With the recent COP26 summit highlighting the importance of unlocking zero carbon energy sources, a group of Year 8 pupils in Ventnor now have a clearer understanding of the potential for tidal power.
Their new-found knowledge is the result of a session from STEM Crew, an award-winning education platform from 1815 Trust. With Sir Ben Ainslie as its Patron, the programme aims to ignite young people’s curiosity about how science and technology shape our world, with the aim to encourage more students into science and technology.
Exploring tidal stream energy
STEM Crew ran a session with The Island Free School to explore tidal stream energy – a topical and local subject for the pupils, with the Perpetuus Tidal Energy Centre currently seeking approval for a tidal power scheme off the Isle of Wight. Tidal Energy has become a regular topic for discussion at Prime Minister’s Questions in recent weeks.
In a lesson hosted via Zoom, pupils explored facts about tides and power calculations related to tidal turbines.
Online resource
Sponsored by Perpetuus, the lesson resource explores the concept of electrical device power in the context of clean renewable tidal energy available in the waters surrounding the UK.
Teague: The class was highly impressed
Mr Andrew Teague, Head of Science at The Island Free School, said,
“It was a thoroughly engaging session with some excellent contextual links to Ventnor, given that PTEC is planning to base its onshore operations here.
“This local link really hooked the pupils into the project, the potential for tidal power and how the turbines worked.
“The class was highly impressed with the amount of power a turbine can generate.”
Stevens: Delighted to support STEM Crew
Rob Stevens, Chairman of Perpetuus Tidal Energy Centre said,
“The 1851 Trust does a remarkable job in educating and inspiring young people to take a fresh look at a career in technology.
“Science and technology innovations are absolutely crucial in solving the many challenges facing our world, and we were delighted to support STEM Crew in creating a new resource for students looking at tidal power.
“We hope that many other schools and students will embrace these excellent opportunities.”
New shared by Rachel on behalf of PTEC. Ed
