REFUEL THE SCHOOL
Refuelling Torriano: Harnessing the Sun
How is electricity generated and transported to our homes?
Through open ended questions and experiments, we investigated how electricity is generated and how it travels. We then applied our learning to understand how energy is supplied to our homes. Using wires, light bulbs and batteries, we created our own model circuits to represent the National Grid.
Energy generation and the environment
Warming stripes were created by the British climate scientist, Ed Hawkins. They were created to show a simple representation of the global warming of our planet. Year 4 analysed the stripes and looked for trends and patterns in the data. Using watercolours, we then blended our paints to create the gradient effect to #showyourstripes. Have a look for yourself.
Energy consumption at Torriano
As part of The Primary Science Challenge in Camden, we gathered data to investigate how much energy we use at Torriano. Every day, Miss Long went down to get the meter reading and we recorded this on a graph to see the change overtime. To see how this impacted our school's carbon footprint, we calculated how much carbon dioxide is produced in order to generate a KwH of electricity. We were shocked! Have a read of the findings below.
How can we reduce our carbon footprint?
By changing the school's energy provider.
Year 4 analysed the energy sources and the carbon emissions of a range of different energy providers. They made some really thoughtful observations and drew interesting conclusions. Have a read and listen to their analysis of the different providers and see which one they thought was the best choice.
PXL_20210715_083428348.mp4Letters to Maria
Based on their research, the children then wrote persuasive letters to Maria to campaign to change energy providers. After gathering facts and statistics, year 4 met with Maria in a very formal meeting to discuss their findings.
By generating our own renewable energy.
Where is the best place in our school for solar panels?
We investigated different areas around school to decide on the location we proposed the solar panels should be installed. We thought about many different factors including space, height and direction the solar panels were facing. As a year group, we came up with a set of criteria that the location had to meet, so that the solar panels would work as efficiently as possible.
KS2 outside toilets
"Even though the KS2 toilets have a flat roof, it has a small area to place the panels. These wouldn't make enough energy to power the school."
The Earth Kitchen
KS1 building
"The KS1 building is the best place to install solar panels. It has a flat roof and it isn't blocked by any tall buildings or trees. It also has space for lots of solar panels."
The Children Who Harnessed the Sun
Inspired by the story "The Boy who Harnessed the Wind", year 4 wrote descriptive narratives about using the power of the sun to power Torriano sustainably. Have a read of their fantastic work.
Art and design inspired by STEAM
We have enjoyed learning about different artists who use the sun and sustainability in their artwork. We were also inspired by many artists including Olafur Eliasson, Stephen Knapp and Melissa Hartley.
The Weather Project by Olafur Eliasson
Light pictures by Stephen Knapp
Year 4 were very lucky, as they were reunited with Jim! They were excited to work with him once again. Together, Year 4 used their design and technology skills to create an abstract sculpture of the KS1 building. We chose to represent this building to celebrate its future role in harnessing the sun to renewably power Torriano. Carefully, the children sawed bits of wood to the correct size and helped Jim to build the structure. Together, they painted the structure making sure they covered the wooden panels.
Refraction by Melissa Hartley
Pyrography by Michael Papadakis
Our legacy: How can our solar panels support the Torriano community?
After it was confirmed that further assessment of the school buildings would be carried out to see if it strong enough to hold the panels, we looked outward to our local community. We learned about community microgrids, how they work and their benefits. What are microgrids you ask? Have a read of some of our information texts below to find out more.
The children then designed their own microgrids around Torriano Avenue and the surrounding roads, centralised around our school, to support our local community. Have a look at some of their fantastic, well thought out microgrid community designs and listen to our proposals.
EMicrogrid1.mp4
Clean Air Day
Sharing our message with the local community and protesting for change!
Year 4 coded the microbits to share messages to encourage others to do their part to save the planet and to reduce their carbon footprint. Have a look!
