Learning about Alternate Energy

During their Unit of Inquiry on Alternate Energy, Grade 5 went to The Centre for Alternate Technology in Wales for 4 days and 3 nights. Their focus was to live without fossil fuels and learn about how alternate energy can impact our present and future.

At the Centre, they learned about how a wind turbine works, had debates on the pros and cons of alternate energy, and saw alternate energy in action.

The group stayed in eco-cabins, which were powered by solar, wind, and water power, with heat provided by log fires. "In the main rooms we had to keep track of our power usage by looking at the monitors to ensure we were not depleting our electricity. We also had a better understanding of how much water we used by having to fill the cisterns ourselves each day," explained one of the students.

To record their learning, the students paired up and studied one type of alternate energy. They then gave presentations to the group which were filmed for inclusion in their e-portfolios back at School.

"Although alternate energy was our main focus we also went there to learn more about each other and ourselves.We had an amazing experience," added one of the students.