Sask. students learn importance of energy efficiency at WDM

Saskatchewan students will be getting the opportunity over three weeks to learn more about energy-efficient homes through the Western Development Museum (WDM).

Wednesday was the first day for the “Smarter Science Better Buildings” program for Grade 7 students in and around Saskatoon.

The program gives the students an opportunity to compare homes from the early days in Saskatchewan to new, energy-efficient eco-homes. Students will learn about aspects including solar energy, lighting and appliances, water, building materials and retrofits.

The Saskatchewan Environmental Society (SES) is the lead organizer on the program. SES education co-ordinator Pam Belcher said the program is connected to the students’ heat and temperature unit in science.

“Our buildings use a lot in our cold climate; our buildings use a lot of energy. Knowing that we can make our buildings more energy-efficient is an important piece in reducing greenhouse gas emissions,” Belcher said.

She said the connection between the historically built homes with newly built homes is drastic, and that energy efficiency is important in a world that is warming.

“(We used to build) with way less insulation, sometimes with sod. (They’re learning) how we can build our homes now, using more insulation, using better windows (and using) alternative energy sources like solar panels to reduce the energy that those homes are using,” she said.

SaskEnergy is one of the sponsors of the project. Leslie Gosselin, the manager for Indigenous and community engagement at the Crown corporation, said the youthful approach to the topic is definitely welcomed.

“Kids are huge champions of the environment,” Gosselin said. “Why would we not try to harness all that enthusiasm and energy to make better decisions for how we use our energy in the future?”

Wednesday’s group comprised 55 students from Martensville’s Venture Heights Elementary School. The teacher who brought the students into the city was Randy Cline, who said he hopes they become more conscious of how much energy they use.

He said when they become homeowners in the future, they will need to know how to reduce their energy footprint. Cline added that learning outside of the four walls of the classroom is key in making sure the students understand what they’re gaining in knowledge.

“It’s engaging, and practical at the same time,” he said.

The program at the WDM will continue with students spending half -days learning about the topic until Feb. 14. It’s also housed by the WDM’s three other sites in North Battleford, Yorkton and Moose Jaw, and rotates through the four Saskatchewan museums during the year.