Course Overview
Energy and the Environment challenges students to think big and toward the future as they explore sustainable solutions to our energy needs. Students investigate the impact of energy on our lives and the world, examining how energy is produced, consumed, and wasted. They design and model alternative energy sources — including solar, wind, and hydroelectric systems — and evaluate options for reducing energy consumption. This unit connects engineering, environmental science, and systems thinking to one of the most pressing challenges of our time.
The Big Idea
The choices we make about energy today will shape the world tomorrow. Engineers who understand both the science of energy and its environmental impact are equipped to build a sustainable future.
Course Units
Unit 1: Energy Fundamentals
Students explore the basic principles of energy — what it is, how it's measured, and how it transforms from one form to another. They investigate the law of conservation of energy, examine different forms of energy (kinetic, potential, thermal, electrical), and connect these concepts to the energy systems that power homes, transportation, and industry.
Key Activities
- Investigate energy transformations through hands-on experiments
- Measure and compare energy consumption of common devices
- Explore the law of conservation of energy
- Analyze how energy flows through a home or building
Unit 2: Fossil Fuels & Environmental Impact
Students examine how fossil fuels are formed, extracted, and used to generate energy. They investigate the environmental consequences of fossil fuel use — including air pollution, climate change, and habitat destruction — and analyze the trade-offs between energy production and environmental protection.
Key Activities
- Investigate how coal, oil, and natural gas are formed
- Analyze data on carbon emissions and climate change
- Simulate the environmental impact of an oil spill
- Evaluate the trade-offs of fossil fuel energy production
Unit 3: Renewable Energy Systems
Students explore renewable energy sources — solar, wind, hydroelectric, geothermal, and biomass — and investigate how each harnesses natural processes to generate electricity. They design and build working models of renewable energy systems, testing their efficiency and identifying factors that affect performance.
Key Activities
- Build and test a model solar panel system
- Design and optimize a wind turbine blade
- Construct a model hydroelectric generator
- Compare the efficiency of different renewable energy sources
Unit 4: Energy Conservation & Sustainable Solutions
Students investigate strategies for reducing energy consumption and evaluate the role of energy efficiency in building a sustainable future. They analyze real-world energy use data, design energy-saving solutions for a home or community, and present a comprehensive plan for transitioning to a more sustainable energy system.
Key Activities
- Conduct an energy audit of a home or school
- Design an energy-efficient building or community
- Research and evaluate emerging energy technologies
- Present a sustainable energy plan with supporting data
Skills You'll Build
Transferable skills developed throughout this course. Learn more about each skill →