There are numerous techniques to environmental education. To make the little ones learn about nature, the environment and energy. In this case we focus on the Energytruck truck, a strategy for them to learn about energy and how to use it responsibly.
The little ones ask questions that surround their heads and from a few talks they are taught and made aware of the use of sustainable energy.
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Schoolchildren visiting the Energytruck are asking questions at the speed of light. Questions such as: Why can't energy be generated by taking advantage of lightning? Why is there no source of energy that never runs out and does not pollute? How does the light come out of the holes in the wall? In order to answer your questions and concerns there are an environmental educator which is responsible for explaining that electricity cannot be stored. He also tells them the details of how a light bulb is turned on.
There are many schoolchildren between 4 and 17 years old who are quite aware because they are surrounded by electronic gadgets. Others, however, are not so familiar with this world. There are many children in the fourth or fifth year of Primary, who at the age of 9 or 10 have not heard of renewable energy. In this case, educators should start from scratch by explaining their energy lessons and discussing what raw materials can be used to generate it.
In the Energytruck they have attended more than 23.000 Primary, Baccalaureate and Vocational Training students, in the last twelve months. The activities of the truck are adapted to each age group. The youngest learn about how to save energy at home through winks or games, the older ones learn about the complex electricity generation and distribution system through a virtual simulator, which provokes intense ethical debates about the use of one source or another.
Awareness and learning activities
Various activities are carried out inside the truck in which the children play at being responsible for supplying energy to the inhabitants of a country. In order to supply energy to all households and companies, they have to take into account the total energy production of plants that use fossil fuels, alternate and supplement them with renewable energies and, all of this, trying minimizing expenses and reducing pollutant emissions.
This simulator tries to give visions of real life in a more simplified but very complete, interactive and educational way. There are students who only use fossil fuels due to their "ease" of supply and their price, but they raise pollutant emissions. Others, however, are betting on renewable energies and are creating an economy based on the energy transition.
The important thing about these activities is that, although some choices have advantages and other disadvantages, the essential thing is that the student learns to manage energy and be aware of the importance of energy efficiency, reducing pollutants and energy production.
How does this truck work?
The truck works with a dual diesel and natural gas engine. In addition to offering talks, the multimedia vehicle carries a sample of what can be seen, and experienced, in the Gas Museum, located in Sabadell (Barcelona). Its interactive screens and explanatory panels tell the story of gas and its arrival in homes, prior to the installation of running water.
In addition, it has a room dedicated to teaching the story of how the light came into being. The visitor finds a pole like those used by lamplighters to light street lamps, a small water heater, a stove shaped like a chimney, a couple of burners, a lamp and a hair curler. Very few people know that men used this artifact to shape their beards.
Finally, it also has activities in which we see body temperatures in order to raise awareness of the importance of moving and doing sports to have a healthy life. The Energytruck truck is a good environmental education tool that you cannot miss. Join the more than 61.000 people who have visited since January 2016 and you will see everything that is learned.