Moja Island: learning about renewable energy sources

Science in School

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Abstract: Electricity is an important factor in overcoming poverty, as the United Nations Development Programmew1 states. In communities without electricity, children are often unable to attend school because they are needed to help collect biomass for fuel ? but education is a crucial contributor to escaping poverty. In addition, without access to radios, computers or the Internet, communities have no access to vital information about farming techniques, or to flood warnings or local news. Lack of energy also means that people struggle to start a simple business that could help them out of poverty. Practical Action (previously known as the Intermediate Technology Development Group) is a UK-based development charity that has been working with the world?s poorest communities for more than four decades, focusing on energy and technology as a catalyst for change. The education section of the charity?s websitew2 provides a range of educational resources and teaching materials on sustainable engineering, climate change and renewable energy. This article presents one of the classroom activities: Moja Island, in which students consider the options available to the four communities living on a fictitious island and select the most appropriate technologies to meet their needs. Aimed at students aged 11-16, this 1-2 hour activity reinforces their understanding of renewable energy sources.