This study examined the effects of vicarious experiences of nature, environmental attitudes, and recreation benefits sought by participants on their support for funding of natural resources and alternative energy options. Using a national scenic trail user survey, results demonstrated that vicarious experiences of nature influenced environmental…

Utilizing an energy-as-substance conceptual metaphor as a central feature of the introductory physics curriculum affords students a wealth of conceptual resources for reasoning about energy conservation, storage, and transfer. This paper first establishes the utility and function of a conceptual metaphor in developing student understanding of…

Addressing ongoing and costly deferred-maintenance needs is a challenge for any two- or four-year school. During an economically challenging time, many HBCUs have put energy efficiency and other green projects on the back burner. However, some are finding that deferred maintenance does not have to be a barrier to becoming green. Despite budget…

After reviewing (1) the causes of the energy crisis, (2) the goals of the National energy plan developed by ERDA, and (3) three routes to bring about energy conservation; the authors present the fundamental concepts (MAIN IDEAS) from a conservation-oriented energy education curriculum developed at Florida State University. (BT)

Solar energy lessons for grades 6, 7, and 8 social studies classes are provided in this guide. Each lesson includes appropriate grade level(s), objectives, activities, and strategies for introducing and developing the lesson. In the first five lessons (the social scientist and conservation), students are introduced to the role of the social…

Exponential growth is a mega-concept which has many applications. It is fundamental to understanding how and why systems work and fail, be they natural or man-made systems. Lessons/activities in this booklet are designed for Florida teachers to help provide their students with an understanding of the nature and implications of exponential growth.…

Fossil fuels, upon which we now depend almost exclusively, are finite resources. Because the environmental problems inherent in large scale fossil fuel consumption are increasingly apparent, the reality of developing alternative energy sources must be faced. Solar energy is the obvious solution to the problem. It is a renewable, clean source that…

This Sunny Side Up activities book is a coupling of science and language arts materials that will assist middle school teachers in developing energy awareness while they are teaching language arts skills. The majority of exercises and activities are keyed to the basic reading and writing skills stated in the "Minimum Performance Standards for…

Energy is a problem affecting all individuals. To help today's students understand the problem and become realistic decision-makers, materials have been developed by the Sunny Side Up (in Mathematics) program to introduce energy concepts into the mathematics curriculum. Objectives of the program are to: (1) provide highly effective practice in…

This unit of instruction on general energy concepts was designed for use by agribusiness and natural resources teachers in Florida high schools and by agricultural extension agents as they work with students and adults. It is one of a series of 11 instructional units (see note) written to help teachers and agents to educate their students and…