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Meet Norman and Jessica

A story narrative has been introduced and integrated throughout the book. The narrative follows two teenage cousins (Norman and Jessica) through their discussions as they learn the key concepts of Green Technology. These conversations serve a number of purposes.

The interaction between Norman and Jessica allow the student to explore questions and concerns that may have occurred to them as they read the chapter. This interaction also provides an opportunity for asides, giving the reader a break from one consistent narrative tone. It permits mathematical discussion (which can be intimidating to some) to be conducted in a conversational and empathetic manner. It is also hoped that the storyline will draw some students into the text who might otherwise be less interested or enthusiastic about the technical content.

Pedagogical features

The pedagogical features of this book were carefully developed to provide readers with key content information, as well as review and testing opportunities. These include:

• Nearly 800 pages of the latest information available in this rapidly developing field.

•   Over 330 diagrams and tables designed to provide regular visual reinforcement and clarity of the concepts being     discussed.

•   The text follows closely the principles of STEM learning, exploring the basic Science that provides the foundation for each Technology discussed. The Engineering principles that make the technology work are explored in detail, as are the Mathematical concepts and equations that students must be able to complete if they are to have a well-rounded understanding of the technology.

•   Each chapter begins with a list of learning objectives that establishes a foundation and preview of important concepts explored within the chapter.

•   Key terms are presented in bold and highlighted in the margin for easy reference. They are also each defined in context within the chapter.

•   Each chapter concludes with a 10-question multiple-choice section and a 15-question section of open-ended review questions. The multiple- choice questions test the knowledge of basic concepts presented within the chapter. The open-ended questions are designed to test and demonstrate critical thinking abilities.

•   Appendix A examines customer satisfaction issues. Traditionally, these issues have not been covered in technical books associated with cabling installation. However, increased demand from cabling providers has finally brought the topic into the spotlight. Many service providers consider the ability to handle customers and their problems effectively as important as having good technical abilities.

•   Appendix B contains Material Data Safety Sheets, which provide supplemental information on various chemicals used in the green technology industry.

•   Appendix C is a comprehensive Glossary of terms to provide quick, easy access to key term definitions that appear throughout the text. The key terms highlighted throughout the text work in conjunction with the Glossary.

•   Appendix D provides a list of common acronyms used in the green technology industry.

The Next BIG THING in Education

Most of us involved in the educational field understand that Green Technology is THE NEXT BIG THING! But as with all new fields and technologies - it is very hard to define or predict. The definitions seem to change depending on who you speak with.

But however you define it, just as we all understood in the early 1980 s that computer technology would change our society in ways we could never imagine - Green Technology will shape our lives over the coming decades in profound and inevitable ways.

Features key concepts and practical application guidelines for:

Solar (Photovoltaic) Power (design and installation)
Solar Thermal (solar hot water)
Small Wind Power (design and installation)
Fuel Cell technology
Biofuels (ethanol and biodiesel) and Biomass
Micro Hydro Power systems
Energy Conservation Techniques
Energy Auditing
Green Building Concepts, Transportation Issues,
Environmental Compliance and Monitoring
Ocean Energy, Geothermal Energy, Nuclear Energy and more...

The new “Green” industry is dedicated to managing the world’s natural resources and energy in a more efficient manner while allowing for an acceptable standard of living for its inhabitants. This movement, composed of many different people and organizations, has been deemed the “green movement”. Around the world, this movement has taken hold and is growing as it becomes apparent that key natural resources are becoming much less abundant and the demand for them is growing rapidly.

One of the key areas in the green movement is the search for cleaner, more environmentally friendly sources of electrical power. At the forefront of this search are wind power, solar power and fuel cell technologies. While these technologies are not the only source of clean energy being explored, they are the most promising technologies in the field and are generating demand for workers skilled in these areas.

This book (and the associated courses) are designed to introduce readers to the major green technologies and to begin preparing them for job roles in these new technical fields.

Teacher Support
A full-featured instructor’s guide is available for the course. Answers for all of the end-of-chapter quiz questions are included along with a paragraph reference in the chapter where that item is covered. Sample schedules are included as guidelines for possible course implementations.