Conference Session

Curricular Developments in Energy Education

Collection

2008 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Sarma Pisupati, Pennsylvania State University; Yaw Yeboah, Pennsylvania State University, University Park

Tagged Divisions

Energy Conversion and Conservation

processesincluding chemical, nuclear, biological and catalytic. Students also choose departmental electivesfrom courses such as green energy engineering and environmental compliance, hydrogen andfuel cell technology, materials for energy applications, physical processes in energy engineering,and air pollutants from combustion sources. Professional electives allow students to gainexposure to business, legal and ethical issues related to energy. Technical electives can be chosento provide specialization or breadth and depth in renewable or non-renewable energy and/ormechanical or chemical aspects of energy. This paper discusses the program, the rationale in developing the program, and the detailsof the novel curriculum.Introduction World

Conference Session

Investigating Fuel Cells and Alternative Fuels in the Classroom and Lab

Collection

2008 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Cortney Martin, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University; Brandy Bratton, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University; David Dillard, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University; Michael Ellis, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University; Maggie Bump, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

Tagged Divisions

Energy Conversion and Conservation

epistemological1,2. There are many contexts forlearning communities in both formal and informal educational settings, but the common theme isthat the students are actively and collaboratively vested in their own learning, which results ingreater student engagement3. Learning communities are well-suited to contribute to the trainingand development of engineers in areas such as teamwork and communication skills, but also incollaborative design, problem solving, ethics, and an understanding of the larger context for theirwork.Undergraduate summer research programs have historically been founded on traditionalpedagogy: instructor-led seminars and faculty-directed research and problem solving, with thelatter often including an experienced graduate student or

Conference Session

Sustainable Energy Issues in Education

Collection

2008 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Cortney Martin, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University; Barbara Bekken, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University; Sean McGinnis, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

Tagged Divisions

Energy Conversion and Conservation

thinking, problem solving, note-taking and time management, intentional reading, ethics, writing scientific reports, and locating Page 13.1218.5and evaluating information sources (Figure 2). The group benefitted from field trips to the localwater treatment plant and to Natural Bridge, an impressive and historic geological formationwith hiking trails and a replica of a Monacan Indian village. Students completed projects relatedto fieldwork on groundwater (Figure 2), generational changes in consumption patterns, and workwith poetry and clay. Students read and discussed Water: The Fate of Our Most PreciousResource10. Figure 2

Conference Session

Investigating Fuel Cells and Alternative Fuels in the Classroom and Lab

Collection

2008 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Robert Fletcher, Lawrence Technological University

Tagged Divisions

Energy Conversion and Conservation

reference the criterion are listed here. ABET Criterion 3. Program Outcomes and Assessment Engineering programs must demonstrate that their graduates have: (a) an ability to apply knowledge of mathematics, science, and engineering (b) an ability to design and conduct experiments, as well as to analyze and interpret data (c) an ability to design a system, component, or process to meet desired needs (d) an ability to function on multi-disciplinary teams (e) an ability to identify, formulate, and solve engineering problems (f) an understanding of professional and ethical responsibility (g) an ability to communicate effectively (h) the broad education necessary to understand the

Conference Session

Investigating Fuel Cells and Alternative Fuels in the Classroom and Lab

Collection

2008 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Robert Pieri, North Dakota State University; Alan Kallmeyer, NDSU; Michael Stewart, North Dakota State University; Leslie Backer, North Dakota State University

Tagged Divisions

Energy Conversion and Conservation

theUniversity students’ strong work ethic and hands-on abilities.The SkillsUpon being contacted by the co-op through NDSU’s Agriculture Extension services, the school’sengineering faculty decided that the best fit for the project was with the Mechanical EngineeringDepartment (ME) with support from Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE) andAgricultural and Biosystems Engineering (ABEN) departments. Because of several factorsincluding traditional interest area, existence of the design sequence, available resources etc. AndME department took the lead function in the project. A project mentor was appointed with twoassociate mentors. The timing dictated that spring summer semesters would be used for theproject. Because of the interdisciplinary nature of

Conference Session

Curricular Developments in Energy Education

Collection

2008 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Kenneth Van Treuren, Baylor University; Ian Gravagne, Baylor University

Tagged Divisions

Energy Conversion and Conservation

answering the questions confronting society. Specifically, the fouroverarching learning objectives are:1.) To develop scientific energy literacy;2.) To closely examine the production and consumption of energy in both developed and developing countries;3.) To examine the social, political, environmental and ethical problems of an energy- dependent civilization.4.) Understand, hypothesize, propose and execute a research project in the theme, “The campus as an energy-efficiency and alternative-energy laboratory.”The burgeoning term “energy literacy” suggests that people exhibit varying degrees of energyknowledge. Many may not fully understand the differences between a BTU and a Calorie, a Wattand a VA, what a KWh is on their electric bill