Curdin Wuethrich, CEO of Soleva, holding the presentation on Soleva at Technopark Graubünden.
CSEM’s Kinderlab conducts public experiments to promote soft mobility
In the afternoon, the Soleva team presented infographics to passersby and children comparing the energy consumption of cars to that of other means of transport, such as bicycles and public transportation. These graphs aimed to illustrate the relative energy efficiency of each mode of transport.
Interactive activities to raise public awareness about renewable energies were a great success.
To make these concepts more tangible, a basin with two fountains was set up. One fountain was powered by a solar panel, while the other was operated by a bicycle pedal. The children were invited to pedal to maintain the height of the fountain. This interactive setup helped them understand the difference between power and energy: they observed that the bicycle pedal required constant effort to keep the fountain height steady, while the solar panel provided more stable but less intense power. This illustrated in a fun and educational way how solar energy and physical effort can be used to generate power.
"Seeing the children get excited about solar energy is incredibly motivating. It shows that the future of our planet is in good hands," declared David Schmid, Head of Regional Development & Relations at CSEM and President of the Kinderlab Association.
Children were able to make their own solar-powered dragonfly.
Kinderlab tries out photovoltaic (PV) dragonflies
The Soleva van wasn't the only attraction that fascinated participants with its practical demonstrations. Elisabeth Flury-Schneller, founder and director of the Kinderlab, along with David Schmid and Mevio, a young "Kinderlab expert," also captivated the audience. Together, they led a hands-on workshop where children had the opportunity to build a motorized dragonfly using a solar kit.
During this workshop, the children learned to assemble the different parts of the kit, including solar panels, a small motor, and the necessary components to build the dragonfly. They discovered how solar energy can be converted into mechanical energy to make the dragonfly move. This exercise was not only fun but also served as a creative introduction to science and technology—disciplines that are too often absent from the daily lives of the new generations.
