Introducing Project-based Learning into 8.02

We propose to introduce project-based learning into 8.02 Physics II Electricity and Magnetism, a course that satisfies a General Institute Requirement. The project intends to design a micro electric grid that can provide affordable electricity to a community that does not have reliable access to a large-scale electric grid. The project will require students to understand the physical principles involving the generation of electrical energy, the storage of that energy, and the distribution of that energy. In addition to developing the analytic tools necessary to understand a complex electric grid system, students will need to make design decisions regarding the integration of the various engineering and social components of their electric grid, which will develop their creative thinking skills.