Carbon Overview

In this final module, we will delve into an element, carbon, that is a fundamental component of most biological systems on earth and of many materials used in societies throughout history and around the globe. As we likely know, carbon is also entangled in a number of major transformations that will be directly impacting the lives of individuals and societies worldwide. As we prepare to confront this future, we will relate science fiction literature and the work of the imagination to addressing the engineering challenges of future societies.

Module Objectives

Students will:

  • identify the properties and sources of carbon
  • explore the carbon cycle and how it operates
  • examine the concept of the "anthropocene" and how our entanglements with carbon-based technologies affect our social and physical worlds
  • relate science fiction literature and the work of the imaginary to addressing the engineering challenges of future societies

Class Guide

Day 1: Guest Lecture

Humanities/Archaeology/Anthropology Professor presents

Augusto Oyuela-Caycedo, "Terra Preta of ancient methods of carbon sequestration in the Amazon"

Day 2: Materials History and Properties of Carbon

Lecture: Materials Science Professor presents background on carbon and the carbon cycle.

Lecture slides: Material History & Properties of Carbon Download Material History & Properties of Carbon

Watch: "Powering the Planet: Where in the World Will Our Energy Come From?" - Nate Lewis - 5/25/2005- Caltech

Bonus Video: Alan Savory Video on climate change

Assignment after Day 2: Impact Paradigm

Thinking about the material that we covered in this week’s unit, add another question to the impact paradigm.