One of the fundamental objectives of modern science education is to connect the theoretical concepts studied in the classroom with experimental reality and concrete applications in everyday life. In this spirit, MSP organized an educational visit to the National Institute for Research and Development in Electrical Engineering – INCDIE ICPE-CA Bucharest, offering students the opportunity to discover, directly within a research environment, key concepts from the school curricula in physics, chemistry, technological education, and beyond.
Because at MSP we aim to bring science closer to school students—whether at lower secondary or high school level—a new group of students from a high school in Ilfov County took an important step toward knowledge today by visiting a research institute.
An introduction to energy and its transformations
We marked the conclusion of the calendar of visits to research institutes with a guided tour of the National Institute for Research and Development in Electrical Engineering – INCDIE ICPE-CA Bucharest, an excellent opportunity to offer students topics for reflection on what energy is and on the fundamental role it plays in our daily lives.
Whether we speak of energy as a physical quantity or as a resource, it is essential to recognize that modern society relies heavily on the production, transformation, and efficient use of energy.
A meeting between students and scientists
Ninth-grade students (pedagogical profile) from the “Barbu A. Știrbey” Technological High School in Buftea participated in a presentation of the institute and a guided tour led by its researchers. The meeting was marked by enthusiasm, interactive dialogue, relevant questions, and experimental demonstrations.
The hosts of the event were:
- Dr. Eng. (Electrical Engineering) Paula Angheliță, Head of Laboratory
- Dr. Eng. (Physics) Delia Pătroi, Head of Laboratory
- Dr. Eng. (Physics) Eros-Alexandru Pătroi, Coordinator of the Youth Training Center for Research, the “Alexandru Proca” Center, and President of the Scientific Council of INCDIE ICPE-CA
Students’ access to the institute was facilitated by Daniela and Florentina from the MSP team.
Energy and the responsibility of its use
Energy is the engine of modern civilization. We use it daily for lighting, heating, transportation, communications, industry, and technological development. From the discovery of fire to the use of solar and wind energy, human progress has been closely linked to the way different forms of energy have been harnessed.
However, this progress also implies responsibility. Excessive consumption and the use of non-renewable resources have led to pollution and climate change. Students learned how important it is to turn toward renewable energy sources and to use energy efficiently and sustainably.
They were also informed that energy can be classified both according to its form and according to its source.
🔋 Types of energy (by form)
- Mechanical energy
- kinetic energy (of motion)
- potential energy (gravitational, elastic)
- Thermal energy – associated with temperature and the thermal agitation of particles
- Electrical energy – associated with the motion of electric charges
- Chemical energy – stored in chemical bonds (food, fuels, batteries)
- Nuclear energy – released in nuclear fission and fusion processes
- Radiant (light) energy – carried by electromagnetic radiation
- Sound energy – associated with mechanical waves propagating through a medium
- Magnetic energy – associated with magnetic fields
🌱 Types of energy (by source)
Renewable energy (solar, wind, hydroelectric, geothermal, biomass).
Non-renewable energy: coal, oil, natural gas, nuclear energy (uranium).
Experiments and laboratory visits
The highlight of the visit was access to the laboratories. Students visited:
- the physical and chemical materials analysis laboratory,
- the photovoltaic panel research laboratory,
- the metal powder printing laboratory.
In addition, they attended spectacular and intuitive experimental demonstrations.
The sand pendulum experiment (Lissajous-type Figures)
A container filled with sand was suspended as a pendulum. When set in motion, the flowing sand traced complex geometric shapes (spirals, ellipses, curves) on the surface below.
This experiment illustrated:
- oscillatory motion,
- the action of gravity,
- motion damping through friction,
- the composition of motions along perpendicular directions.
The magnet and copper plate experiment – Eddy Currents
In the experiment where a magnet appears to be “repelled” by a copper plate, the following stages occur:
- The magnet falls toward the copper plate.
- The magnetic field inside the plate changes over time.
- This variation induces electric currents in the copper (Faraday’s law of electromagnetic induction).
- The eddy currents create their own magnetic field.
- According to Lenz’s law, the induced field opposes the change that produced it.
The result is a braking of the magnet’s motion, creating the impression of a “repulsion.”
Why are these meetings useful?
School students also observed functional models illustrating biogas production and the use of ferromagnetic materials to prevent frost formation on high-voltage power lines.
Such activities are extremely valuable because they facilitate learning through experimentation. For students in the pedagogical profile, these experiences can later be replicated with simple means in teaching activities, stimulating curiosity and interest in science among future pupils.
Perspectives for the future
It is always a joy to be alongside students and to support them in discovering the universe of scientific research. One of the main objectives of the MSP educational pillar is to connect students with STEM fields, and collaboration with research institutes such as INCDIE ICPE-CA Bucharest is essential in achieving this goal.
We hope that the coming year will bring even more such opportunities for children. Stay close to us to keep up to date with future activities!
