Energy Systems and Solutions

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Author:

Jan DeWaters, Susan Powers

Subject:

Mathematics and Statistics, Science and Technology

Institution Name:

Clarkson University

Collection:

TeachEngineering

Grade Level:

Primary, Secondary

Abstract:

The Energy Systems and Solutions Unit brings students through the exploration of science and engineering concepts as they relate to energy issues in everyday life. Issues surrounding energy production and energy consumption provide a relevant theme for learning basic science, math and engineering concepts, and also provide a convenient platform for introducing current scientific and technological developments into the curriculum. Energy-related issues touch on the lives of each and every student. This project-based curriculum follows an engineering problem solving approach; students simultaneously learn and use scientific and mathematical content and processes as they solve an energy-related problem that is meaningful to them. By challenging them with a problem to solve, students are engaged in scientific and engineering processes, thereby reinforcing subject matter retention and targeting a wide range of learning styles in the classroom. The Energy Systems and Solutions Unit can be broken into three main sections. The first section includes various activities designed to help students understand the problem at hand -- namely, the issues surrounding our energy situation - so that they can realize the importance of what they will be studying and the significance of their proposed solutions. An understanding of the problem will form the basis for the student learning that takes place in the second section, which includes basic energy concepts (forms, states, conversions, efficiency, etc.), content that is required by state and federal science educational standards, but they will learn these concepts by participating in a variety of engaging activities that intend to show the relevance of the science material to the real world as well as to the solution of their assigned problem. Finally, in the last section of the unit students apply the concepts they have learned as they complete a culminating project that requires students to consider what action they can take to reduce our dependence of fossil fuels or otherwise provide a positive solution for our current energy crisis.

Languages:

English

Material Type:

Activities and Labs, Lesson Plans

Media Format:

Graphics/Photos, Text/HTML

Conditions of Use:

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Resources may be used on a nonprofit, non-commercial basis by educators, without any fee or cost to access, link to and use, or in any manner alter, revise, copy, edit, translate or digitize.

Copyright Holder:

Clarkson University