~Energy
Energy
Semester course, 2016
This hands-on course is for any student interested in renewable energy, energy monitoring and conservation. We begin with terminology and basic monitoring using the Energy Lab as our home base, then extend to energy production from solar PV, solar thermal and wind sources, then on to measurement of the HPA campus energy to detect waste and promote conservation. Students will have the chance to create their own projects which they will then present to the team. Basic math and science concepts will be used, and will complement any current math or science course at HPA. This course is an excellent preparation for future work on this important topic.
Pre-req: Grade 9 and permission of instructor
Class size limit: 12
Entry skills: basic algebra, freshman science skills
Exit skills: meter measurement, energy calculations, remote sensing and control skills, ability to calculate ROI and TCO for energy systems, infrared camera skills.
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Energy Course Syllabus
Goals/Topics
Our goal in this class is to develop energy literacy through ownership of projects. Our topics include energy terms, sources, conservation and storage. We will work on proejcts including energy measurement, energy audits, super thermos creation, and a collaborative project on energy storage. Students will record notes after each class on a course weblog, create wikis for each project, and individual energy dashboards on our energy monitoring system.
Class Format
Our class meets in the energy lab on assigned days, with access to the lab for projects over lunch and after school on arrangement with the teacher. Our class will be largely hands-on, and students are expected to take notes and complete daily weblog entries, as well as weekly wiki summaries.
Resources
We will use advanced, expensive tools in the energy lab, iPads and laptops for our course. You are expected to use these with care, and abide by the acceptable use policy of the school, which says among other things that these tools are to be used only for class related activities.
Expectations
Students are expected to bring their own laptops, paper notebook, calculator and writing tools to every class, with no exceptions. Phones are not permitted in class, except for calculator use. Any phone use during class will result in the phone being collected and turned over to the Dean of Discipline.
Work is expected to be turned in on time, and there is no credit for late work. This is partly out of respect for those who take the time to turn in their work, and also because we often review assignments as part of our classwork together.
Grading
Grades will be based on weblogs, wikis, tests and homework assignments. Due dates are expected to be met, and there will be no credit for late work.
Access
The best way to reach me is before or after class, but any questions about grading has to be taken care of outside of our class time, out of respect for others in the class as well as your privacy. My email is bill@hpa.edu, and I can answer your responses up until about 7 PM most evenings.
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