A creative replicable hands-on activity is described which introduces the engineering design process and exposes undergraduate students to issues of energy sustainability. The activity can be used in a standard undergraduate science with lab requirement course as offered by physics or engineering faculty or can be incorporated into an undergraduate engineering curriculum. A fountain metaphor symbolizes the human need for water and energy and is used to sensitize the students to the global inequities in water and energy resources. By focusing on a technological issue that impacts both the global community and everyday life, relevance is used as the motivator to recognize energy technology as an accessible and tangible subject. The solar fountain combines a small DC water pump with readily available solar panels. Three unique fixtures were designed specifically to accommodate a wide range of shop skills. These fixtures help to maximize success and minimize frustration in populations with little to no background in tool handling. A successful laboratory experience helps to de-mystify the engineering process. The fountain design is left to the student who is encouraged to mix artistic sensitivity into an engineering process. The resultant fountain builds self-confidence and the activity is highly rated by students. The module was assessed on two levels: attitudinal and learning criteria with a group of female campers at the Science, Technology, and Engineering Preview Summer (STEPS) program 2005.
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