UHI brings renewable energy learning to life for young children

Primary school teachers in the University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI) STEM Outreach Programme have developed a new renewables play mat designed to spark curiosity and introduce young learners to the world of renewable energy and sustainable living.

Created with funding from Spiorad na Mara to support teachers and early years practitioners, the play mat uses interactive, imaginative play to help children explore key environmental concepts in an age-appropriate and engaging way.

Designed by Victoria Caine, UHI STEM administrator and artist, the renewables play mat incorporates sustainability themes into everyday classroom activities. It helps build early understanding of how energy is generated and why it matters for the future of our planet.

The play mat includes:

• Examples of solar, wind and hydro power
• Props and visuals to help children explore themes such as recycling and green transport
• Activity ideas that encourage open-ended, child-led exploration
• Conversation prompts to support meaningful discussions and deepen understanding
• Curriculum links to Early Level learning outcomes, making it easy to incorporate into lessons
• Background information on renewable energy to help practitioners build confidence and subject knowledge

Denise Horan, Consultation and Local Engagement Lead for the proposed Spiorad na Mara offshore wind project at Northland Power, said:

"We are delighted to have been able to support the development of the renewables play mat by the STEM Outreach team at UHI. It is a beautifully presented, creative and fun resource which will be of great value to schools across the north of Scotland in helping their pupils to better understand and engage with the topic of renewable energy."

Dawne Bloodworth, Head of STEM Development Outreach Programme at UHI, said:

“Our new renewables play mat is a fantastic example of how play-based learning can open the door to big ideas like sustainability and energy. We are incredibly grateful to Spiorad na Mara for its generous support in bringing this resource to life and enabling us to reach more young learners with engaging STEM opportunities.”

Teachers and practitioners across the Highlands and Islands, Moray, Perthshire and northeast Aberdeenshire can now access the play mat through their local STEM coordinator. 

➕ Find out more about the UHI STEM Outreach Programme 

➕ Find out more about Spiorad na Mara