Looking for a way to make energy conservation part of your daily classroom routine? A Temperature Control Team is a fun, student-led initiative that helps manage classroom comfort while saving energy. This simple, place-based activity builds student agency and shows how small actions can have a big impact on energy use.
What is a Temperature Control Team?
Heating and cooling systems are among the biggest energy users in schools. By empowering students to monitor and adjust the classroom environment—like closing blinds, shutting doors, or noticing drafts—you create a team that actively contributes to daily energy savings. Plus, students gain leadership experience and a better understanding of how environmental factors affect learning.
How to Start a Temperature Control Team
Explain the Energy Connection
Begin with a mini-lesson on how temperature control affects energy use. Share that even minor changes—like adjusting blinds or sealing drafts—can reduce the load on heating and cooling systems.
Assign Roles
Create a rotating team of student “comfort monitors.” Suggested roles include:
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Window Watcher – Checks for open or drafty windows
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Blinds Boss – Adjusts blinds to block heat or let in warmth
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Thermostat Tracker – (If accessible) Observes and notes thermostat settings
Use a Daily Checklist
Have your team monitor classroom conditions and take small steps to maintain comfort. Actions may include:
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Closing doors to retain warm or cool air
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Opening/closing blinds based on sun position
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Noting areas with temperature issues or drafts
Materials Needed
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Printable daily checklist
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Clipboard or folder
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Optional: thermometer, student role badges
Record and Reflect
Keep a log of changes made and how they affected student comfort. Discuss the results weekly and talk about how these habits reduce energy consumption and improve learning environments.
Extend the Lesson
Climate Zones Mapping
Have students track classroom temperature in different locations and identify “hot” and “cold” spots.
School-Wide Comfort Survey
Invite other classrooms to participate by surveying how temperature impacts student focus and comfort.
Did You Know?
💡 Adjusting a thermostat by just 1°F can reduce heating or cooling costs by up to 3%. Teaching students to manage comfort wisely helps save energy and money over time!
Join the Movement to Save Energy
Creating a Temperature Control Team is a fun, interactive way to integrate STEM, student agency, and place-based learning into your classroom. By participating, students develop leadership skills while learning how everyday actions affect energy use.
Want to go even further? Join a Renew Our Schools competition today!
