Energy and the Power Grid

Explore ways to produce, transport, and use energy, discussing sustainability problems from a scientific perspective – and finding solutions!

Teachers: Alan “Red” Ransil and Wenhao Sun

Why is our electricity distribution system set up like it is? What are the benefits and drawbacks to the ways we currently get our energy? What future technologies may help us overcome these drawbacks?

In this class we will learn about ways to “pump electrons,” examining energy from a science and engineering perspective. Topics will include the scientific and historical factors which influenced the U.S. power grid as it grew; the emergence of new ways to generate and store power that may allow an efficient re-design of our energy management system; the future of transportation and the promise of the electric car; and competing ideas such as biofuels and hydrogen fuel cells. We will emphasize the process of scientific research and develop a solid understanding of the principles behind each of the technologies discussed.

Problem sets, readings, and group presentations will form integral parts of the class. In addition we will see how some of the technologies work ourselves by building motors, a thermoelectric couple, and solar cells.

For the application...

Prerequisites

One year (or equivalent) of physics, chemistry, or general physical science at the high school level

Relevant experience

Any courses in science or math; any experience making or building things (this could range from robotics to cooking).

Application Question (Core-specific free response)

Write a short description of a time you creatively figured out how to do something for yourself. This could be – for example – a time you discovered how to build a machine, taught yourself a skill, or worked out how to explain an observation which no one else understood. What was going through your head?