A wonderful ‘alternative’ to lessons!

170+ Year 9 students (aged 13-14) at The Warwick school in Redhill took part in an inspiring Alternative Energy Day on Wednesday July 10^th. The event, which has been jointly organised by Satro and The Warwick for over 10 years, enabled teams of students to get a real in depth knowledge and understanding of alternative energy. The Construction Teams spent the morning building huge, working models of water wheels, wind turbines, solar cookers, heat-exchangers and Silvonius motors from a range of materials (including cutting household dustbins in half!). Meanwhile the Modelling Teams were construction small working models of solar powered boats and wind turbines. Last, but by no means least, the Media Teams were interviewing  and photographing participants, and carrying out telephone interviews with experts on alternative energy. These were put into fantastic newsletters all about alternative energy.

Of course the highlight of the day was testing the constructions – particularly the use of a rather large paddling pool & hose to test the water wheels. Good job it was a hot day and clothes dried quickly!

An amazing 15 scientists and engineers helped out as mentors for the day, from companies such as Atkins Global, 2H Offshore, SE and Sutton Water, and Vestas. The event wouldn’t have been possible without them.

As one of the young participants said ‘the best day in school ever, ever!!’