • Step 2Select a grade level
    • Grade 1
      • Step 3Select a subject
      • Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Energy and Control: Energy in our Lives
    • Grade 2
      • Step 3Select a subject
      • Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Energy and Control: Energy from Wind and Moving Water
    • Grade 3
      • Step 3Select a subject
      • Social Studies
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Communities of the World: Communities of the World
    • Grade 4
      • Step 3Select a subject
      • Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Science 4:Energy can be transformed
  • Nova Scotia
    • Step 2Select a grade level
    • Grade 2
      • Step 3Select a subject
      • Social Studies
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Social Studies 2:Environments
  • Nunavut
    • Step 2Select a grade level
    • Grade 1
      • Step 3Select a subject
      • Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Energy and Control: Energy in our Lives
    • Grade 2
      • Step 3Select a subject
      • Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Energy and Control: Energy from Wind and Moving Water
    • Grade 3
      • Step 3Select a subject
      • Social Studies
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Connecting With the World: Global Connections
  • Ontario
  • Prince Edward Island
    • Step 2Select a grade level
    • Grade 2
      • Step 3Select a subject
      • Social Studies
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Change: Environment
  • Saskatchewan
    • Step 2Select a grade level
    • Grade 3
      • Step 3Select a subject
      • Social Studies
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Community Comparisons: Resources and Welath
    • Grade 4
      • Step 3Select a subject
      • Social Studies
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Saskatchewan: Dynamic Relations
  • Yukon Territory
    • Step 2Select a grade level
    • Grade 1
      • Step 3Select a subject
      • Social Studies
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Local Communities:: We shape the local environment, and the local environment shapes who we are and how we live.
    • Grade 3
      • Step 3Select a subject
      • Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Science 3: Thermal energy can be produced and transferred.
    • Grade 4
      • Step 3Select a subject
      • Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Science 4:Energy can be transformed

Themes Addressed

Citizenship (3)

  • Community-Building and Participation
  • General Guide to Taking Action
  • Sustainable Consumption

Energy (1)

  • Alternative Energy