Wachstum und Energie : ein Beitrag zur fundierten Diskussion in Unterricht und Lehre auf naturgesetzlicher Grundlage

This thesis aims for a development of a course containing several teaching modules, in which the energy revolution is researched from a rarely used perspective thus far. In a break from tradition we examine the limits of any energy supply for civilizing processes based on considerations which arise as results of fundamental laws of physics and geophysics including astronomy. This course is mainly directed at pupils of senior classes in secondary schools, however partial aspects can also be taught in preceding classes. The teaching modules are accompanied on the one hand by scientific and didactical previews and on the other hand by selected tasks at the end of the modules to consolidate the previously acquired knowledge. The teaching modules have been tested through several trials at school.
The social importance of a class which contains the described subject is indisputable. This thesis provides detailed contributions for a legitimization of this kind of teaching subject. The curriculum of NRW is analyzed, accompanied by a comparing study of common school books which clearly stresses the fact that environmental physical subjects at school are addressed in view of the energy revolution, but that the nomological scope is being rarely discussed or not at all. Conducted surveys shall support the necessity of a new course about energy – growth – environment. Of essential importance is however that the fundamental processes and dynamics are presented adequately in the learning process. Without the demand of completeness, the present investigation attends to the estimation of planetary limits, the radiative equilibrium of the earth, the term of radiative forcing, the capabilities of renewable energies and the realization of their low potential effectiveness based on surface power density assessments.