Motivating Student Interest In Sustainable
Engineering And Alternative Energy Research
Through Problem Based Learning
Author(s)
C. D. Kestell
Abstract
There is increasing evidence that the cost of our ‘disposable society’ is beginning
to take a toll and that the continued use of unsustainable resources will have a
severe detrimental affect upon the living standards of our successive generations.
The possibility of our fossil-fuel resources running dry becomes more likely as
the global demand for power increases. This particular resource is also directly
responsible for releasing copious quantities of previously entombed carbon
directly into our atmosphere, possibly causing global warming. Quite obviously
there is therefore a need to consider other means of energy generation that reduce
our rate of consuming this finite resource, while also reducing the potential for
damage to our planet. This is by no means a new concept, but while scientists
and engineers have the ability to initiate change through design, there does not
seem to be the level of urgency required to implement effective action. Perhaps
there is public confusion regarding alternative energy sources, or perhaps there is
simply not sufficient widespread concern for something dramatic to happen right
now. As this paper will show, engineering education can be the starting point for
change. Graduate engineers can lead the way by researching, designing and
developing new practical alternative fuel applications if they are sufficiently
enthusiastic. These same engineers can also improve the public’s understanding
of alternative energy applications. A number of problem based learning projects
have therefore been introduced at The University of Adelaide to develop the
necessary graduate attributes while also developing a passion for the
development of alternative energy solutions. The merits and outcomes of two
projects are discussed here: The Biodiesel Motorbike Project and The Hybrid
Electric-Solar Car Project.
Keywords: problem based learning, alternative energy.
Keywords
problem based learning, alternative energy.
Related Book
Other papers in this volume
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