Megan and Aileen from the Glasgow Science Centre travelled from Glasgow to tour schools in our area for a Future Fuels roadshow. Today was our turn for Primary 4 – 7 to participate. We were selected as we have participated in a block of online learning on Future Fuels provided by the Glasgow Science Centre. The workshop’s aim is to educate on sustainable sources of energy for Scotland and the world.
We brainstormed different forms of non-renewable and renewable forms of energy. Carter was able to say that there are three forms of fossil fuels – coal, oil and gas. Rebecca said we need to burn them to release their energy and Katie said this releases carbon into our atmosphere, which is bad for the environment.
Aileen demonstrated an experiment where she lit methanol, which is used in Formula 1 racing cars. It burned blue with a low flame. She then poured a small amount into a large water container, coating and turning to convert the small amount of liquid into a gas. She then dropped a lit taper into the drum which exploded the gas with a loud bang. This certainly delighted our audience. We looked an animation of pistons moving in a car using the same process to drive engines (suck- squeeze- bang – blow).
Next, we moved on to look at solar energy as a power source. We even learned about a new solar powered plane that has already travelled 56,000 miles. Unfortunately, due to the restrictions of sunlight, it has taken 505 days to travel that distance. So, it’s not quite ready for our holiday flights abroad just yet.
Aileen discussed how we need to use batteries to store the surplus energy so we can use it when the energy source is not available. We looked at new houses with large battery banks powered by solar panels. Lewis said his new house is going to have batteries fitted to store the solar energy they collect.
After that, we focussed on hydrogen power stations that split H2O to free up the hydrogen as a clean source of energy. Lewis had the tough job of turning a handle repeatedly to separate hydrogen from water. Once he was in the green zone, having split enough, we were able to ignite the hydrogen to create a big push (with a big bang too!).
We learned how nuclear fusion is a more environmentally friendly form of nuclear fuel. Unlike fission, this doesn’t create radioactive waste or require mining for uranium. In essence, two hydrogen are smooshed together to release lots of energy. Atticus demonstrated the chain reaction using a mousetrap ping pong maze.
Megan demonstrated how to use the interactive Future Fuels exhibits that were displayed around the hall before the children experienced them for themselves. The boys and girls were so enthusiastic and motivated to engage with the activities. Atticus said, “It’s really fun learning about science and having a go at the different activities.” Tilly said, “It’s fun and it shows a lot about how to use renewable energy properly for our planet.” Cameron said he would like a job in science as he likes learning about the different ways we can make fuel and getting to do things with his hands.
Thank you so much to Aileen and Megan for providing this fantastic experience!
# Successful Learners
