Have fun in the sun
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Read the following story by Pattarawadee Saengmanee from the Bangkok Post. Then, answer the questions that follow.
The Thailand Creative and Design Center is now a fun scientific playground, where visitors can learn how solar power can help our lives and the planet.
SOLAR CHOICE
In 2018, 28% of global electricity was generated from renewable energy sources, most (96%) of which was produced from hydropower, wind, and solar technologies. By 2050, global electricity generation from renewable sources will increase to 49%, according to a study.
On view until Dec 27, the Solar Land exhibition at TCDC aims to educate people about alternative energy for sustainable living.
As part of the Solar Vengers project, the interactive exhibition is showcasing a selection of 30 prototypes, lifestyle products and IT gadgets powered by solar energy from around the world.
Playful and creative, the exhibition is designed to be an interactive life-sized Monopoly game with four levels, in which visitors can collect points to become solar millionaires. It also features QR codes so that players can scan and read on their smartphone.
At the entrance of the first level, which is titled "Sun & Solar: Power Of The Sun And Solar Choice", visitors can choose a team of light hunters -- For You, For Us, For the Planet and For Profit.
"The exhibition comes in a form of a Monopoly game so that people can understand content easier. The four characters of light hunters are based on daily life. For example, those wanting to save money can choose the hunter For Us while the hunter For the Planet is reserved for those wanting to reduce their carbon footprint. Those looking for an application for solar investment have the For Profits option," said the senior curator of CEA.
LAY IN SUNLIGHT
Continue your adventure to the level of "Solar Monopoly". It’s home to 30 prototypes and commercial products in different designs and functions. The highlights include the Little Sun portable lamp that looks like a sunflower.
Designed by Icelandic-Denmark artist Olafur Eliasson, his light represents the educational opportunities for those living in remote areas. With five hours of charging in the sun, it can produce up to 50 hours of light.
Meanwhile, the Solar Window Charger is perfect for any one to lay in sunlight while travelling. It can convert solar energy into a battery for mobile phones and home appliances. Another gadget for travellers is the water-proof RavPower charger that allows three devices to charge at the same time.
The We Care Solar Suitcase from the US is designed to support medical personnel working in remote areas. Inside, it has USB sockets, a rechargeable headlamp, a cell phone charger and medical supplies.
Next is a Bluetooth motorcycle helmet called Foresee. It’s made of carbon fibre and equipped with a turn light, using solar cell technology to store sunlight to produce electric power. Bikers just have to move their heads to use the turn signal.
In Solaropia at the third level, you can convert your solar energy into electric power for the Charoen Krung community. Next, visitors can climb up to the Solar Rooftop Garden on the fifth floor and play out the game.
The Solar Land exhibition runs until Dec 27 at the Thailand Creative and Design Center. It's open daily from 10.30 to 7pm (except Monday). Admission is free. Find out more details at cea.or.th.
Section 1: Write the correct answer in the space provided.
1. In 2018, how much global electricity came from renewable sources? …………….
2. When does the exhibition end? …………….
3. How many types of light hunters are there? …………….
4. What is Olafur Eliasson’s product called? …………….
5. Which product works while you are lying down? …………..
6. Which product is controlled by head movements? …………….
7. Which product charges three devices? …………….
8. Which product is for doctors? …………….
Section 2: Write the noun form of the following words in the space provided.
9. global ……… 10. creative ……… 11. understand ………. 12. perfect ………. 13. store ……….
Section 3: Read the following passage. Then, fill in the blanks with the correct words from the choices given.
The Big Belly trash compactor can hold eight …14… the amount of rubbish of regular bins to …15… efficient waste management. It features an interactive lid that …16… be opened without touching and data collection for monitoring the …17… of garbage. Also, Solvatten uses solar power as a water purifier and a boiling machine. Just pour in 11 litres of water and …18… it to sunlight for two to six hours and the solar cells will …19… sunlight to energy, warming the water for a drink.
14. A. more __B. times __C. higher
15. A. produce __B. provide __C. prevent
16. A. can __B. would __C. can’t
17. A. loudness __B. loud __C. volume
18. A. expose __B. exposure __C. exposition
19. A. convert __B. converge __C. control
Section 4: Find words that match the following definitions.
20. related to the sun ……………
21. power ……………
22. the first example of a machine or product ……………
23. causing little or no damage to the environment …………
24. (of a place) far from people or a city ……………
Answers: 1. 28%. 2. Dec 27. 3. four. 4. Little Sun. 5. Solar Window Charger. 6.
Foresee. 7. RavPower. 8. We Care Solar Suitcase. 9. globe. 10. creativity. 11. understanding. 12. perfection. 13. storage.
14. b. 15. b. 16. a. 17. c. 18. a. 19. a.
20. solar. 21. energy. 22. prototype. 23. sustainable. 24. remote.
SCORE 21-24: Excellent! 17-20: Good. 13-16: Fair. 12 or fewer: You'll do better next time!
