Promoting Energy Sustainability Education through Outreach Projects

Published in: Innovation and Development for the Americas: Engineering, Education, Research and Development: Proceedings of the 8th Latin American and Caribbean Conference for Engineering and Technology
Date of Conference: June 1-4, 2010
Location of Conference: Arequipa, Peru
Authors: Shaobiao Cai
Wes Grebski
Refereed Paper: #167

Abstract

This paper describes a number of successful joint projects which have been completed in cooperation between Penn State Hazleton engineering students and K-12 students and teachers. The leading projects focusing on sustainable energy have been
• Full-size solar power car
• 2.5 kW turbine (installed on the Penn State Hazleton campus)
• 3.2 kW Photovoltaic (PV) power station (installed on the Penn State Hazleton campus)
• Energy Auditing Mobile Lab
• Backpack Learning Modules for K-3 (which focus on sustainable and renewable energy)
These projects were chosen to promote energy sustainability education and nurture environmental sensitivity among young people as well as foster an appreciation of alternative forms of energy. High school students participating in the projects also received exposure to the engineering design process. The undergraduate engineering and engineering technology students mentored high school students while working on the same teams. The paper discusses the success, challenges, and funding opportunities for K-12 outreach projects.