What Are The Benefits Of Natural Gas

What is natural gas?

Natural gas is a fossil energy source that formed deep beneath the earth's surface. Natural gas contains many different compounds. The largest component of natural gas is methane, a compound with one carbon atom and four hydrogen atoms (CH4).  We use natural gas as fuel, electricity and to make materials and chemicals.

What are the benefits of natural gas? 

1. Produces cleaner fossil fuels

Natural gas is one of the safest and cleanest fuels available. It emits less pollution than other fossil fuel sources. When natural gas is burned, it produces mostly carbon dioxide and water vapor; the same substances emitted when humans exhale. Compared with some other fossil fuels, natural gas emits the least amount of carbon dioxide into the air when combusted; making natural gas the cleanest burning fossil fuel of all.   

2. Produces 50% less carbon dioxide (CO2) than coal

Natural gas emits 50 to 60 percent less carbon dioxide (CO2) when combusted in a new, efficient natural gas power plant compared with emissions from a typical new coal plant. Considering only tailpipe emissions, natural gas also emits 15 to 20 percent less heat-trapping gases than gasoline when burned in today’s typical vehicle.  

Posted by Nerina Jaizi

Guest Blogger

REUSE EMPTY TISSUE BOXES AS USEFUL STORAGE BOXES! - In Conjuction with EarthHour2014

Many items found around the home can be reused for different purposes. So before you throw those items away, think about how they can be reused. Items like glass containers and boxes can be reused as a fantastic storage container to keep various  things and this habit also helps to conserve natural resources, saves energy and reduces the greenhouse effect.

Here is a suggestion on how to reuse empty tissue boxes to make useful storage boxes for plastic bags and multipurpose storage bins that can be used to keep other things like stationery items for kids too!

Step 1:
- Collect empty tissue boxes. 

Step 2:
-   Use it as it is to store plastic bags! You can decorate it if you like.

Step 3:
-  If you would like to make storage boxes for other things like stationery items, you will need to trace the outline of where you would like to cut with a marker then proceed to trim (be careful doing this).

Step 4:
- Wrap up the boxes with old gift wrapping paper. If you don't have one, be creative as you may wrap it using magazine paper or old calendar paper. Do reuse wrapping paper as they are often hard to recycle.

Step 5: 
- Paste or arrange the boxes on a table or affix them to a wall, where it’s convenient for use.

Now, the tissue boxes are ready to use!

By having these practical storage boxes, it will indirectly encourage us to keep used plastic bags in it. Reuse them when going shopping as often as possible. It can be reused several times before it. By reducing the amount of plastic grocery bags in the environment, we are also contributing towards a greener planet! 

#earthhour

Posted by Ayu
Learning Specialist, Petrosains

KEEP OPENED BAGS OF FOOD FRESH BY CREATIVELY USING PLASTIC BOTTLES - In Conjunction with EarthHour 2014

Almost everyone buys a drink, whether it’s a soda, water, or perhaps iced tea. But what do we do with the plastic bottles they come in? The next time you grab one, be sure to hold on to the empty plastic bottle. With just a few simple steps, you can reuse an empty plastic bottle and help food keep longer! 

When we open a bag of food like chips, cereals, or bread, we often reseal them a with rubber band or a store-bought clip. If improperly sealed, the food may lose its crunch, spoil faster, or attract unwanted pests. But why hassle over fussy rubber bands or spend money buying fancy clips when you can make one yourself!

With an empty plastic bottle, a cutter, and your creativity, you can make your very own sealer for opened bags of food! It is easy to use and practical, with the ability to seal most kinds of  bags. Here’s how it looks like:

Want to make one? All you need is an empty plastic drinking bottle that's washed and dry, a marker pen and a cutter (be careful using this). Here are 3 easy steps to make a  sealer. 

Step 1:
- Prepare the bottle by cleaning and drying it. Any plastic bottle with a screw on cap will work.

