Credit: Wallenius Wilhelmsen
Feb. 15, 2006
Future Travel
The E/S Orcelle is a solar, wind, and wave-powered cargo ship (shown above). "E/S" stands for "environmentally sound." The company that designed this ship, Wallenius Wilhelmsen of Scandinavia, hopes that it will be a model for the future of shipping. You can learn more about the design at www.2wglobal.com/www/newsFeatures/expo.jsp (Wallenius Wilhelmsen).
Hybrid cars, electric buses, trains that run on magnets? A few decades ago, such vehicles were found only in stories about the future. Now, you can ride such a vehicle in many parts of the world. These are all technologies designed to solve the same old problem: how to get people and things from here to there, safely, cheaply, and quickly.
These days, "safe" means not only safe for passengers and freight but also safe for the environment. Cheap? Anyone over 40 years old remembers when 25 cents would buy a gallon of gas. As for speed? To a generation grown accustomed to signals carried by light, the faster the better.
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| Wallenius Wilhelmsen |
Take a look at the ship shown above. It has sails to use wind power. Nothing new there. Or is there? Look closer. These sails have solar panels to collect energy from the sun. There are floating pods underneath the ship that move with the waves, a motion that can be changed into electricity. The ship's unusual shape makes the vessel energy efficient, yet it remains sturdy and quick in the water. Moreover, in operation, such a ship produces no fumes or oil spills.
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| Wallenius Wilhelmsen |
Challenge: Future Travel
Imagine that you're traveling from your home to visit a friend who lives in London, England. Think about how you would travel there if you went today. What vehicles would you use? What fuel would they need? Ah, but this is the year 2020. Travel technology has changed.
Write down or draw your idea of the kind of vehicle that could take you on this trip in the future. Use your imagination. Remember, that's where inventions begin. Keep in mind that your vehicle should be safe, inexpensive to operate, and fast! Don't forget to make it fun and comfortable, too.
If you wish, send your drawing or description of future travel to us at scifizone@snkids.com (or fill in the form below). If we use your description or drawing, you may be eligible to win a prize! Please include your first name, age, city or town, and state. If you are under 13 years old, get your parent's permission to write to us.
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