A Physics Seminar Course in Renewable Energy

We describe a Physics Course on "Introduction to Renewable Energy" for first-year students. This course has impacted over 60 first-year students from Business, Finance, Math, Computer Science, Biology, Psychology, and Biomedical Sciences who received instruction and training in solar, wind, geothermal, biomass, hydroelectric, hydropower, and fuel cell energies and energy storage, and the physics underlying these approaches. Students experienced hands-on project-building of solar-powered fidget spinners, model solar cars and boats, wind turbines, solar trackers, and biomass fermentation. Students use thermal imaging cameras to audit energy loss and study thermal insulation to conserve energy. Students also learn the language of climate change, carbon financing, carbon sequestration, and environmental justice. Reflective essays, objective quizzes, a research paper, and a three-day Renewable Energy Poster Exhibit assess student learning. I report on the products of the course, student feedback using blind surveys and program assessments.