Step 2:
- Trace the outline of where to cut with a marker. We will only use the top part of the bottle. Be creative with the second half!

Step 3:
- After that, carefully cut along the lines. Be careful while cutting. Adults should be doing this. Decorate the sealer if you like using leftover materials like ribbons. Decorating isn't necessary as you may immediately use it after it is cut.

Here you go! A sealer for an opened bags of food is ready to use! Just slide the opened bag of food through the top of the bottle, then seal it by screwing the cap on tightly.

So reuse and extend the lifespan of the items we have. This helps minimize waste and indirectly we are contributing towards a greener planet

#earthhour

Posted by Ayu
Learning Specialist, Petrosains

Adaptasi 'Bagaikan Aur Dengan Tebing'

Saling memerlukan dan tolong menolong antara satu sama lain. Begitulah  yang diibaratkan  dalam peribahasa melayu  'bagaikan aur dengan tebing'. Maksud peribahasa ini jelas tetapi pernahkah kita terfikir apakah itu aur? Aur merupakan sejenis buluh  yang tumbuh secara semulajadi di tebing-tebing sungai. Secara fizikalnya, ia kelihatan seperti pokok tebu yang hidup berumpun di kawasan- kawasan tebing sungai.

Sungai adalah perairan air tawar dan merupakan ekosistem lotik ataupun sentiasa mengalir. Sungai mempunyai tahap keasidan yang agak tinggi dan ia boleh dilihat dari warna airnya. Kederasan arus sungai juga sering berubah-ubah mengikut cuaca. Jika hujan lebat, maka arus sungai akan menjadi deras dan ia boleh keadaan akan menjadi lebih teruk sekiranya hakisan akan berlaku. Ia sekaligus akan menyebabkan kedalaman sungai menjadi semakin cetek.

Kesan-kesan negatif ini boleh menggangu habitat organisma-organisma lain seperti ikan dan dan tumbuh-tumbuhan lain. Apabila sungai menjadi cetek, sistem pengairan di sesuatu kawasan turut terganggu. Tambahan pula sekiranya ada penempatam manusia yang berhampiran di mana mereka bergantung kepada sungai sebagai bekalan air dan keperluan asas untuk hidup.

Walaubagaimanpun, dengan adanya banyak pokok-pokok aur yang tumbuh secara semulajadi di tebing-tebing sungai, ia merubah merubah segala keadaan dan kesan-kesan lanjutan yang negatif seperti yang sudah dibincangkan diatas. Ini adalah  kerana pokok aur mempunyai sistem akar yang unik.

Buluh hidup subur di kawasan yang mempunyai saliran yang baik khususnya pada tanah pasir peroi sehingga tanak liat peroi. Di samping itu, buluh sememangnya beradaptasi dengan tanah berasid khususnya yang mempunyai keasidan pada tahap pH 5.0 - 6.5 kerana ini adalah keadaan medium yang paling sesuai bagi penanaman buluh.

Maka, sekiranya kita perhatikan terdapat pokok-pokok aur di tebing sungai, kebarangkalian besar adalah sungai tersebut akan terpelihara daripada segala keadaan yang tidak diingini. Pokok-pokok aur memerlukan air yang banyak untuk terus hidup dan sungai akan terpelihara sekiranya ada pokok aur yang mendiami kawasan tebing sungai ini.
Jadi, tercetusnya peribahasa melayu lama ini adalah bersebab kerana mempunyai maksud yang mendalam. Pokok aur dan sungai memrlukan and saling tolongmenolong antara satu sama lain.

Posted by Ayu
Learning Specialist, Petrosains

Looking Back at 'Our Earth Our Home'!

Our first thematic program for 2013 was 'Our Earth Our Home' which was held from January until March 2013. The theme was celebrating science activities delivering a message to keepsafe our environment. It was celebrated in our main centre, Petrosains KLCC and also in our mini satellite centers in Playsmart Johor Bahru, Playsmart Kuantan and Playsmart Kota Kinabalu. All activities done by Petrosains for 'Our Earth Our Home' was aimed to create awareness among us on the importance of conserving & preserving our environment.

