Alternative and Renewable Energy

We've discovered the resources of Aurora Lipper, a rocket scientist and pilot with a graduate degree in mechanical engineering, who has worked at NASA and taught in university. She has put together great science resources for homeschoolers, based on exciting experiments that happen to teach fundamental science knowledge along the way.

This morning the kids watched their first live webinar ever. It was on Alternative and Renewable Energy and included an experiment to create a solar roaster: a solar cooker specifically designed to roast a marshmallow or hotdog. We were going to make it tonight, but dad had trouble tracking down the required fresnel lens on his way home.

Aurora was engaging to listen to, with an interesting slide show. She'd ask questions for the kids to answer amongst themselves, keeping them involved and engaged. A side bar offered a place where questions could be inputed at any time. Aurora discussed the importance of renewable energy sources and the main kinds out there.

A highlight for me, listening in as I prepared breakfast, was learning about sea snakes: generators that harness the energy of waves. News to all of us and way too cool! Discussions included the benefits and current limitations of solar power, wind power, hydroelectricity and more.

The kids were riveted. Aidan was positively bubbling over with excitement as she afterwords talked about her online programming. I admit I was excited too. So we're going to try some if it out! Details of our explorations to follow.

If you want to check out Aurora's offerings, check her out at superchargedscience.com. Her mission is to show kids how fun and exciting science can be.