Energy is a theme that llows one to cover basic physics principles and also illuminate applications to the real world, including both economic and societal. It has the advantage of meeting the needs of students in such majors as business and the arts, and seems popular with non-traditional students. Energy also allows one to explore issues in less developed countries and is a great vehicle for STS discussions. This talk will focus on three things: (1) general description of energy use both regionally and world-wide; (2) experiences in using energy as a theme in general education or environmental science course; and (3) perspectives on using energy themes for the construction of alliances between college, school, and industry.
The overview of energy use will include some thoughts on recent natural gas resource and cogeneration expansion. The role of renewable resources in a time of free market competition in the utilities will be assessed, especially in light of increased concern for the environment.
Experiences with a course on energy and the environment will be given, including team teaching with technology or engineering departments. Topics covered are different than that of the normal physics course and offers flexibility.
The award winning Institute in Energy Education has been held at SUNY Oswego for the past 12 years and has proven to be a great vehicle for upgrading secondary school teachers on energy technologies as well as a good example of cooperation between college and industry. More details will be given.
Dr. Hinrichs is the author of the text Energy, its use and the environment. He has, in the past, run energy workshops with high school teachers in New York.