Aug 29, 2022
Thought Question: Describe a time when you were faced with a problem and found a creative solution to address it.
When it comes to renewable sources of energy, it’s hard to beat the wind. The huge blades of wind turbines spin in the wind. That becomes safe, clean power. Yet even the turbines aren't the most environmentally friendly. They’re huge, sometimes hundreds of feet long. And they’re made mostly of materials that can't be recycled.
That may soon change.
Scientists at Michigan State University experimented with a new plant-based compound to bind together the glass fibers used to create turbine blades. The resulting blades work just like those we normally use. They have one key difference. Scientists can dissolve them with special chemicals. The glass fibers can also be reused. The material is turned into other useful substances. One of them might appeal to anyone with a candy craving.
“We recovered food-grade potassium lactate and used it to make gummy bear candies, which I ate,” Dr. John Dorgan said of his team’s research. The material can be used to make windows and car tail lights. Dorgan told The Guardian, “(The resin) can be used over and over again in an infinite loop. That’s the goal of the circular economy.”
Scientists admit the technology is still in its early stages. They need to test the new turbines in the field and find a good source for the compound's ingredients. But if all goes well, the project’s future promises to be sweet indeed.
Photo by Zhang Fengsheng courtesy of Unsplash.
Renewable Energy Lesson: Citizenship
In this lesson, students advocate for renewable energy in their schools and communities, motivated by the success of Santa Monica, California students.
Renewable Energy Lesson: Global Energy
In this lesson, students analyze how much renewable energy is used around the world.
Renewable Energy Lesson: Engineering Project
In this lesson, students learn the story of William Kamkwamba, build their own renewable-powered project, and share their project with the broader school community.