Research Associate
What made you choose wind and renewable energy as your investigation topic?
Researcher: Well, for the second part of the year, autumn, the topics that the teacher from the Primary School were related to energy forces. And we opted to go for activities that already existed and a colleague recommend activities like the land yachts that was one. The teacher had an activity using a piece of cloth, like a sock, attached to a plastic bottle so the students could make bubbles and measure their displacement over a football field to give them an idea of wind.
How did you structure the activities?
Researcher: Eventually, the students conducted a third activity, and they built their own windmill, but at a small scale, following the reading of The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind, which is a very popular reading among primary school students. And finally, the students, led by the teacher, designed a small model of a sustainable city, including some renewable energy sources like wind, solar, and they had the most amazing ideas creating paths for cyclists, they reflected on water supply, parking for disabled people. Brilliant work, honestly.
What surprised you most?
Researcher: Well, the weather. The weather at that time we were expecting wind and there was no wind. So that changed things a bit. We went to the windiest part of the school, the open field. For the next session, for the yacht session, the teacher thought of a piece of paper or cardboard, so the students would produce some wind. And that in retrospective, I think that was a great idea. When the students build their own windmill, the windmill was a bit flimsy, but at some point the students were a bit like, is it really going to work?
What have you taken from this experience?
Researcher: My approach was enriched because it is a different country, different culture, it was a primary level, and you have to get familiar with the language used to engage with these primary school students. The way you have to explain things was an amazing challenge. It was brilliant and they are amazing. I used to teach these things to high school and university students, but it was amazing to me how a ten-year-old was actually conceiving that in his own words. I find that very, very motivating and I needed that. Honestly, this programme was a great opportunity to reconnect with this activity.
What happens next?
Researcher: I haven’t applied for additional funding yet, but I have already met my line manager and has been great. I have discussed this already with him that I would like to continue doing these activities. I would like to be part of this in a longer run. People like me would love to keep collaborating with these schools, and if there were more options about it, I would love to hear about it.