In a forward-thinking collaboration, Kids Invent Stuff (KIS) teamed up with Octopus Energy to bring renewable energy education directly into primary schools.
The goal was simple yet impactful: to inspire children aged 4-to-11 to think creatively about the future of energy. Through interactive workshops, exciting assemblies, and a national invention challenge, students were encouraged to dream big, invent boldly, and consider the future of the planet.
Octopus Energy is well-known for its commitment to clean, green energy and innovation, so this partnership was a natural fit. The KIS team, led by engineers Ruth Amos and Shawn Brown, brought hands-on workshops to schools, giving young learners a unique opportunity to engage with real-world science and engineering topics.
Delivery and Engagement
Over the course of the partnership, KIS delivered assemblies and full-school workshops in two primary schools. These sessions reached over 600 students, providing engaging, educational experiences that introduced children to the principles of renewable energy. The workshops were designed to be accessible for all key stages in the primary school setting, combining fun, storytelling, and practical invention exercises.
Students had the chance to sketch and describe their own inventions, designed to harness renewable energy in imaginative ways. From wind-powered scooters to solar-powered pet feeders, the ideas poured in with enthusiasm. KIS then selected one invention to build for their YouTube channel, giving young inventors the rare opportunity to see their ideas turned into reality.
Online Amplification
The chosen invention – a battery-powered robotic dog – was brought to life by the KIS team and featured in a full build video titled “Is the Battery Dog the Perfect Pet?”. The video has gained nearly 4,000 views on YouTube and continues to attract engagement from families, educators, and STEM enthusiasts.
This digital reach further amplified the project’s impact, giving students a sense of pride in seeing their school and inventions showcased online. The video also provided a valuable resource for schools that weren’t visited in person, extending the educational benefits far beyond the original workshops.
KIS’s past work, such as their popular Octopus Wind Turbine (40,000+ views), was what initially inspired Octopus Energy to reach out and collaborate. The success of that earlier project demonstrated how powerful creative STEM content could be in inspiring both young people and adults.
Learning Outcomes and Feedback
Teachers and students alike praised the workshops for their engaging format and accessible content. Educators noted that students who might not usually shine in the classroom setting found their voices during the invention sessions. The inclusive and creative approach allowed all students to contribute and feel a sense of ownership.
Feedback also highlighted the importance of seeing real engineers working in a fun and relatable way. Ruth and Shawn’s presence and enthusiasm helped demystify engineering, showing children that it’s not just about hard hats and equations – it’s about creativity, solving problems, and making cool stuff.
Why It Worked
This partnership succeeded thanks to shared values. Octopus Energy is passionate about shaping a sustainable future, while Kids Invent Stuff exists to nurture the inventors of tomorrow. The blend of education, creativity, and hands-on fun created an experience that was both memorable and meaningful.
Key success factors included:
- Octopus Energy’s support and clear brief
- KIS’s proven ability to design engaging, age-appropriate STEM content
- Real-world invention builds that made children’s ideas feel valuable
- A combination of offline workshops and online content
Looking Forward
The impact of this initiative will last far beyond the workshops. Hundreds of children now understand more about renewable energy and have had a positive experience with engineering and invention. They’ve also learned that their ideas can make a difference – and that big change starts with a simple spark of creativity.
KIS hope to build on this initial success, exploring further opportunities to bring inventive, renewable energy-themed experiences to more schools in the UK. As the global conversation around sustainability grows, projects like this one will play an important role in educating and empowering the next generation.