Course Description
The class begins and ends with the following problem: “Global energy use is projected to increase hugely over the next few years, and will continue to have major impacts on the environment and the economy around the world. How can science and engineering be harnessed to better manage energy use in our society?”

The class will look at this problem using a variety of skills and concepts from the worlds of engineering, math and science. We will explore concepts of sustainability, thermodynamics, design, statistics, public opinion, and much more on this journey to better understand the nature of the problem, and how to go about solving it.

Each week, students will explore a selection of these topics through a mixture of activities, such as discussions, research projects, and model making. One major project involves collaboration with other students on a significant design project to address the core problem. Each group will exhibit their design solution as a wiki for the rest of the class (and others perhaps?) to see.

Participants should be high school students with an interest in engineering and science, especially in the field of sustainable energy practices. Whether you have highly developed skills in these areas, or are just beginning, the class can work for you. Advanced or novice in science and/or engineering, the class provides the opportunity to use these skills to explore how to achieve the goal of sustainable energy engineering.

One class can achieve little more than to scratch the surface of such a vast topic. However, by bringing together skills and knowledge from a number of disciplines, our hope is that you will find this a stimulating introduction to this significant field of study and practice.

Students should have:
• Access to basic hand tools, scrap materials and a place to fabricate models.
• Access to a digital camera for posting pictures of work.

Delivery Method

• Internet
• Streaming Audio
• Streaming Video

Prerequisites
• Level 1 Physics and Algebra are desirable, but not essential. Relevant lessons in the class are differentiated to accommodate different skill levels in math and physical science.
• Access to basic hand tools, scrap materials and a place to fabricate models.
• Access to a digital camera for posting pictures of work.
• Basic familiarity with using spreadsheets to manipulate, chart, and analyze data.

Course Materials
Virtual High School will have course materials, if any, shipped directly to students. While there is no additional cost for course materials, there is an additional charge for return shipping. Students are required to return such course materials to course instructor upon completion of the course.