Select a topic within "energy" that interests you.
Create a design project in a format of your choice, related to at least one of the course learning objectives:
a) Use the real scientific method to solve puzzles through order-of-magnitude estimates.
b) Use concepts from everyday life and science to qualitatively describe, and quantitatively estimate, essential
features of the physical world.
c) Define characteristics that are essential to the transport and conversion of energy.
d) Critically compare and contrast modes of energy generation and usage.
Upload your assignment as an attachment if the format is supported by Canvas or submit a URL to an external site for formats (e.g. website, movies, etc.) not supported by Canvas.
Project Ideas
To help assist with ideas for this project here are a list of projects students have submitted in the past:
Visual arts
Paintings, illustrations, videos, ceramics, kinetic sculptures, dioramas, embroideries
Crafts (blankets, bejeweled quilts), ceramics
Astrophotography
Writing pieces
Short stories, graphic novels (aka comic books), diaries, book reports, research papers
Performing arts
Songs, poems, instrumentals, selfie videos, audio reports, comedy sketches, mini-movies with actors, interpretive dances, performance art (live!), person-on-the-street polls
Food
Radio tacos, moon cheese, cookie reactors
Web design
Web sites, computer codes in a variety of languages (time of sunrise and sunset)
Design and architecture
Fashion design (boots, shirts, dresses, socks, hats)
Furnishing design (chairs, tables, beds)
Interior-design themes (sun room, moon room, pluto room, science sanctum sanctorum room, alien room)
Scale models, architectural thematics, industrial-design logos
Engineering
Robotics, Software, Hardware, Prototypes
Design Project: Exploring Energy Generation and Usage
Project Objective:
To critically compare and contrast modes of energy generation and usage, emphasizing the characteristics essential to the transport and conversion of energy.
Project Format: Visual Arts
Concept:
Create a series of illustrated infographics that visually depict different modes of energy generation and usage. Each infographic will focus on a specific energy source or technology, highlighting its key features, benefits, drawbacks, and environmental impact.
Components:
1. Solar Energy Infographic:
- Illustrate how solar panels convert sunlight into electricity.
- Include information on the efficiency of solar energy, installation costs, and environmental sustainability.
- Compare solar energy to traditional fossil fuel-based power generation in terms of carbon footprint and long-term benefits.
2. Wind Energy Infographic:
- Visualize the process of wind turbines harnessing wind power to generate electricity.
- Discuss the capacity factors, variability, and land requirements of wind energy.
- Compare the pros and cons of wind energy with other renewable and non-renewable sources.
3. Hydropower Infographic:
- Showcase the mechanism of hydropower plants in converting water flow into electrical energy.
- Highlight the role of dams, turbines, and generators in hydropower generation.
- Analyze the environmental impacts, such as habitat disruption and water management challenges associated with hydropower.
4. Nuclear Energy Infographic:
- Illustrate the process of nuclear fission in generating heat for electricity production.
- Address safety concerns, waste management issues, and public perception of nuclear energy.
- Compare nuclear energy with renewable sources in terms of energy density and carbon emissions.
Additional Features:
- Include interactive elements in the infographics to engage viewers and provide in-depth information on specific data points.
- Incorporate data visualization techniques like charts, graphs, and diagrams to present quantitative estimates and comparisons.
Project Deliverables:
- A digital portfolio showcasing the series of illustrated infographics on different modes of energy generation and usage.
- A comprehensive written analysis accompanying each infographic, detailing the characteristics essential to energy transport and conversion for each energy source.
This visual arts project will not only promote understanding of various energy generation methods but also encourage critical thinking about sustainable energy practices and their implications for the environment and society.