A NEW APPROACH FOR ENHANCING HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS’ ENERGY LITERACY AND AWARENESS OF CARBON REDUCTION

In Taiwan, knowledge regarding energy technology, energy conservation, and carbon reduction has yet to be formally implemented into senior high school curriculum. Currently, schools independently incorporate key issues into related curriculums and, as a result of education ladder systems, students have limited channels to learn about energy technology, energy conservation, and carbon reduction. Thus, methods to teach senior high school students the importance of environmental issues such as global warming and energy shortage, as well as to promote their interest in energy technology research, development, and applications are significant topics of discussion. Through the collaboration with the National Science and Technology Museum, this study adopted an informal approach in developing a workshop designed with diverse learning styles for senior high school students, endeavoring to enhance their energy technology literacy and competency in conserving energy and reducing carbon. The participants were 60 senior high school students from two schools of different attributes. The research data was collected using a questionnaire survey, written feedback and verbal reports from the participants, and the researchers’ participatory observations. Analytical findings confirm that the goals and focuses of the planned workshop activities were achieved. Students received more in-depth knowledge on topics relating to energy conservation and carbon reduction, demonstrating greater initiative and diversity in their beliefs and attitudes, and they were also willing to participate in energy conservation and carbon reduction activities.