Science Education and Environmental Studies
Terry Carroll
Associate Professor
Ed.D., University of North Carolina at Greensboro
Like many science education faculty I live in two worlds; science pedagogy and science content (environmental studies/sustainable development). In the area of science pedagogy my research interests focus on the effective use of learning cycles in teaching science content, process skills, and correcting students' science misconceptions.
With the need for humanity to conserve limited fossil fuel resources, there is an ongoing need to research, develop, and utilize passive solar energy designs and technologies. While this is desirable, many people do not want buildings that look "solar". So, there is a need to develop a esthetically pleasing passive solar designs and materials which can directly harness the low angle winter sun's energy and make itavailable for space heating on cold winter days. My work is exploring the feasibility of using uninsulated, south facing brick walls as passive solar heat sources.
My second passive solar research interest is in the design of a functional, low-cost energy efficient, year round, food-producing greenhouse for use in most cool/cold climatic regions of the world. The greenhouse design being tested uniquely incorporates many of the various energy efficient features of various other greenhouse designs, as well as addresses many of the problems experienced with earlier designs. The mathematical models of this design predict that the energy from the sun will be sufficient to achieve at least a 40 degree temperature difference between the ambient temperature and the inside of the greenhouse in most temperate climates. A cost/benefit analysis of this particular design and a comparison of this design to other more traditional greenhouse designs are also being studied. Future research will include the unit's heat loss due to radiation, and the optimum amount and wavelength of reflected light off the thermal mass, necessary to maximize plant photosynthesis and heat storage/release.
Students at Parkway Elementry School are learning about ecology, energy conservation and the environment by building a passive solar greenhouse on school grounds. The project is part of the Parkway Ecology Project, a school-wide, habitat-development project that uses ecology as a central theme within all areas of the curriculum. Working with parents over a series of weekends, students will help build the greenhouse. The project is funded by grants from Wachovia and Appalachian State University's Sustainable Development Program and Public School Partnership, based in the Reich College of Education, among others. Dr. Terry Carroll with Appalachian's Department of Biology and Parkway School students look for a suitable location for the building. After building the greenhouse, students will provide Winter Greenhouse feedback on the project.
Selected Publications
Ward, M., and Carroll, T.N. (1994) Scaffolding for teachers using computers: Staff development project in telecommunications. Proceedings for Telecommunications Education, The Third International Symposium on Telecommunications in Education.
Carroll, T.N., Knight, C., and Hutchinson, E. (1997) Carmen Sandiego: crime can pay when it comes to learning. Technology Tools in the Social Studies Curriculum, pp. 77-86.
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