This course will give an introduction to energy topics and explore the social, environmental and economic consequences of our carbon-based economy. We depend on energy to fuel our cars and airplanes, grow and transport our food, light our cities, warm our homes, cook our food, and power our machinery, appliances, and electronics. As we continue to deplete our resources (and pollute our air and water in the process), the challenge to satisfy our energy needs continues to mount. How will our generation respond? We will use guest speakers, article presentations, fun projects, involved discussions, and films to explore the energy cycle – tracing its origins, distribution, consumption, and waste. We’ll also calculate our personal carbon footprint as well as learn about the many opportunities available to become more energy efficient. Check out the syllabus for a more detailed breakdown of the class.