Integrating sustainability across and within the science curriculum of Gustavus Adolphus College*

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

Summer 2012 Meetingof the AAPTPhilladephia, PA

*NSF DUE #0942235

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

Overview of ProjectDevelop 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

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

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

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

Ethanol Production

• Bacterial Ethanol• Alter the genetic

structure of the bacteria

• Plasmid increases ethanol production

See Poster PST2D01 on Tuesday at 6:00 pm

Geothermal

See Poster PST2D03 on Tuesday at 6:00 pm

Greenhouse Gas Lab

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

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

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

Extensions• Vary Amount of Alka Selzer• Measure CO2 Production

• Extrapolate to Global CO2 and Climate Change Data

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/

Acknowledgements

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