An engaging fable to educate kids on the challenge of climate change and the energy transition

Written by Bjorn Sturmberg and illustrated by Laura Stitzel, Amy’s Balancing Act is a fantastic text for use in classrooms or at home to start a conversation with primary school aged kids about energy.

The story of Amy and her animal friends is a fable about the energy transition, from coal to clean energy technologies. It shows how this is essentially a challenge of letting go of the old and learning to work with a diverse team with individual strengths and weaknesses.

The book is unique in inspiring discussions of diversity, team work, the emotions of change, as well as the science of different energy technologies.

Accessing The Book

You can find a physical copy of the book here. You can also access the book for educational purposes here, using the password SchoolAccess.

Dr Bjorn Sturmberg

Dr Bjorn Sturmberg is a Research Leader in the Battery Storage and Grid Integration Program at The Australian National University where he works on research, development, demonstration, and commercialisation of low carbon electricity and transport systems.

Dr Sturmberg’s background includes a PhD in theoretical physics; an Innovation Fellowship from the Myer Foundation; implementing Australia’s first solar + storage apartment microgrid; and leading a startup that makes solar work for rental properties from inception to acquisition.

 

Amy’s Balancing Act
– English – Years 3 & 4

The idea of switching to multiple methods of generating energy through renewables is introduced to students through the colourful and engaging book Amy’s Balancing Act by Bjorn Sturmberg and Laura Stitzel.
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Amy’s Balancing Act
– English – Years 5 & 6

Students analyse why author Bjorn Sturmberg chose the medium of a kid’s book fable to communicate an important message about renewable energy sources, the effectiveness and challenges of this medium, and how this medium impacted or altered the message.
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Amy’s Balancing Act
– English –  Parents

Amy’s Balancing Act by Bjorn Sturmberg and Laura Stitzel is a colourful, easy-to-read picture book for younger kids perfect for starting conversations about energy and its impact on the climate.
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With Thanks to our Partner

 

Cool would also like to thank the Lord Mayor’s Charitable Foundation and The Vincent Fairfax Family Foundation for generously supporting the development of these lessons.

@2022 Cool Australia.

 

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