Ironies of Energy Explorers Camp

by | Aug 23, 2013 | Newton | 7 comments

My kid has been going to Energy Explorers camp at Newton North this week. Yesterday he proudly showed me his wind turbine. He learned that, to make it work, you just need to put it in front of an electric fan! What’s more, the turbine wouldn’t fit in a backpack without breaking, so it was suggested that I bring a car instead of a bike. Fortunately our bike cargo trailer is going to allow us to both (a) spin the turbine and (b) get home, using renewable rather than fossil energy.

7 Comments

  1. Wally Brown
    Wally Brown on August 23, 2013 at 2:17 pm

    I am not sure what the proper response to this is. Applause, a medal or a trophy? 🙂

  2. nathan phillips
    nathan phillips on August 23, 2013 at 2:53 pm

    Wally, the disconnect between the curriculum and its application was what I wished to highlight, but your comment indicates I may have misfired with a somewhat self congratulatory ending. Point taken.

  3. Gail Spector
    Gail Spector on August 23, 2013 at 2:58 pm

    Very funny story.

  4. Native Newtonian
    Native Newtonian on August 23, 2013 at 3:44 pm

    …a little too ironic, I really do think!! Funny stuff!

  5. Julia Malakie
    Julia Malakie on August 23, 2013 at 7:59 pm

    Ah, but does the spinning turbine on your way home charge a battery, or does it just spin?

  6. nathan phillips
    nathan phillips on August 23, 2013 at 8:25 pm

    Good point. Just spins, so free entertainment, but no energy.

  7. Jane
    Jane on August 23, 2013 at 10:49 pm

    Loved it and got it, Nathan. We’re all trying as hard as we can to be as green as we can, but it isn’t always easy. The teacher in me has this urge to say good writers show and don’t tell, but I won’t. Good story.