Lyn Jeffers students highlight Geothermal Energy at Science Fair

By Pauline Waruguru
Nevis Reporter-SKNVibes.com

CHARLESTOWN, Nevis – THE ongoing drilling for geothermal energy in Nevis was the major project highlighted at this year’s Lyn Jeffers Secondary School Science Fair.

Three students, Nicole Pickering, Suzanne Russell and Deyonte Williams, were excited about the science project and decided to advertise the geothermal resources after a visit to the drilling site.

They provided booklets and brochures to all who were interested in their project, and they also had soil and crystal samples from the Westbury Soufriere and Farm’s fumaroles as part of their display.

Students and guests who visited their stand were able to observe the rocks through a microscope. They demonstrated testing of the soil sample to find out if it were acidic or alkaline. They also had a DVD on Geothermal Energy for people to view. 

The students are excited that the island will, in the near future, benefit economically from consuming and exporting clean and renewable energy. They explained to guests that rising fuel prices require countries to rethink about alternative fuel sources.

The three students explained that when they visited the site where experts are drilling for energy, they realised the hole is as deep as the height of Mount Nevis and they were able to feel the heat of the steam. 

The students explained they have learnt that the steam would be converted to electric energy. “Heat energy can be converted into electric energy. The heat emanating from underground is produced due to a live volcano on the island of Nevis,” the students explained.

~~Adz:Left~~ Currently, oil runs the generators that generate electricity, but through a geothermal plant electricity is made with energy from underground steam (heat from the earth.)

“Even though it may be cold outdoors, the deeper in the earth you go, the hotter it gets...enough heat is in the earth to supply our energy needs for millions of years. Some of this heat is shallow enough for us to use,” the students added.

Other students from various grades showcased different aspects of science, all aimed at enabling them to begin early enough to think scientifically.

According to Vandana Joshi, Head of the Science Department, the objective of the Science Fair is to get students interested in Science and Technology so as to cope with new technology, “so that they can compete at the global level. Science and Technology is important for a nation”.

Joshi said in an interview that most students in the Caribbean opted for Business Studies or courses in Hospitality. She called on students to venture into sciences: What if tourism stops? Knowledge of science makes a country independent,” she said.

“A country whose students pursue sciences has its own doctors, engineers, agricultural scientists and experts in various other fields that make a country independent. It is knowledge of science that is driving the production of geothermal energy,” she said.

The Science Fair was judged by Aniruddha Joshi, a past student who gained 12 CXC distinctions, and Patrick Johnson.