Pedal Powered Bicycle Blenders at P.S. 33

Energy Conservation and Nutrition are two topics teachers at PS 33 have been focusing on in classrooms. In collaboration with Solar One’s Green Design Lab program we have been looking at ways to increase sustainability in the school and have students be a part of the process. We would like to get 3 pedal powered bicycle blenders / electricity generators that students can use to create healthy blended snacks, some from veggies grown in the school garden, and also demonstrate the potential for human generated power – all while providing a safe and fun way to exercise!

Once we receive enough support through donations we can purchase the equipment. When the bikes arrive we will set them up in classrooms and show teachers how to use them in the classroom so students can start pedaling.

Childhood obesity in the United States has grown considerably in recent years. Between 16 and 33 percent of children and adolescents are obese.  Unhealthy weight gain due to poor diet and lack of exercise is responsible for over 300,000 deaths each year.

The first step in tying to reduce obesity in this country is by educating children on nutrition.  The pedal power bike will complement the teachers’ nutrition lessons and offer a fun and active way for students to get involved in making healthy snacks while exercising.  The pedal power bike will show students the potential for generating and using clean human power instead of electricity produced by fossil fuel burning power plants. This bike also comes with a light bulb attachment so students can see how much energy it takes to power a conventional light bulb versus an energy saving light bulb, showing students the importance of energy conservation.