Power Down Challenge

Power Down Challenge

The Power Down Challenge is a school-based energy-saving competition that turns students into Energy Detectives. Student teams promote energy-saving habits in assigned classrooms, monitor energy waste using a checklist, and track points over one to two weeks. The challenge builds awareness of everyday electricity use and helps students practice real-world problem-solving, teamwork, and data tracking while creating positive school culture.

What students do

• Identify common sources of classroom electricity waste
• Create a checklist of observable actions, such as lights left on or devices running
• Design posters or slides to promote the challenge to another class
• Conduct quick daily classroom checks and score behaviors using a simple point system
• Share results, top issues, and top tips during a debrief and celebration

Why teachers use it

• Low-cost, high-engagement way to teach energy efficiency through habits and systems
• Strong fit for advisory, science, STEM, or schoolwide initiatives
• Builds student leadership through peer-to-peer promotion
• Creates measurable results and an authentic audience (other classrooms)

Suggested timeline

• Phase 1: Kickoff and planning (1 to 3 classes)
• Phase 2: Action and monitoring (1 to 2 weeks)
• Phase 3: Results and celebration (1 class)

Quick Links:

• Use the Teacher Guide for setup, timeline, checklist templates, and facilitation notes
• Use the Student Handout for team planning, promotion guidelines, monitoring schedules, and reflection prompts
• Pairs well with our Science of Energy Efficiency video.