Energy Matters
by
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Energy matters, title of a course developed by Dr. Joe Zaworski. The overall objective was to provide university undergraduates with a venue to explore the role energy plays in the society of our world. Beginning with a review of basic science, thermodynamics, machine design, electrical/mechanical power and the progression of history as mankind uncovers new ways to move beyond his own muscle energy to change his environment.
There are alternate meanings to the phrase ”Energy Matters”. There is the declarative statement that communicates A fundamental societal concept – that while shelter, food and water are the basic elements of a persons survival, it is the mastery of Energy manipulation which gives a society not only control of these three essential elements in the now but also for the near future. A macabre example occurred during the decades between 1938 and 1958 when the world gained the scientific understanding of the conditions that must exist for a uranium 235 atom to split apart and convert a tiny fraction of its mass into raw energy. While Einstein’s relationship of E = mc2 was an outgrowth of his work on photoelectric effect in the first decade of the 20th century, the United States and many of its allies developed the technology to provide a sense of “shelter” for its citizens by serving as a retaliatory threat against those countries who wished to inflict physical harm on its population. This societal philosophy laid the foundation for International relations that have permeated the world ever since
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About the Book
The Oregon State University Honors College conducted a class titled “Energy Matters” in the winter academic quarter of 2014, which required students to synthesize information from various disciplines to foster critical thinking in a given content area.
In this case, the content area of the class was science, technology and society, and the honors students were given the chance to enjoy a scholarly experience above and beyond the expectations of a traditional university class.
Beginning with a review of basic science, thermodynamics, machine design, electrical/mechanical power, and the progression of history as humanity uncovers new forms of energy, the course touched upon major themes that will determine the course of the future.
During the early days of the term, the students showed themselves to be unusually gifted technical writers, and they were tasked with writing papers that explore the role energy plays in society.
Join them as they write about coal, biomass, nuclear reactors, solar power, hydropower, natural gas, wind power, and more in this fascinating collection of works highlighting Energy Matters.
About the Author
Jack Higginbotham has authored more than forty-five scientific papers and reports in the fields of radiation detection and measurement, electric demand forecasting, nuclear reactor reliability, nuclear accident analysis, environmental radiation transport, and aviation and space history. He has held numerous administrative positions at Oregon State University and has been an unwavering champion of academic shared governance.