(PORTLAND, OR)
-- The Bonneville Power
Administration is launching two new education videos designed to inspire the
next generation of scientists and engineers. The videos are part of BPA’s
“Science Lab” series that features funny and energetic BPA engineers conducting
simple experiments with things you find around the house.
The
new episodes are “How to Build a Turbine,”
which challenges kids to create their own energy-generating turbine device
using paper cups, tape and a shop vacuum; and “The Great Marble Drop,”
that tests young people’s ability to design an apparatus that will transport
a marble and drop it on a target.
There’s no
“right” way to conduct these experiments. Rather, students are challenged to
use scientific inquiry and engineering design to solve the problem. “We want
kids to work together to devise solutions, test them and then try again,”
explains co-host Mike Hulse, who guides viewers through the experiments with
the help of fellow BPA electrical engineer Kellie Robinson. The ability to
study a problem, develop a hypothesis and test and refine a solution is at the
heart of many engineering and scientific careers.
BPA
produces its Science Lab videos to connect students to science and engineering.
Recent statistics show that science and engineering jobs are growing at twice
the rate of non-technical careers, but that only 4 percent of high school
freshmen are going on to graduate from college with those degrees.
“Math
and science are important building blocks for young people interested in
pursuing a career in the energy industry or other technical fields,” says BPA
Administrator Bill Drummond.
The
video series, which BPA launched with its “How to Build a Motor”
video in 2010, illustrates electricity-related phenomenon such as
electromagnetism, and kinetic and mechanical energy. They also provide a steady
diet of the scientific and engineering method — try, test, fail and try again.
The videos can be used by middle and high school teachers in class, or teachers
can watch the videos and duplicate the simple, hands-on experiments in class.
The series also targets kids and parents who are looking for experiments to do
at a science fair or at home.
Simplicity
and fun are hallmarks of the videos. The experiments call for basic supplies
found around the house such as batteries, magnets, tape, wire and the
occasional appliance like a shop vacuum set to blower mode. And viewers have
responded to the enthusiasm and personality Kellie and Mike bring to performing
the experiments. One YouTube viewer commented, “I’m going to be trying this
with my kids as soon as I get home. To be honest, I’m a little jealous of your
job!”
Robinson
says the best part is attracting new talent to the field. “We love our jobs and
we want kids to see that engineering and science-based careers can be lot of
fun.”
As
the biggest power marketer in the Northwest and operator of about 75 percent of
the region’s high-voltage transmission system, BPA recognizes that our smart
energy future rests on the shoulders of the next generation of engineers,
designers and scientists.
“We need the next generation to be equipped with the skills to design new applications and technologies essential to operating a smarter, more sophisticated electric power system,” adds Drummond.
“We need the next generation to be equipped with the skills to design new applications and technologies essential to operating a smarter, more sophisticated electric power system,” adds Drummond.
The
new videos were posted as part of a soft launch in August and have a few
hundred views. The original Science Lab video, “How to Build a Motor,” has over
5,000 views. BPA expects to release a new Science Lab video later this year.
BPA
funds activities and a variety of programs that support science, technology,
engineering and math, often called STEM education. To learn more about the
agency’s educational materials and programs, or to request an in-class
presentation, visit BPA’s Community and Education Web
page or contact
education coordinator Christy
Adams.
February is National Engineers Month, and BPA and other organization have teamed up with Business Education Compact to promote STEM education through classroom and hands-on experiences. Visitwww.becpdx.org to learn more.
February is National Engineers Month, and BPA and other organization have teamed up with Business Education Compact to promote STEM education through classroom and hands-on experiences. Visitwww.becpdx.org to learn more.
