Energy+and+Sustainability+1+-+Unit+Outline

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 * ==Unit 1 - What is Sustainability? ==

This introductory unit guides students as they develop a working definition of sustainability and resiliency. Occupations in sustainability fields are examined. Presentation projects give students an opportunity to practice communication skills and consider how scientists and engineers create professional information sharing and peer review networks. || ||

Unit 2 - Introduction to Science and Engineering Methods
In this unit students are introduced to the use of models in science and engineering and through a series of lessons and labs they study and then create physical models that might be used to determine essential components of sustainable systems.The use of lab notebooks, the scientific method and research are also introduced. Careful study of natural water collection surfaces leads to the application of the engineering design process and an introduction to biomimetics as a source for new sustainability design ideas. Students work in small groups to design a water vapor collection device. |||| ||

Unit 3 - Introduction to Energy Sources
In this unit students are introduced to the key sources of energy for domestic, agricultural, transportation and industrial activities. Using interactive resources and working in small groups students design an "energy cocktail" - a mixture of energy sources that might meet future needs.

The Energy Cocktail Game: //Powering a Nation :// [] || ||

Unit 4 - Energy Basics
This unit introduces the basic physics of energy including work, thermal and electromagnetic radiations, energy transfer and energy transformations. The unit proceeds through a series of labs and hands-on activities.

I mage: http://apollo.lsc.vsc.edu/classes/met130/notes/chapter2/radiation.html |||| ||

Unit 5 - Passive Solar Energy
In this unit student learn the basic design components of passive solar construction. Modeling a thermal control system using the programming language, Scratch, to better understand the feedback loops and external factors that will affect interior temperatures due to changes in solar loads. || ||
 * ==Unit 6 - Wind Energy ==

Using small scale wind turbines students study the details of energy production from the wind including the design of a simple circuit, identification of key components of wind blade design and wind turbine siting to maximize wind collection and experimenting with biomimetics to enhance wind farm energy collection. A case study features an architect who takes on the challenge of designing a wind energy collection device for a building in the heart of Manhattan. |||| ||
 * ==Unit 7 - Energy Efficient House Design Capstone Project ==

In this month-long, independent, small group project, students are gently guided through the process of design, testing a small scale, passive solar home that meets a number of key design criteria. Students they proceed to create a brochure that communicates their design to a general audience. || ||