This week’s primary school assembly and classroom discussion centres around a thought-provoking proposal making headlines: the potential creation of a huge solar power station in space. Let’s explore this innovative idea and reflect on inventions, their impact, and our relationship with technology. In the News: Solar Power Station in Space The UK government is currently exploring a £16 billion proposal to build a massive solar power station in space. George Freeman, the Minister for Science, Research, and Innovation, has revealed ongoing discussions with a group keen on developing an orbiting solar farm. This network of satellites would beam renewable energy back down to Earth, and by the mid-2040s, it could deliver approximately 30 gigawatts (GW) of continuous power – a game-changer in clean energy generation. What Is a Space Solar Farm? A space solar farm would consist of large satellites, assembled by robots in orbit. These satellites would have large reflectors to direct sunlight onto solar panels, gathering energy more than 99% of the time, independent of Earth’s weather or daylight. The captured energy would be converted into radio waves and transmitted to huge ground-based receiving stations. Each satellite could provide 2 GW of power to the grid – comparable to the output of a nuclear power plant. The move to space-based solar power promises significant benefits: it harnesses renewable energy, reduces harmful carbon emissions, and delivers a steady supply of electricity. However, it also comes with great cost and technological challenges. Brilliant Inventions That Changed Our Lives As we consider futuristic ideas like space solar farms, let’s look back at some inventions that have revolutionised daily living: Velcro: Invented by George de Mestral in 1955, inspired by burrs sticking to his dog’s fur. Car Heater: Created by Margaret A. Wilcox in 1893, using engine heat to warm car interiors. Telephone: Credited to Alexander Graham Bell in 1876, completely transforming communication. Hairbrush: Lydia D Newman designed a more efficient and hygienic hairbrush in 1898. Super Soaker: Invented in 1982 by Lonnie G Johnson, making water battles more fun. Computers in Everyday Life Computers are a vital part of modern life, used in: Communication: Email, social media, and messaging connect people globally. Printing: Printers create documents, photographs, and classroom resources. Information Storage: From patient records to library catalogues and supermarket stock, computers keep vital data secure and organised. Watching & Entertainment: Online videos, games, and much more. Shopping & Banking: Ordering goods online and managing finances digitally. Discussing how life has changed with these technologies helps us appreciate inventors’ creativity and determination. Questions for Classroom and Home Discussion Do you think using solar panels in space is a good idea for generating energy? Can you list inventions you use every day? What is your favourite, and why? Has every invention had a positive impact on the world, or are there some you would rather uninvent? What kind of qualities does someone need to be an inventor? Can you think of a problem and invent something that could help solve it? Interesting News Snapshots Record-Breaking Tomato Crop Douglas Smith from Hertfordshire set a new world record by growing 1,269 cherry tomatoes on a single stem! He tends his impressive plants for several hours each week, continually challenging himself to set new records. See-Through Frogs Discovered Scientists in Ecuador have discovered two new species of glass frogs. These small amphibians have transparent bodies, making their internal organs visible—a discovery that surprised scientists due to their outwardly identical appearance, but genetically distinct makeup. Sustainable Gold Extraction from Electronics The Royal Mint in South Wales has announced plans to sustainably extract gold from old laptops and mobile phones. Using a chemical process invented by a Canadian company, this project aims to use recycled gold for special coins, helping address the growing problem of electronic waste. Reflecting on Invention and Innovation Inventions have revolutionised the world, driven by inventors’ vision and determination. As we imagine future breakthroughs, such as space solar farms, we recognise that we all have a role to play in making the world cleaner, safer, and better. Everyone has the right to live in a clean environment. Renewable energy, like solar power, is a key step towards achieving that goal. Explore, Discuss, and Learn More * Explore the latest Picture News resources here: https://picture-news.co.uk/free-sample * Join our latest discussion here: https://picture-news.co.uk/discuss * Explore our recent events and training here: https://picture-news.co.uk/training What invention do you think will change the world next, and could the next big idea be yours?
