Bye, Bye, Coal

By Robert, Maya, Alexander, and Vaneshka

The Issue: Coal is polluting the atmosphere and is one of the causes of global warming. Solar panels make much more sense. They get their energy from the Sun and prevent the emission of greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide (CO₂).

SHOW TRANSCRIPT

>>FRIENDLY CUSTOMER: Hello! I'm here to buy some coal, please.

>>COAL SALESPERSON: Okay, that will be $100.

[Van wheels coming to a screeching stop.]

>>FRIENDLY CUSTOMER: Who are you?

>>SOLAR PANEL SALESPERSON 1: We're the solar van: the van with the plan.

>>SOLAR PANEL SALESPERSON 2: Stop right there. Don't buy coal; it's bad for the environment. Coal is polluting the atmosphere and it’s one of the causes of global warming.

>>SOLAR PANEL SALESPERSON 1: Instead buy some solar panels, which get their energy from the Sun instead of that harmful, dreadful coal.

>>FRIENDLY CUSTOMER: Good to know. How much is it?

>>SOLAR PANEL SALESPERSON 2: $40 and by using solar panel you'll prevent the emission

of greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide.

>>FRIENDLY CUSTOMER: Well, that's way cheaper than harmful coal.

>>COAL SALESPERSON: Stop ruining my business.

>>SOLAR PANEL SALESPERSON 2: Well, you could change your business to an environmentally friendly one. That way, you can still make money while you're saving the environment.

>>COAL SALESPERSON: Oh no, you don't! You're still ruining my business. So friendly customer, would you like to still purchase some coal?

>>FRIENDLY CUSTOMER: Not after those facts. Thank you.

[Friendly customer high-fives solar panel salespeople.]

>>COAL SALESPERSON: Then get out of here! Wait a minute, solar panels are not a bad idea.

>>GROUP: Save the Earth.

Group shot of presenters with their quote that says "Solar power is a superhero because it is a clean and efficient renewable energy source."

Robert | Age 10

Favorite plant or animal: Dog (golden retriever)

Favorite book: Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix

Favorite ice cream flavor: Vanilla

Favorite thing to do / hobby: Baseball

Favorite place or object in the Museum: Hall of Ocean Life

What you like most about science: I like astrophysics and exploring unknown frontiers.

Advice to kids who think science is boring: Science is always exciting because scientists can conduct hands-on experiments.

Maya | Age 10

Favorite plant or animal: Rabbit

Favorite book: Land of Stories series (by Chris Colfer)

Favorite ice cream flavor: Strawberry

Favorite thing to do / hobby: Legos/modeling

Favorite place or object in the Museum: Rose Center for Earth and Space

What you like most about science: You might not know what could happen during a science experiment, but it is fun trying.

Advice to kids who think science is boring: Science is like magic—but its real!

Alexander | Age 9

Favorite plant or animal: Black mamba and venus flytrap

Favorite book: Harry Potter series

Favorite ice cream flavor: Cookies and cream

Favorite thing to do / hobby: Play video games

Favorite place or object in the Museum: Planetarium

What you like most about science: I like to do experiments and dissections. I also like to learn about why things happen.

Advice to kids who think science is boring: I would tell them to actually focus on science and to join a science program because they might really love it.