As the saying goes, “Our children are the future.” And if anything is certain about the future, it is that renewable energy sources and green technologies will play a major role in our children’s lives for everything from using wind or solar power generated on site in their homes, to driving alternative fuel vehicles, or embarking on a career in one of America’s future “green” technology jobs. With alternative energy playing such a pivotal role, there is no better time than now to start children on the path to learning basic concepts behind these technologies. Fortunately, a host of educational – and yes, fun – age-appropriate toys are available to parents and educators designed to teach children about alternative energy concepts. Educational toys have many advantages as a learning tool. Simply sitting a child down and teaching them about alternative energy will not necessarily ignite their enthusiasm or interest in the topic. Nor will having them read about it as a sole strategy, not when so many children are reluctant, struggling readers, or kinesthetic learners. Although science kits are helpful, they often depend on expert guidance and have limited play value – which is a tough sell when parents and educators are competing with TV, video games, the Internet, and a host of modern distractions. Instead, a host of science-based, interactive children’s toys on the market are being used to teach children about alternative energy concepts like solar, wind, and “green” vehicles, in a fun, hands-on way.