PicoTurbines, An Alternative Energy Education Tool
Hands-on teaching tool demonstrates electricity generation by wind power
As the late, great Gerry Ford once said, Things are more like they are now, than they have ever been before. If we are to change the future world for the better, then it starts right here and now with the advent of green energy systems.
One of the core concepts of teaching with the PicoTurbine can be stated as: "Just tell me, and I will forget. But show me, and I might remember some of it. Involve me, and I will master it." Based on this wise, old adage, the kits that the company produces feature various activites to get young people into hands-on learning situations. One suggestion by the company is to demonstrate how heat can be produced by wind energy (the company's specialty) through using a picture wire for the heating element. PicoTurbine has noticed that people typically think of wind energy as being cold energy, and thus are pleasantly surprised to see how wind can be used for generating heat in the home.
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The core curriculum that PicoTurbine thinks teachers should instill in their pupils is: "Renewable, alternative sources of power include not only wind-produced energy, but also solar, hydroelectric, geothermal, and biomass." When we use more alternative sources of energy, we decrease our nation's dependence on foreign oil supplies, which often come from nations who cannot really be called our allies. Alternative energy is already becoming cost effective when set against the fossil fuels that we are so reliant on currently.
| Pico which means small and turbine which means a motor driven by curved vanes - PicoTurbine! The PicoTurbine educational wind turbine is 8-inches tall, and produces enough power to light up a small lamp. |
PicoTurbine points out that wind farms and solar arrays are already letting their makers enjoy commercial success. In the last two decades, the price of photovoltaic cells expressed in terms of per-watt cost has gone from nearly $1000 per watt to just $4 per watt! It has been predicted by analysts that by the year 2015, the cost per watt should only be about $1 (in today's dollars). Another lesson students should be taught is about the hidden cost of fossil fuels ehicn include pollution and environmental degradation. Studies have shown that air pollution from burning fossil fuels has increased the incidences of asthma attacks, heightened the severity of allergies, and even caused cancer. Switching over to clean, green energy found in the alternative forms would prevent air pollution and help bolster the environment.
TEACHERS: PicoTurbine Educational Windmill Kits of which thousands have been built! Have been Used by school districts for renewable energy education, and used by major Universities for youth programs! To get PicoTurbine kits for your classroom visit PicoTurbine.com.
About the Author
Scott Harker is the publisher of several websites including: Sherlock Holmes Pastiches, On The Hook | Fishing Guide, Great Food | Great Recipes, Dieting Help | Move More - Eat Less, To The Stars | Astronomy, and Drive The Future | Hybrid Cars.
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