In week nine we focused on the topic of energy. Energy is “a source of power, such as fuel, used for driving machines, providing heat etc.” (Oxford Dictionary, 2019). We began by watching the video below.

After watching this video I was quite apprehensive about being confident to teach the topic as it seemed complex and was difficult to understand. However as future teachers, it is important that we are educated on energy and teach young people the importance of alternative energy. We are running out of energy sources and we have to do something about it, involving young people in the conversation is important as many sources of energy will run out in their lifetime. This may be frightening to children so it is important that we are sensitive about the subject.

It is estimated that in 53 years oil will run out, in 54 years natural gas will run out and in 110 years coal will run out (Business Standards, 2015). As a society we all depend and heavily rely on fossil fuels. However there is only a fixed amount of energy, we cannot get more of it and we cannot get rid of it. When this source of energy runs out we need to make sure we have alternative energy sources. The Curriculum for Excellence aims to ensure that young people will become responsible citizens, as teachers it is important that we help develop this role. As teachers we must raise the issue as it is their future, we must encourage young children to take action to see a sustainable future.

This graph shows how much coal, gas and oil will be left in a time period of only 70 years.

Fossil fuels are bad for the environment and the amount we use is simply not sustainable, It causes-

Carbon emissions
Habitat destruction
Ocean pollution
Air pollution

(Ecotricity, n.d.)

The Curriculum for Excellence aims to ensure that young people will become responsible citizens, as teachers it is important that we help develop this role. As teachers we must raise the issue as it is their future, we must encourage young children to take action to see a sustainable future.

(Scottish Renewables, 2018)

It is important as teachers we discuss how Scotland is on track and on the right direction for achieving a more sustainable future. This may help put the young people to ease and encourage them to meet Scotland’s 2020 target. The target is for Scotland to use 100 percent renewable energy sources to provide Scotland’s gross annual electricity. If this goal is accomplished, by the beginning of 2020, Scotland will no longer use fossil fuels to generate electricity (The Scottish Government, 2018).

This clip explains different types of renewable energy and discusses the positive impact of switching to renewable energy. This video would be good to show in middle to upper primary due to the visuals and because it is simple to follow.

In the science workshop we completed a variety of activities. In groups we completed a quiz on fossil fuels, this allowed us to see how much knowledge we had on the subject and what areas we could work on. This would be a good activity in schools as it would allow them to work in teams and then do further research on the areas they were unsure about. We also blew up a balloon and rubbed cotton wool against the surface for it to stick against a wall. This is a fun activity that would get young people intrigued and excited.

 

In the second week we were split into two sections. Section one looked at a structured approach and section two looked at a tinkering approach. I was part of the tinkering approach section. We were given very little information and zero instructions. We were only told we were to make a vehicle that was able to move with the materials left in the room.

In my group we sketched out a rough idea and labelled what materials we could use to be each part. We had to try and visualise an idea that we would be able to meet in the small time frame.

This project required a lot of trial and error, time and patience. This may stressful for young people as there is no instructions given. They have to be innovative and use their problem solving skills. As future teachers it is important we encourage creativity and allow young people to make critical judgements. Creativity allows students to express themselves. It challenges them to think outside the box, problem solve and come up with innovative solutions. Creativity in the classroom is also important as it can help reduce stress and anxiety (Edsys, 2019). Some young people may feel intimidated by other peoples work. It is important as future teachers encourage individuality and praise that the class has different approaches and ideas, as it showcases the classes ability to all be creative. Some children may be inspired by others work and take on certain ideas.

As a teacher this activity may be difficult to do in schools were reassures are scarce. However, it may also be beneficial not having enough resources for everyone as it would encourage the class to think outside the box. As future teachers we also need to think ethically, discussing with the class that there is only a fixed amount of materials so to use them wisely. I think this activity is great for pupils as it gives them freedom to be creative and allows them to now worry about following the rules. This will give them a sense of pride when they see their final design, knowing that was their creation all from their own imagination.

The other half of the yearbook looked at the structured approach and were given step by step instructions to follow. A structure approach ensures that everyone has the same final outcome and eliminates the chances of making mistakes.

In the future, I will definitely use both approaches. Having a structured approach allows young people to be able to follow instructions. This also allows them to be able to make it again in the future if they wish too. The tinkering approach allows much more freedom and challenges them to be innovative.

 

Refrences –

Ecotricity (n.d.) When will fossil fuels run out? [Online] Available: https://www.ecotricity.co.uk/our-green-energy/energy-independence/the-end-of-fossil-fuels

Edsys. (2019). Role and Importance of Creativity in Classroom | Edsys. [online] Available at: https://www.edsys.in/creativity-in-classroom/ [Accessed 20 Nov. 2019].

Hirsh, S. (2019). Scotland’s new target: 100% renewable electricity in 2020. [online] World Economic Forum. Available at: https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2019/07/scotland-wind-energy-new-record-putting-country-on-track-for-100-renewable-electricity-in-2020 [Accessed 19 Nov. 2019].

Oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com. (2019). energy noun – Definition, pictures, pronunciation and usage notes | Oxford Advanced Learner’s Dictionary at OxfordLearnersDictionaries.com. [online] Available at: https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/energy?q=energy [Accessed 18 Nov. 2019].

Scottish Renewables. (2018). Renewables in Numbers – Scottish Renewables. [online] Available at: https://www.scottishrenewables.com/forums/renewables-in-numbers/ [Accessed 20 Nov. 2019].

The Scottish Government. (2018). Renewable Energy. [online] Available at: https://www2.gov.scot/renewableenergy?fbclid=IwAR2NJ4HJFC_lNlVFt-Lbl6GEkzT6wf6uVfvIeVPHWHj6Wb8Hc6zjoHSIliI [Accessed 18 Nov. 2019].