Adding Energy and Power to Environmental Engineering Curriculum with Just-In-Time Teaching

Abstract

ENGR 115: Introduction to Environmental Science and Engineering focuses on a resource approach to environmental management, with modules on air, land, water and energy resources. This paper describes one of four curriculum modules that was developed for and used in this introductory course taught at Humboldt State University. The energy resources curriculum is appropriate for those interested in open-ended problem solving assignments related to energy and power, renewable energy technologies or energy policy. The energy resources module is taught over a three-week period in a fifteen-week semester. The students complete readings on energy, power and work, sources of energy, and energy technologies. The Just-in-Time Teaching approach is used where students take online quizzes on assigned readings prior to coming to class. The lecture period is used to clarify misconceptions discovered in the students' responses to the online quizzes as well as present new material. Lab activities include a tour of the Schatz Energy Research Center and discussion with research engineers about fuel cell design. Students engage in an open-ended problem solving experience where they compare a power generation project with an energy conservation program. The curriculum is available for download at http://www.humboldt.edu/~eae1/CCLI02/