The Future Is Electric

An electrifying renewable-energy incursion for Stage 3 students — where UNSW's innovative research meets Be The Future's interactive storytelling, and students design the energy future they want to live in.

In collaboration with UNSW · Curriculum-aligned for Stage 3 Science & Technology · Positive emotions soared from 15% to 93% in our Toongabbie Public School pilot

Currently delivering in Sydney schools, proudly supported by the City of Parramatta.

This electrifying renewable energy incursion intertwines the innovative research & visual communications tools of UNSW with the interactive storytelling and learning approaches of Be The Future.

The Future Is Electric pilot with Stage 3 students at Toongabbie Public school, September 2025

We piloted The Future Is Electric with Stage 3 students at Toongabbie Public school throughout September 2025. The pilot program was proudly supported by UNSW Digital Grid Futures Institute, Be The Future, and UNSW Arts, Design & Architecture.

Currently delivering in Sydney schools, proudly supported by the City of Parramatta.

What an electrifyingly exciting and engaging learning experience! The students were challenged through a range of thought provoking questions, interactive games and hands on design. The educators were enthusiastic and genuinely made learning fun. The future is electric!

Mr Howe and 6H (Toongabbie Public School)
Students were not only challenged physically, mentally and creatively but also emotionally, as their attitudes towards the future of their world shifted to more positive thinking. They saw new possibiliities and engaged in creative ideas, that combatted the negative space they so often see occupying the media around the future of the environment. They loved the freedom of the creative space and worked collaboratively on innovative projects. Students wanted to return for more next week!

Kirrily Matthews (Toongabbie Public School)

three students and educator talking about cardboard prototype

students with happy faces and raised arms in front of signage

feet on an interactive projection

three students engaging with an interactive projection

three signs including UNSW Arts, Design and Architecture, Be The Future and UNSW Digital Grid Futures Institute

students with smiling faces

The Future Is Electric signage with a 'This could be your energy future' hologram in front

Three blue balls rolling on an interactive projection

three students creating a cardboard prototype

Students writing messages to the future

Dr Becky and Sally presenting to the students in front of signage

three students creating a cardboard prototype

students creating a cardboard prototype

student holding a message to the future seeded card

Students experience three electrifying activities, aligned to Stage 3 Science & Technology outcomes

Students playing interactive floor games

Inspire

Enjoy a renewable energy and electrification adventure using holograms, interactive floor projections and videos

Design

Team mission: Use speculative design (your imagination!) to create a cardboard prototype from an electric future

Student holding A Message To The Future seed card

Act

Individual momento: Make a promise today for the future - on seed paper you can plant

How do you feel about the future of our planet?

The experience transformed student sentiment, with positive emotions soaring from 15% to 93%*

* Toongabbie Public School pilot program, 160 students

A collection of answer to "how do you feel about the future of our planet?' before the experience

A collection of answer to "how do you feel about the future of our planet?' after the experience

Photography: Kate Cameron Photography

Videography: Tagged Pictures