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Current Connections
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Learn about energy from Power Girl, in CDM's high-energy exhibit sponsored by PG&E. Crank some gears, work a pulley, and turn a treadle to generate power. Then use the harnessed power to light a playhouse and move toy engines. The exhibit helps children gain an understanding of how electricity is generated, how it is distributed, and how it is ultimately converted to other forms of energy.
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While children can interact individually with each piece of the exhibit, it works best when several children or adults synchronize their actions. Some pieces, such as the treadle, only move when two or more people balance their movements with one another. And one child can only use energy to light up the playhouse if another child is currently producing it.
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Current Connections hopes to inspire conservation of fossil fuels and environmental protection by helping children to understand the amount of energy needed to power simple machines. By using people-power to generate electricity, children can appreciate how much work is needed to supply a small amount of power.
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Power Girl uses her ingenuity to design human-powered machines that perform common tasks, like lifting a ball and dragging a toy train. Hopefully, the exhibit will inspire children to design their own simple machines at home.
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