Academics and graduates from the University of Plymouth have helped to create a new book designed to educate and inspire young children about offshore renewable energy.
The book – ‘Gaia’s Energy Adventure!’ – is written for four to six-year-olds and aims to help them and those reading with them understand more about the often complex world of offshore wind, wave and tidal energy.
Its creators also hope it will inspire girls and those from other underrepresented groups to consider a future career in engineering.
The book has been developed by the Supergen Offshore Renewable Energy Hub, a £9m project led by the University of Plymouth and funded by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC).
Published by University of Plymouth Press, it is written by MA Publishing graduate Kate Marvelyan, illustrated by BA Hons Illustration graduate Lucy Pulleyblank, and features a number of university research facilities and vessels.
Supergen ORE Hub director and University of Plymouth professor of ocean engineering Deborah Greaves said: “As part of our equality, diversity, inclusion and outreach work in the Supergen ORE Hub, we are thrilled to be able to launch ‘Gaia’s Energy Adventure!’.
“Tackling embedded gender beliefs and stereotypes in engineering and STEM subjects is particularly important in challenging diversity issues, especially from a young age.
“This book looks to address some of these issues and communicate to a young audience the role of offshore renewable energy in our efforts to tackle climate change.”
The themes of the book have been developed in response to an equality, diversity and inclusion scoping study by the Supergen ORE Hub.
The young girl in the book explores the engineering and environmental aspects of offshore renewable energy, and learns how these technologies can play a vital role in ensuring a clean and sustainable energy mix for the future.