National education program for energy efficient illumination engineering

Constance E. Walker; Stephen M. Pompea

doi:10.1117/12.884914

29 April 2011 National education program for energy efficient illumination engineering

Constance E. Walker, Stephen M. Pompea

Proceedings Volume 8065, SPIE Eco-Photonics 2011: Sustainable Design, Manufacturing, and Engineering Workforce Education for a Green Future; 80650Q (2011) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.884914
Event: SPIE Eco-Photonics, 2011, Strasbourg, France

Abstract

About one-third of outdoor lighting escapes unused into the sky, wasting energy and causing sky glow. Because of excessive sky glow around astronomical facilities, the National Optical Astronomy Observatory has a strong motivation to lead light pollution education efforts. While our original motivation of preserving the dark skies near observatories is still important, energy conservation is a critical problem that needs to be addressed nationwide. To address this problem we have created an extensive educational program on understanding and measuring light pollution. A set of four learning experiences introduces school students at all grade levels to basic energy-responsive illumination engineering design principles that can minimize light pollution. We created and utilize the GLOBE at Night citizen science light pollution assessment campaign as a cornerstone activity. We also utilize educational activities on light shielding that are introduced through a teaching kit. These two components provide vocabulary, concepts, and visual illustrations of the causes of light pollution. The third, more advanced component is the school outdoor lighting audit, which has students perform an audit and produce a revised master plan for compliant lighting. These learning experiences provide an integrated learning unit that is highly adaptable for U.S. and international education efforts in this area.

Citation Download Citation

Constance E. Walker and Stephen M. Pompea "National education program for energy efficient illumination engineering", Proc. SPIE 8065, SPIE Eco-Photonics 2011: Sustainable Design, Manufacturing, and Engineering Workforce Education for a Green Future, 80650Q (29 April 2011); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.884914

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