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Power Thinker KidsAlliant Energy’s Green Resources for Kids

You’ve got questions? (What kid doesn’t?) We have the answers, from how electricity is made to how we can harness clean green energy. We’ll even show you ways you can get your family, friends, and classroom thinking energy smart!

Fun Facts About Electricity

  • Power distribution linesElectricity travels at the speed of light – more than 186,000 miles per second!
  • One power plant can produce enough electricity for 180,000 homes.
  • Benjamin Franklin didn’t discover electricity – but he did prove that lightning is a form of electrical energy.
  • More fun facts about electricity

How Electricity Gets to Your Home
All About Electricity
Electricity Explained


Natural gas flameFun Facts About Natural Gas

  • There are more than one million miles of underground gas pipelines across the United States.
  • In 200 B.C., people in China used natural gas to make salt.
  • One kitchen match gives off about one Btu of heat. The burner on a big gas stove might give off more than 15,000 Btus.
  • More fun facts about natural gas

How Natural Gas Gets to Your Home
All About Natural Gas
Natural Gas Explained


Renewable Energy
Wind turbinesYou might be using renewable energy today without knowing it! Iowa is home to more than 600 wind turbines, creating enough electricity to power 140,000 homes. Wisconsin and Minnesota also have lots of wind farms – and the number is growing every day.

Energy Basics - Renewable Energy
Renewable Energy Q & A
Renewable Energy (from the U.S. Department of Energy)


Links to Fun Stuff!
The Energy-Smart House
Crossword Challenge [PDF]
Energy Riddles - ComputerWhy did the gardener plant light bulbs?
Test your energy IQ
The history of energy
Cool projects to try at home

Other Cool Green Sites!