Students of Wollondilly and Bradfordville Public Schools were given a mini-lesson on wind energy by BJCE Australia, the owners of Gullen Range Wind and Solar Farm.
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The in-class visit was part of the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) Industry School Partnership (SISP) Program organised by RDA Southern Inland.
Isabel Nelson, Community Engagement Officer, and Simon Zhao, Site Manager from Gullen Range Wind and Solar Farm led the class lesson at both schools.
Year 5 and 6 students worked in groups to build and test their anemometer, which is an instrument found on wind turbines that measures wind speed.
They used materials like paper cups and straws to build their own anemometers. To calculate approximate wind speed generated by a fan, the students counted the number of spins made by their anemometer in 10 seconds.
"By having a go at these calculations, students were able to see how mathematics skills can be applied to solve real-world problems. We were impressed with the focus and initiative demonstrated by the students," said Isabel Nelson.
"We were keen for the students to learn about the design and application of an instrument used in a range of STEM fields, including meteorology and ecology," she added.
Project Officer at RDA Southern Inland, Camilla Staff, emphasised the importance of these industry-school relationships.
"We are grateful to have Gullen Range Wind Farm as an industry partner for this project. They will work closely with both Wollondilly and Bradfordville Public Schools for the entire year, to better engage students in STEM learning. They will act as mentors and role-models to the students and perhaps have some influence in them choosing STEM related subjects in future years and even a STEM-related career."
SISP program links industry with local schools to focus the narrative on how STEM skills and knowledge can solve real-world problems.
