In collaboration with Graham Walker of the National Centre for the Public Awareness of Science I am conducting research on how Amy’s Balancing Act influences readers’ conception of the electricity system and the transition to clean energy.
Below are a copy of the worksheets being utilised for this (one for young persons the second for adults) and the accompanying participant information sheets. This research is conducted under ANU Ethics Protocol 2023/286.
Continue reading
My fun discussion about “Energy and Cars” (and Amy’s Balancing Act course) with @doctor_karl has just been released on Dr Karl’s #shirtloadsofscience #podcast.
Listen here, https://shirtloadsofscience.libsyn.com/sos-336-car-energy-bs-mix or where ever you get your podcasts.
I had a wonderful time at the Woodford Folk Festival over the summer. I can now confirm that it’s no less fun with a toddler than childless! So much excitement and good vibes all around.
I gave an hour long presentation on “Watt’s in store for the energy system?” in the main festival, with special guest Prof Ian Lowe, as well as spending an hour doing some readings of Amy’s Balancing Act in the children’s festival. Both were very fun and engaging with the switched on crowds.
My slides for the adult presentation are below, together with a few pics – more on instagram
The full story of the national launch of Amy’s Balancing Act is now in reneweconomy.com.au https://reneweconomy.com.au/a-kids-book-is-bringing-the-energy-transition-into-homes-schools-and-parliaments/
“The goal from the outset was to create “a great book to teach young children and old politicians about clean energy,” as Craig Reucassel put it.
In a heartening sign of how far the conversation (and politics) around the energy transition has improved in the intervening years, the resulting book – Amy’s Balancing Act – was recently launched in Federal Parliament with endorsements from across political parties.
Amy’s story contains three layered balancing acts, each of which was commented on by speakers.
– The Minister for Climate Change and Energy, Chris Bowen
– Liberal MP, Bridget Archer
– ANU VC, Prof Brian Schmidt
WWF Australia have selected Amy’s Balancing Act in their top 10 list of gifts. Amy joins a totally lovable crowd of the likes of adopting a platypus or koala and going on a walking holiday.
https://www.wwf.org.au/news/blogs/ethical-and-eco-friendly-gift-ideas#gs.jys178
Amy’s story has struck such a chord with political moment that Alicia Payne MP, the member for Canberra, hosted the national launch of Amy’s Balancing Act in Federal Parliament.
The event included an enthusiastic speech from the Minister for Climate Change and Energy, the Hon Chris Bowen, as well as an impressive upside-down reading of the book by Nobel laureate Prof Brian Schmidt AC.
Below are some of the first news articles that give more of the details.
Continue reading
Amy’s story is now available (for free) as an audiobook on the LiSTNR platform https://lnkd.in/d3rCVffg
where it is currently the #StoryoftheWeek on Kinderling Kids Radio (which is a wonderful trove of stories!)
Full disclosure, the journey of creating Amy’s Balancing Act and recording the audiobook has made it very apparent to me that it’s the illustrations that make kids books. So I’ll frame the audiobook as a teaser of the beautifully illustrated book – available through my shop and all good book stores.
I’ve always loved how the Woodford Folk Festival serves up fun for young and old.
I’m delighted to be a part of this years festival with an adult talk with Prof Ian Lowe and a children’s talk about Amy’s Balancing Act.
Above all, it’s simply going to be the best time introducing my son to some of the world’s best music and entertainment.
Thanks to everyone who came out in #sydney for the launch of Amy’s Balancing Act.
Particular shout out to all the #families (incl from Australian Parents for Climate Action) balancing work, #school, and bed routines! And of course to the special #bookreader Craig Reucassel
#books are available now in your favorite #bookstore, and signed copies are available from https://bjornsturmberg.com/product/amys-balancing-act/
I’m delighted to announce that the first edition hardcover hard copies of my kids book Amy’s Balancing Act are now in stock!
You can get signed copies from my online shop and regular copies from all good bookshops (if they don’t yet have them on bookshelves they can order them through the distributor Woodslane).
To read more about the book please see this page.