The highlight for this theme was our special iconic tree which was named the 'Pledge Tree'. It was made of recycled cardboard boxes and displayed on our science show stage with environmental messages written by visitors on small, colourful pieces of paper that later became the leaves of the tree. 

Some of the hands-on mini science activities conducted in the centre are as shown in the pictures below:-

Home Sweet Home - Understanding our earth structure by making a model using clay

Throughout the 3 months of having 'Our Earth Our Home' as our theme, we chose one weekend to hold a 'Weekend Special'. Usually during weekend specials, we have extra science activities on top of those held on a daily basis. We also had Aswara Dance Performing Arts Group performing 3 dances with choreography inspired by the animal kingdom! 

Playsmart Kuantan held 'Clean the Beaches' outdoor activity and Playsmart Johor Bahru did a program in Taman Negara Tanjung Piai where they planted mangrove trees and also held a trash collecting competition. 

Playsmart JB celebrating Festival Hijau at Taman Negara, Tanjung Piai

But surely initiatives to save our environment & keep it in pristine conditions should not just happen during those three months. It must be an on-going effort that continues everywhere on Earth. We should remind ourselves that it is our responsibility to take good care of our Earth as it is our only home!

Posted by Ayu
Learning Specialist, Petrosains

Belangkas or Horseshoe Crab & Mangroves

HotScience │Petrosains
 

The belangkas or horseshoe crab is often called a "living fossil."  It has been estimated to have inhabited the Earth for over 300 million years!  However not many people know about this or even seen it up close.  Mangroves on the other hand are not pretty to look at – it’s smelly and its location is quite inaccessible.  However it has a unique ecosystem which is beneficial to us and our environment.

The objective of this particular engagement session is to provide an avenue for scientists from Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT) to share their research in these two areas with the public. 

There were two teams involved – The Mangroves Research and Conservation Unit (MARU),
and the Horseshoe Crab Research Group.  Over the two days, the scientists and their assistants coaxed, encouraged and readily interacted and shared knowledge with the public.
 

Yes, our scientists are friendly and approachable indeed!

What are belangkas?

 The belangkas or horse shoe crab is an invertebrate descended from the trilobite, and is closely related to spiders, ticks and scorpions.  There are four species worldwide and three can be found in Malaysia.  Its blood is colourless and turns light blue when exposed to air (oxygen).  It reaches maturity at 9-12 years of age and the female is normally larger than the male.

 The Horseshoe Crab Research Group recently came up with a kit that uses belangkas blood to detect bacterial contamination.  This kit could be manufactured locally and could be considered as economically feasible for the breeder and manufacturer.

 

What are mangroves?
 

 Mangroves or bakau are found along sheltered coasts where there is saline soil & brackish water.  Based on research, mangroves have been in existence 70 million years ago.  There are currently 105 recorded species of mangrove vegetation in Malaysia (Sulong I. & M Lokman H, 2012).

Mangroves may be smelly and unsightly but it has many important roles and benefits. 
• It contributes to complex food webs.
• It is a breeding area and provides protection from predators.
• It is rich in nutrients due to the large amount of unconsumed fallen foliage.
• It acts as wind and wave breakers.
• The root system traps sediments.
• It has socio-economic importance.

 

This article is written in conjunction with Petrosains Science Engagement Session on 9-10 March 2013 with scientists from Universiti Malaysia Terengganu -
1. The Mangroves Research and Conservation Unit (MARU) headed by Pn. Siti Mariam Muhammad Nor
2. Horseshoe Crab Research Group headed by Dr. Faridah Binti Mohamad.
  

