An Approach to Educational Transdiscipline through a Solar Energy Prototype Workshop

Abstract

A transdisciplinary educational experience is presented through implementation of solar energy workshop that attacks the problem of supplying energy to an insolate house (off power grid). It worked with students from different agricultural engineering specialties who have completed their studies. Connecting with them theoretical, practical and recreational activities throughout different representation levels (descriptions, images, social connections, informatic technologies and mathematical models) necessary for the understanding solar energy phenomenological in the framework of sustainable development. Based on a three-stage methodological proposal: 1) Inquire into the knowledge that the participants have about the use of solar energy (PreTest); 2) Select prototypes such as: a water heater, a solar dehydrator and a photovoltaic array adaptable to socioeconomic and cultural needs; 3) Establish basis to implement solar devices selected on location. Finally, by applying the initial survey (PostTest) again, progress was identified in the student perceptions of the responsible use of energy, the social commitment of solar technology and the redefinition of values such as cooperation, justice, tolerance and environmental responsibility.

Presenters

Jonás Torres Montealbán
Profesor Investigador, Preparatoria Agrícola, Universidad Autonoma Chapingo, México, Mexico

Details

Presentation Type

Paper Presentation in a Themed Session

Theme

Science, Mathematics and Technology Learning

KEYWORDS

TRANSDISCIPLINE, SOLAR ENERGY, PHYSICS