Hands-On, Inquiry Oriented Learning Strategy to Enhance Energy Literacy by Engaging Students in Energy Solutions

An energy literacy survey conducted by the researcher among the future workforce of India found that their literacy score is below average. Also their knowledge related to renewable resources were found to be the least. A well-educated and prepared future workforce is essential to meet India's goals of 2022 renewable energy target. It is worth noting that renewable energy sources are an important part of India's plan to increase energy security and provide new generation with ample job opportunities.Inspite of the various energy awareness programs organized across India over the past decade in the form of launching schemes at school, energy education is still at its infancy. This paper aims to address the issue of energy education strategy in India. We propose a hands on, inquiry oriented learning strategy for energy education program at school. The inquiry-based learning used in this research combines first-hands-on inquiry, student centered learning, and perceiving the concepts energy in practice. The learning material is designed in a way that it supports the active role of the student according to the theories on interest and inquiry-based learning. Instruction based on inquiry creates a rich learning environment by engaging students in the scientific process and helping them internalize scientific concepts related to energy. Students are encouraged to think and work scientifically around an issues that is relevant to them. In doing so they develop a positive disposition to engage with science and technology to get better understanding about the various renewable energy resources.Students form and test hypotheses; plan and conduct robust investigations; collect and analyze data and evaluate scientific propositions. Through the initiative we sought to have students use inquiry to understand about basic energy concepts, energy use, energy tradeoffs and implications, energy efficiency and conservation and sources & types of Energy , those that are identified as the core energy topic by the National Energy Foundation, USA.

We are developing a series of energy related inquiry oriented learning gadgets and associated curricular implementation for use in schools within India.