Primary school teachers in the UHI STEM Outreach Programme have developed a renewables play mat designed to introduce early learners to sustainable living in a way that feels fun, hands on and age appropriate.
The project has been funded by Spiorad na Mara to support teachers and early years practitioners in bringing environmental ideas into everyday classroom activities.
The play mat uses open ended, interactive play to help children understand how energy is generated and why it matters for the future of the planet.
Created by Victoria Caine, UHI STEM administrator and artist, the resource weaves sustainability into familiar classroom routines while encouraging curiosity and early confidence in STEM subjects.
The play mat includes examples of solar, wind and hydro power to help children explore different forms of clean energy.
Props and visuals support themes such as recycling, green transport and responsible use of resources.
Activity ideas encourage child led exploration, while conversation prompts help teachers guide meaningful discussions that build early understanding.
Curriculum links connect the play mat to Early Level learning outcomes and background information on renewable energy gives practitioners the confidence they need to support children’s questions.
The team behind the project say the resource aims to blend creativity, science and play in a way that feels natural for young learners.
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.”
The resource is now available to teachers and early years practitioners across the Highlands and Islands, Moray, Perthshire and northeast Aberdeenshire through local STEM coordinators.
UHI hopes the play mat will help nurture early curiosity, shape positive attitudes towards renewable energy and support the next generation of thinkers, makers and problem solvers.
The STEM Outreach Programme will continue to develop new materials that blend creativity and learning as interest in sustainable education grows across schools in the north of Scotland.
