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Chuck Niederriter , Amanda Hochstatter , Hasanga Samaraweera , Amy Audette , Kevin Clark

Integrating sustainability across and within the science curriculum of Gustavus Adolphus College *. Chuck Niederriter , Amanda Hochstatter , Hasanga Samaraweera , Amy Audette , Kevin Clark. Summer 2012 Meeting of the AAPT Philladephia , PA * NSF DUE #0942235. Goals:

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Chuck Niederriter , Amanda Hochstatter , Hasanga Samaraweera , Amy Audette , Kevin Clark

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  1. Integrating sustainability across and within the science curriculum of GustavusAdolphus College* Chuck Niederriter, Amanda Hochstatter, HasangaSamaraweera, Amy Audette, Kevin Clark Summer 2012 Meeting of the AAPT Philladephia, PA *NSF DUE #0942235

  2. Goals: • To Increase Interest in Science and Science-related Careers • To Enhance Quantitative Literacy • To Increase Thermodynamic Literacy • To Improve Sustainability Literacy • To Emphasize the Interdisciplinary Nature of Science

  3. Overview of Project Develop labs and classroom materials that • take advantage of student interest in energy and the environment to increase interest in science • lead to an increase in quantitative literacy • lead to an increase in thermodynamics and energy literacy • help students see the interconnection between classes and the interdisciplinary nature of science

  4. Courses: • Introductory and General Education • First Term Seminars – Renewable Energy, Energy, Environment, etc. • Introduction to Environmental Studies • J-Term courses on renewable energy • Chemistry in Context • Biology • Principles of Biology • Cell and Molecular • Genetics • Chemistry • Principles of Chemistry • Environmental Chemistry • Physical Chemistry 1 – Thermodynamics • Physics • General Physics (for biology, chemistry, biochemistry majors) • Classical Physics (for physics majors and pre-engineers) • Geology • Principles of Geology

  5. Introductory Laboratory Experiences for Non-Science Majors: • Hydrogen Storage • Mechanical and Electromagnetic Storage • Combustion • Fermentation • Cellulase Breakdown of Cellulose • Human Power • Ethanol • Greenhouse Effect • Introduction to energy • Heat engines • Energy Content of Fuels • Photovoltaics • Geothermal Power • Solar Water Heating • Wind Power • Hydroelectric Power • Energy Storage in Batteries • Introduction to Power Inverters

  6. Intermediate Level Laboratory Experiencesfor Science Majors: • Advanced Photovoltaics • Advanced Wind Power • Advanced Hydroelectric Power • Advanced Battery Storage • Advanced Hydrogen Storage • Biodiesel • Advanced Ethanol • Power Conversion • Motors and Generators

  7. Ethanol Production • Bacterial Ethanol • Alter the genetic structure of the bacteria • Plasmid increases ethanol production See Poster PST2D01 on Tuesday at 6:00 pm

  8. Geothermal See Poster PST2D03 on Tuesday at 6:00 pm

  9. Greenhouse Gas Lab

  10. Greenhouse Gas Lab • Suitable for Introductory and General Education Levels • Used with First Term Seminars, Into ES, etc • Used as First Lab for Physics Majors and Pre-engineering Students • Opportunity to Discuss the Importance of Modeling • Takes Significant Amount of Time for Water to Come to Equilibrium • Data Are Not Obviously Linear • Can Generally Observe (Estimate) the Asymptote • Easily Relates to Real World Issues • Global Temperature • CO2 Levels • Promotes Environmental Awareness

  11. Procedure • 100 ml Room Temperature Water in 600 ml Beaker • Thermometer Immersed in Water • Plastic Wrap Sealing Top • Heat Lamp (or Incandescent) ~ 50 cm Away • Record Temperature vs. Time with Logger Pro • Use Three Parameter to Inverse Exponential • Put Infinite Time into Equation to Get Equilibrium Temperature • Repeat With New Water and One or Two Alka Seltzer Tablets to Produce CO2

  12. Post Lab Activities • Discussion of Meaning of Fit Parameters • Discussion of Uncertainties in Fit Parameters • Relationship to Global Warming Measurements • Importance of Understanding Model and Trusting • Vary Amount of AlkaSelzer • Measure CO2 Production • Extrapolate to Global CO2 and Climate Change Data Extensions

  13. Future Plans • Evaluate effectiveness of labs that we have developed • Refine labs • Advisory committee suggest additional directions for new labs • Develop new labs • Develop “Introduction to Sustainability” lectures for courses adopting new labs • Dissemination – Web Site gustavus.edu/physics/sustainability/

  14. Acknowledgements • Jeff Jeremiason, Jim Dontje, & Colleen Jacks (my Co-PI’s) • Faculty Advisory Committee • Jeff Williams – Outside Reviewer • National Science Foundation

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