The University of Western Australia (UWA) is bringing its Einstein-First project to teach children about climate science and how to generate renewable energy.
Project leader Emeritus Professor David Blair stated that as the world transitioned to renewable energy and confronted the effects of climate change, we had a responsibility to expose children to all relevant research.
“Solar energy is powered by the science discovered by Einstein, which is the same science that causes carbon dioxide to act like a blanket and warm the Earth,” Professor Blair said.
Professor Blair also highlighted the need to train teachers to impart knowledge to students.
In an Einstein-First training event, the first shipment of UWA-designed classroom solar energy kits was exhibited to a group of primary school teachers.
Project coordinator Dr Jyoti Kaur from the UWA’s School of Physics stated that the kits would allow students to build their own power source.
“Using power lifters, fans, lights and USB devices the students will be able to create energy to lift kilogram buckets just like pit ponies used to lift buckets of coal from the coal mines,” Dr Kaur said.
According to Dr Kaur, James Watt’s steam engines powered pit ponies, and today’s children do it with photons from the Sun.
Adjunct Professor David Wood from UWA’s School of Physics, Maths, and Computing said the kits made climate science simple and enjoyable to teach.
“It uses inexpensive activities to be created using everyday items like drink bottles, candles, ice blocks and balloons, combined with our new solar kits,” he said.
Access Technology Group and DDH1, both key sponsors of the Einstein-First program, created and sponsored the kits.
The Einstein-First initiative, which has been leading scientific education for students in years 3 to 10, intends to expand female engagement in STEM and this year added a new component called Quantum Girls, which is financed by the Department of Science and Industry.
