The electricity comes from the socket. But how does he actually get in there? Münsingen elementary school students explored this question at a wind power experience event.
MÜNSINGEN. Two of the three wind turbines on the Münsinger Alenberg were spinning diligently in the strong wind on Friday morning and presented their best side to around 130 fourth graders. However, the third wind turbine had to be switched off due to the weather conditions due to the risk of ice falling. Finally, a tent was set up for the children directly at its foot by the city of Münsingen and the wind power project developer Schöller SI in order to provide this energy day with good conditions despite the bad weather.
The accompanying teachers learned that the curriculum does not provide for the transfer of knowledge about the production of renewable energies. Nevertheless, energy is always present both in production and especially in consumption among primary school students, as they also come into contact with it in their everyday lives. This Energy Day was initiated in the awareness that the energy transition must be a project for and together with future generations. Under the motto “Experience wind power” there was a varied program of information, games and fun to get the primary school students excited about the topic of energy.
Children should understand change
»When we planned this event, it was winter. Last weekend we had almost midsummer, now it's winter again," said Mayor Mike Münzing and stated: "It's the climate on the Alb." The fourth graders were invited to the wind turbines because a lot is changing in the area of energy supply; we are in an epochal upheaval and change. »We used to be pure energy consumers. We turned up the heat and it got warm. We plugged devices into the socket and they worked. We turned on the light switch and the lamp lit up. For some time now, however, we have been no longer just consumers, but also energy producers." Systems are becoming more complex, but also offer opportunities for nature, the environment and climate protection; they are turning the consumer from being affected to being a participant. “Explaining, showing and experiencing this is part of the city’s sustainable education strategy together with our partner Schöller SI,” Münzing made clear.
The children were amazed when they learned that in Münsingen almost all of the energy used by private households and industrial companies is produced locally. Six new wind turbines will soon be added in Magolsheim, which will generate as much electricity as is needed. And the students learned how electricity – before it comes out of the socket – finds its way into them. During a tour they were given a direct insight into the wind turbines managed by Schöller SI.
Turbine in the basement
If you want to climb a wind turbine, you have to climb 78 meters on a ladder using a climbing harness. There are two platforms on the way, secured by a net. There is a gondola at the top that always rotates in the optimal wind direction and in which you can stand. Of course, only experts and the maintenance service, who come regularly to look at the three rotor blades and the turbine in the basement, are allowed to do this. This is where the electricity is transported and transformed before it is delivered to the substation. Andreas Dominguez from Schöller SI emphasized how important it is to keep added value in the region.
In addition to the tour of the wind turbine, stations such as the wheel of fortune and the vehicle park provided fun. The children were allowed to have a cartoonist draw them, and a food truck provided the necessary refreshment. The event, which took place for the first time, will be repeated next year, according to Anna Maria Mrcela from Schöller SI. A great thing for Mayor Mike Münzing. “In this way, the children also learn how to save energy and use electricity efficiently, but also with water, waste, food and clothing.” This makes them multipliers: “Just ask your dad if he wouldn’t put a photovoltaic system on the roof can. And think about whether you actually have to fly on vacation or whether you can also go on vacation to the Alb." (GEA)
© GEA By: Maria Bloching 19.04.2024 16:01