projects
- - Hands-on science-based activities - Interactive installations & videos- Live energy dashboard- Greenhouse dome - Display panels - Fun quiz Website: bordnamona.ie
The Learning Hub at Mountlucas Wind Farm
In 1992, Bord na Móna commissioned Ireland’s first commercial wind farm in Bellacorick, Co. Mayo. Over the years, the company has committed to investing in the development of wind farms – contributing to Ireland meeting its 2020 renewable energy target, while also helping Ireland to build a security of energy supply.
The Wind Farm at Mountlucas, County Offaly, is situated on the Bog of Allen and consists of 28 turbines which can generate up to 84 MW of energy - or enough to power 45,000 homes. The site also includes nature walks and an educational centre which welcomes schools and groups wishing to visit the facility and learn more about wind energy.
'The Learning Hub' - is an interactive exhibition designed and built by Mirador Media. It includes hands-on activities where visitors can learn more about the history and technology behind wind energy and how electricity is transported and distributed throughout the country.
Following a welcome address in the conference room, children are given a clip board & multiple-choice questionnaire and instructed that answers can be found throughout the interactive exhibition. They can look for answers as individuals or as groups and feed them back into the answers touch screen computer in the conference room.
The exhibition works as a logical flow but each station can also be explored individually in no particular order. The content is structured in such a way as to appeal to a wide range of demographics ranging from school children to families and active retirement groups.
The main free-standing display consists of a structure/ cabinet built in the shape of a turbine nacelle housing a hands-on science experiment whereby visitors can test different blade shapes in a wind tunnel to check which design is the most effective in generating electricity.
In another exhibit visitors can learn about the greenhouse effect in an interactive dome supported by video projections and triggers. Other displays include models, interactive videos, crank-activated audios, magnetic game and graphics.
Outside, interactive exhibits and signage focus on the local flora, fauna and the boglands.