Turn Five

A K-12 Education Blog

Archive for February, 2011

Solar Power and the Spirit of Invention

There’s something about solar power, and any renewable energy source, that inspires an inventive spirit. It speaks to a spirit of consideration and generosity, where personal responsibility is taken into account for the resources that human beings use. It seems to bring out the best in people. In a time when California solar companies are capable of providing energy for people’s homes, there’s no end to the resourcefulness of this same spirit of invention.

Solar technology is not new by any means, but it has taken many recent leaps that put it at the fore of promising new renewable resources. For decades before now, there have been attempts to perfect the solar cell, and now it’s finally at a point where its potential is available for widespread use. But earlier attempts have also inspired a similar resourcefulness.

There have been some odd solar inventions in the past, and that’s still true today. The solar powered Wunda Weeder may not look entirely user-friendly, but the idea of lying down to weed a large area has a certain appeal. There are always new inventions on the way, as well, and there’s no telling what the future will hold, but it does indeed look bright.

posted by Aisha in Environment and have No Comments

The Disney Dream

The dream of Disney World is one that both Walt and his brother, Roy, shared. Yet it was one that the most famous Disney name would never see, as he died of lung cancer just a few years before it opened. Roy, on the other hand, would get to see the fruits of their labors, living a few months longer after the Walt Disney World park opened in 1971.

In the early years, there was a spirit of expansion and determination to make it one of the most exciting places in the world. This spirit has never faltered. Despite a changing planet, there is still a sense of optimism that guides the days in the theme park, where children of all ages can enjoy the vision of Disney. There are some valleys as well as peaks, of course, where Disney World accidents occasionally change the tempo of the day.

More often than not it is a place where worlds of fantasy become a three (and sometime four) dimensional reality. One can’t help but be distracted by the truly visionary nature of the place. Seen as an antidote to the generic amusement park, it has become a standard, and one that offers an experience is usually greater than the myth.

posted by Aisha in Law and have No Comments

Attractions Near the Grand Canyon

Most people have an image of the Grand Canyon easily accessible in their head. Just hearing the name brings up gorgeous and stunning views either from actual visits or from the countless photographs and films taken of the Canyon either from one of the rims or from an airplane or helicopter. Aerial views seem to be the best for portraying the majesty and scale of this one of a kind place.

It is possible to plan a trip to the Canyon that only involved hopping out of the car and snapping a few photos at the top before continuing on to the next destination. Those who take more time will discover that there is much more to be seen at and near the Canyon than just the geological formations and wildlife. By taking up residence for a few days in one of the Grand Canyon hotels , visitors can explore some interesting historic and natural sites in the area.

At the foot of the Canyon is the Phantom Ranch. It was designed by Mary Colter , one of the first American female architects, who was responsible for many of the buildings in the area. The Tusayan Ruin is an archaeological site that features an ancient pueblo and offers insight into the lives of the earliest inhabitants of the region. For more recent history, visitors can check out the Santa Fe Train Depot, which is one of the few remaining depots made out of logs still standing in the US.

posted by Aisha in Travel and have No Comments