New Science on Wheels programs focus on renewable energy

Bradbury Science Museum takes science on the road to area schools

It's hard not to spot the Science on Wheels van as it heads to schools in Northern New Mexico within 90 miles of Los Alamos .

September 22, 2010—The Bradbury Science Museum’s Science on Wheels educational program is offering new, renewable energy-related workshops. The hands-on workshops aim to inspire interest and enthusiasm for science and renewable energy in students at schools throughout Northern New Mexico.

Beginning in October, BSM science educators will offer four Science on Wheels workshops on Energy Explorations, Solar Energy, Wind Energy, and Fuel Cells — the first being October 4 in Peñasco. The workshops, which are mainly aimed at students in the fourth through the eighth grade, are designed to be hands-on and engaging. The subjects of these classes are not only timely, but also reflective of some of the research done at LANL.

The main goals of Science on Wheels are to interest children in science and to inspire them to engage in their education. The program aims to help give students the critical thinking skills necessary for scientific research. Science on Wheels visits schools within 90 miles of Los Alamos on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Each class is about 50 minutes long, and they offer 4-6 classes per day.

“It’s important for kids to see themselves as scientists,” says BSM science educator Gordon McDonough. “If they can imagine it, it seems more possible.”

Museum staff often collaborate with Lab scientists to find ways to communicate scientific concepts to students. One example of this collaboration is the Wind Energy workshop. Having worked with some of the researchers from the LDRD-funded wind turbine-modeling project, BSM science educators Elizabeth Martineau and McDonough developed demonstrations and activities for students to learn about efficiently creating wind power. Using a series of small turbine mockups hooked to data loggers, students compete in groups to design the turbine that generates the most electricity. 

More information is on the Science on Wheels Web site or call the Bradbury Science Museum at 667-4444.