High Impact Learning Practice through Group Research on Thermoelectric Energy Conversion Nanomaterials

formed and performed research in the Senior Capstone Design course.The work deals with manufacturing multicomponent organic/inorganic composite materials containing nanotubes, nanofibers and nanoparticles in electric field.One of the fundamental problems associated with the manufacturing process is how fast the thermoelectric nanoparticles move into the titanium dioxide nanotubes under the electric force.The results were used to examine the effect of the manufacturing parameters on the production rate and the uniformity of the composite materials made in the casting process.The specialty of the project lies in the hands-on learning strategy for training upper level undergraduate students in the emerging field of energy conversion.Some special learning methods such as active learning via student interactions, instructorstudent face to face learning were adopted in the classroom activities.It is concluded that the active learning should be the future trend in educating upper level students.The curriculum we should strive for is an integration of knowledge learning and hands-on practicing.Through such a particular project, students should be better trained for energy manufacturing industry.