If you're looking for something free, educational and sustainable to do with your kids over spring break, try the Planet Kids area of the Energy Trust Better Living Home, Garden & Lifestyle Show March 27-29 at the Portland Expo Center.
Here's a look at some of the events planned for Planet Kids (See a detailed schedule):
• Mad Science Show: Energy to Share: Where electricity comes from and how to use it wisely. This half-hour show is intended for third- through sixth-graders.
• Larry the Lightbulb: The Portland General Electric mascot will pass out green power tattoos, teach kids about wind power and help them make pinwheels, and lead a "spin-the wheel" game of energy questions.
• Solar cooker construction: Kids will get to build a solar oven and learn how solar cooking helps families in fuel-scarce parts of the world.
• Mt. Hood National Forest storytime: Kids can dress up in costumes and listen to stories inside a salmon-shaped tent.
• Salmon safari: Biologists from the Yakima Basin Environmental Education Program will lead fish dissections.
• Northwest safari: Touch and learn about native animals through their fur, bones and antlers.
The Better Living show runs from noon to 9 p.m. Friday, March 27, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday, March 28, and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, March 29.
To keep the Planet Kids momentum going after the show, Kregg Arntson, community affairs manager at PGE, suggested taking home PGE's energy scavenger hunt -- the object is to find ways in which energy is being saved or wasted. "Kids are excited to go home and check out their house and get us parents in order," said Arnston.
He also suggested that parents check out the utility's "Electrical Safety World" Web page, which has games and safety tips for kids -- not to mention Larry the Lightbulb videos.
And parents and teachers can always contact PGE directly for teaching materials on energy efficiency and safety, Arntson said.
What are your tips for teaching kids about sustainable living?
-- Amy Wang; firstname.lastname@example.org