On Tuesday 27 September the S3 class headed to Lerwick to attend Shetland’s Climate Week organised by the Council’s Climate Change Strategy Team.  The day began with pupils having the opportunity to  visit stalls and chat with various Shetland Companies about their approaches to Climate change and learn more about possible future opportunities in the “Green” sector. Shetland Careers Officers and UHI representatives were also on hand to offer careers advice and ideas.

Pupils learned about Shetland’s Net Zero Route Map and how to achieve clean, green energy for Shetland from our valuable natural resources.  The transition period was discussed and how existing infrastructure can and will be used in the future.  Also some of the skills required of a new, young workforce were highlighted.  The pupils were then invited to take part in various activities.  These included building their own model wind turbine and base, observing how different solvents helped clean oil from birds feathers, building a model tide turbine, programming robots, using laser technology and a visit aboard an all-electric bus. Whalsay and Yell’s Pledge Trees were also on display.

Whalsay and Yell pupils were combined and worked in groups for these events.  The winning team, who produced most voltage from their model wind turbine, called themselves “Yellsa” and managed to produce an impressive 5.3volts.

The pupils all said they had found the day interesting and informative and had really enjoyed the activities, especially working with pupils from another school.   They would like to thank the Climate Change team and Emma Chittick.