 

Deko Raya dari Bahan Kitar Semula

Sempena Hari Raya,  Petrosains  telah menganjurkan satu pertandingan antara jabatan mendekorasi ruang pejabat . Salah satu keunikan yang menarik perhatian dalam pertandingan dekorasi ini adalah  hiasan yang berkonsepkan 'Syawal Hijau'. Ini merupakan satu idea yang luar biasa kerana bahan-bahan yang digunakan untuk dekorasi diperbuat dari bahan kitar semula seperti tin, botol kaca dan kotak. 

Tercetusnya idea ini adalah berdasarkan orang pada zaman dulu-dulu yang hanya menggunakan sumber bahan-bahan yang terdapat di sekeliling mereka untuk menghasilkan sesuatu. Masyarakat dulu menggunakan tin-tin susu, buluh dan tempurung kelapa untuk menghasilkan pelita di kawasan rumah.

Sesuatu yang tidak diduga sebenarnya mampu dilakukan hanya dengan menggunakan tin-tin minumam. Tin-tin aluminium ini dikumpul dari sehari ke sehari setelah berkunjung ke rumah-rumah terbuka termasuk saudara mara dan sahabat handai yang menjamu tetamu dengan minuman berkarbonat.  Tin tin terpakai ini selepas digunakan perlu dibasuh dan dikeringkan. Kemudian bahagian tepinya digunting berupa jalur-jalur memanjang ke bawah seperti di dalam gambar diatas.

Kemudian tin-tin aluminium tersebut dibentuk dengan lebih sempurna agar ia kelihatan seperti terendak lampu. Lalu tin-tin minuman itu disembur dengan penyembur bewarna mengikut citarasa masing-masing. Walaubagaimanapun, ia perlu di sembur dengan warna putih terlebih dahulu sebagai warna alas sebelum disembur dengan warna yang lebih menarik. 

Seterusnya, ia digantung dalam bentuk pusaran atau berpilin di mana pada bahagian atasnya di sokong juga oleh bahan kitar semula  iaitu kotak. Sebenarnya lampu deko  ini boleh  digubah mengikut citarasa sendiri. Bagi dekorasi ini, ia menggunakan lima buah lampu pelita dalam setiap jambak pelita. Kemudian, bentuk bulan dan bintang yang dianggap sebagai elemen raya  diperbuat daripada kertas berwarna ditambah pada setiap pelita. Disebabkan pelita ini  direka khas untuk dipamerkan di ruang-ruang pejabat, sumber cahaya  yang digunakan ialah  diod pemancar cahaya (LED) dengan kuasa bateri sebanyak 3 voltan sahaja. 

Selain itu, bahan dekorasi lain yang ditunjukkan bagi konsep 'Syawal Hijau' ini ialah botol kaca terpakai. Selalunya lampu kelip-kelip akan digantungkan tetapi cara lain yang lebih kreatif untuk mewarnai sesuatu ruang  adalah dengan memasukkannya ke dalam botol-botol kaca seperti gambar di bawah.

Dalam erti kata lain, kita masih lagi boleh merasai suasana dekorasi yang meriah sempena perayaan Hari Raya dengan hanya menggunakan bahan-bahan kitar semula. Ia cantik dan menarik, menggunakan modal yang sedikit di samping boleh memelihara alam sekitar. Ia juga merupakan satu aktiviti yang sihat jika dilakukan bersama -sama ahli keluarga kerana kerjasama erat yang terjalin boleh merapatkan ukhuwah sesama manusia. Selain itu, ia turut memberi manfaat kepada kita semua terutama golongan kecil untuk penjanaan minda kreatif. 

Posted by Ayu
Learning Speacialist, Petrosains

Lindungi Alam Sekitar

 

5 tip mudah untuk melindungi alam sekitar

5 perkara mudah yang boleh dilakukan untuk  melindungi alam sekitar.


1. Membawa beg membeli- belah guna semula setiap kali pergi membeli barangan runcit. Dengan cara ini , saya dapat mengurangkan penggunaan beg plastik.  

