부산대학교 도서관

In order to deal with current environmental issues and their backgrounds, further development of current teaching methods and tools are essential. The result of questionnaire performed in this study indicates that the effect and the change of the perception of power generation in Japan after the great disaster of East Japan have caused many students (both high school and college students) to become interested in the energy situation. In the present study, we made an attempt to develop a model instrument of a thermal power plant that can be applied as a teaching tool for understanding of air pollutant forming as well as power generation. Our novel model tool consists of a body (30 cm width, 21 cm depth, and 41 cm height), a combustion chamber, two motors, a boiler, a voltmeter, and a chimney for measurement of exhaust gas. Using our novel hand-made power plant, we carried out some model experiments with learners (i.e. high school and college students). Through model experiments, students can be experienced not only about power generation but also about generation of air pollutants. In order to estimate the applicability of our novel instrument as an educational tool, we carried out the questionnaires before and after model experiments. More than 80% of educatees reported that it was very useful as a teaching tool for energy and environmental education. The results of questionnaires indicated that learners achieved a very deep understanding of the principles of power generation and the forming of air pollutants.