At most school, “going green” means less rubbish or recycling. But at New York’s Riverdale Country School, it means being advised to run and even jump in the hallways. And the students really enjoy doing that.
Why? It because the hallways were built with special kinetic(动能的)tiles. When students run or jump on the floor tiles, electricity will be generated(产生). The electricity can be used to power classroom lights, science projects and charge electronic products. 14-year-old Zach Halem tried to make the officials buy them. There are eight tiles near the school’s student center.
Besides providing fun green energy, it’s also a good way to teach the students to be creative. They will be inspired to be scientists, inventors and engineers in the future to find clean energy for all humans.
The tiles are mostly made from rubber and other recycled things. They were invented by an English man Laurence Kembell-Cook. While new to the US, They have been put in many places in Europe- from a London Underground Station during the 2012 Olympics to a marathon (马拉松)track in Paris. When Pavegen started getting popular in London schools, Laurence began to realize that his invention not only saved energy ,but was also fun!
Why do the students of New York’s Riverdale Country School enjoy running in the hallways?
Who invented the special floor tiles?
What are the special floor tiles made of?
How can the kids at New York’s Riverdale Country School save energy from the floor tiles ?
What do you think of the invention?