Renewable energy comes to life through two hands-on exhibits sponsored by NextEra Energy. These interactive experiences invite visitors to test ideas, make changes, and see the results for themselves.
Together, the Wind Generator and Solar Car offer different ways to explore renewable energy. Visitors can experiment with wind power and see the effects of solar energy.
Put Wind Power to the Test
At the Wind Generator, visitors become energy engineers. They can experiment with different blade shapes, numbers of blades, and blade pitches.
By comparing their results, visitors can see how design choices affect a wind turbine’s performance.
Most importantly, the exhibit turns renewable energy into something visitors can explore for themselves. Instead, visitors can test their own ideas and see what happens rather than simply learning how wind turbines work.
Race with Solar Energy
Next, visitors can put solar power to work at the Solar Car exhibit. Here, sunlight provides the energy needed to power a small model car.
First, the challenge is to keep the light focused on the car’s solar panel. Then, once the car starts moving, visitors race it toward the finish line before time runs out.
Along the way, visitors get a closer look at how solar energy can become usable power. With a playful challenge, the race introduces a real-world application of solar technology.
Hands-On Learning Powered by Support
Together, these exhibits give visitors exciting ways to explore renewable energy.
Beyond the exhibits themselves, these experiences show the impact of support for hands-on STEM learning. With the support of NextEra Energy’s sponsorship, renewable energy concepts are brought to life in our gallery.
Ultimately, hands-on experiences like these can help visitors connect STEM concepts to the world around them.
Finally, we’re grateful to NextEra Energy for supporting these exhibits and helping bring meaningful STEM experiences to our gallery.
Most of all, stop by, try an experiment, and discover the power of renewable energy for yourself!