2. Membawa bekas makanan dan minuman sendiri setiap kali membeli makanan dan minuman.

3. Kurangkan mencetak  dan menggunakan kertas guna semula semasa melakukan kerja di pejabat.

 

4. Mengumpul dan menggunakan air hujan untuk menyiram tumbuh-tumbuhan , membasuh kereta, mencuci lantai dan lain-lain.

5. Berkongsi kereta dengan rakan untuk ke tempat kerja.

 Jadi, bagaimana dengan anda pula?

Posted by Ayu
Learning Specialist, Petrosains

Part 7/7: What Should We Do?

Part 6/7: What's Threatening Them?

Part 5/7: Olive Ridley Turtles

Part 4/7: Green Turtles

Part 3/7: Hawksbill Turtles

Part 2/7: Leatherback Turtles

  

Sea Turtles: Getting Them Out Of 'The List' 1/7

Turtles: Guardians of the Ocean

HotScience | Petrosains

Did you know there are land and marine turtles? Tortoises are land turtles and due to its bulky shape, it can’t swim.  Unlike tortoises, marine turtles e.g. leatherback turtles, are able to swim without any difficulty due to its aerodynamic shape. The other feature that enables a marine turtle to swim is the presence of flippers. Both are reptiles. 

Meet the Hawksbill Turtle

Marine turtles are well-adapted to life in the marine environment and live in tropical and subtropical ocean waters throughout the world.  The main marine turtles that are found in the seas and coastal areas of Malaysia are:
•    Green turtles
•    Leatherback turtles
•    Hawksbill turtles
•    Olive Ridley turtles

Dr. Juanita Joseph - SEATRU Project Leader facilitating the public engagement session at Petrosains.

Why is it important to protect and conserve marine turtles? 
The main goal of marine turtle conservation is to prevent the different species from becoming extinct.  This is done through many different methods, including legislation and international agreements.  Marine turtles are also the important link to two ecosystems – beaches and oceans.  In terms as a source for food and food-related activities, we will be in a lot of trouble if something happens to both the turtles and the ecosystems. 

Starting young, a visitor making her first pledge to conserve turtles.

How do turtles contribute to the environment and our livelihood?

1.    Beaches and dune systems do not have many nutrients on it. When marine turtles use beaches and the lower dunes to nest and lay their eggs, eggs that are not hatched and hatchlings that do not make it out of the nest becomes good sources of nutrients for the dune vegetation. Even the left-over egg shells from hatched eggs provide nutrients.

2.    Dune plants use the nutrients from turtle eggs to grow and become stronger.  Healthy vegetation and strong root systems hold the sand in the dunes and protect the beach from erosion.
3.    Marine turtles eat jellyfish and prevent large “blooms” of jellyfish to cause havoc on fisheries, recreation and other maritime activities throughout the oceans.
4.    Research has shown that sea grass beds grazed by green turtles are more productive than those that aren’t. Hawksbill turtles eat sponges, preventing them from out-competing slow-growing corals. Both of these grazing activities maintain species diversity and the natural balance of fragile marine ecosystems.
5.    Marine turtles are an important attraction for marine tourism, a major source of income for many countries.

Identifying turtles through Photo ID technique.

This was found in the stomach of a shark. Can you guess what it is?

Trivia!
1.    Carapace is the top domed part of a turtle's shell and the bottom part is called the plastron.
2.    The carapace consists of approximately 50 bones.
3.    The largest is the Leatherback sea turtle which can reach up to 30 metre in length.
4.    A group of turtles is called a bale.
5.    Turtles have a sharp beak for eating.

Dr. Juanita Joseph in action at HotScience @ Petrosains.

'Saya berjanji' - visitors making pledges to protect turtles.

This article is written in conjunction with Petrosains' Public Engagement Session on 1-3 December 2012 with scientists from Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, led by Assoc. Prof. Liew Hock Chark (Founder of Sea Turtle Research Unit - SEATRU) and Dr. Juanita Joseph (Project Leader of SEATRU).