| Title: | Energy literacy in STEM : opportunities for interdisciplinary integration in higher education |
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| Authors: | ID Klemenčič, Eva (Author)
ID Repnik, Robert (Author)
ID Mencinger, Matej (Author)
ID Cajnko, Petra (Author) |
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| Files: |  RAZ_Klemencic_Eva_2026.pdf (494,03 KB)
MD5: 0EA5F6C6AE52273B7C7F651BA23554F5
 https://doi.org/10.30958/aje.13-3-6
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| Language: | English |
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| Work type: | Scientific work |
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| Typology: | 1.01 - Original Scientific Article |
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| Organization: | FNM - Faculty of Natural Sciences and Mathematics
FGPA - Faculty of Civil Engineering, Transportation Engineering and Architecture
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| Abstract: | Energy literacy is increasingly vital for understanding energy flows, managing resources, and addressing global environmental challenges. Initiatives such as the European Green Deal and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals target climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution. However, studies indicate that current higher education curricula often fall short in preparing graduates for these challenges. This research conducted a document analysis of the curricula for the Physics, Mathematics, and Civil Engineering study programs at the University of Maribor to identify opportunities for integrating energy literacy. Emphasizing an interdisciplinary approach, we propose an example where students optimize energy efficiency by combining physics, mathematics, and engineering concepts. Students study the energy balance of a building by connecting thermodynamic principles, such as heat transfer, with mathematical techniques, including partial derivatives and differential equations. Measurements using infrared cameras provide hands-on experience in analyzing real-world data. Additionally, students develop models and program simulations to explore energy-efficient design options. Activities also address ecological and economic impacts, encouraging sustainability discussions. The research highlights that significant changes or the introduction of new content in educational curricula are not strictly necessary; rather, the focus should be on innovative teaching methods and the application of established problem-solving approaches. |
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| Keywords: | energy literacy, STEM, sustainable development, interdisciplinarity, higher education |
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| Geographic coverage: | Maribor (Slovenija); |
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| Publication status: | Published |
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| Publication version: | Version of Record |
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| Place of publishing: | Athina |
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| Publisher: | Athinaiko Institouto Ekpaideusis & Ereunas |
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| Year of publishing: | 2026 |
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| Number of pages: | str. 489-510 |
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| Numbering: | Letn. 13, št. 3 |
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| PID: | 20.500.12556/DKUM-98312  |
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| UDC: | 378(497.4Maribor):5 |
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| ISSN on article: | 2241-7958 |
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| COBISS.SI-ID: | 269745923 |
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| DOI: | 10.30958/aje.13-3-6 |
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| Publication date in DKUM: | 04.06.2026 |
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| Views: | 193 |
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| Downloads: | 2 |
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| Metadata: |    |
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| Categories: | Misc.
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