Powered by Nature

“If we want children to flourish, to become truly empowered, then let us allow them to love the Earth before we ask them to save it.” —David Sobel

How do you turn wind and sun into energy? Here children will explore the concepts behind renewable energy using the wind and sunshine.

Things to Do: 
  • Push buttons to create wind that spins turbines and creates light.
  • Build a neighborhood using solar panel homes and make them light up.
  • Discover how much power it takes to run a television, refrigerator, lamp, and toaster in your home.
  • See how much power the Museum is making with its wind turbine and solar panel.
Learning Outcomes: 
  • Become familiar with the use of devices incorporating technology.
  • Begin to be aware of technology and how it affects our lives.
  • Make comparisons among objects that have been observed.
  • Describe the effects of forces in nature.
  • Explore and observe natural phenomena.
  • Make predictions about what will happen next.
  • Utilize the wind energy to generate movement of wind turbines.

Underwritten by the Illinois Clean Energy Community Foundation, with additional support from ComEd, an Exelon Company, HSBC – North America, and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity