Year: 2025
Type: conference-paper
Abstract: Educators must prepare the next generation of engineers who will inherit a world that will be different from the present.Research shows that Civil Engineering students often lack sufficient training in climate science.To be successful, graduates need training in evaluating hazards from extreme winds, waves, and rain, and understanding climate change risks.At The Citadel, climate change impacts are integrated into several lessons in an introductory Geotechnical Engineering course.This paper demonstrates how climate change education can be integrated across the curriculum by redesigning lessons using backward design and implementing active pedagogies, including pre-lesson, in-class, and post-lesson activities.In addition, it will provide insights and recommendations as to how climate concepts can be implemented in other courses.Instructors often overlook the connections between their field-specific coursework and climate change.How does increased precipitation affect the bearing capacity of the soil?How does increased precipitation impact the erosion of the soil?Impacts of Increased Temperature How does increased temperature affect pavements and high-traffic areas?How does increased temperature affect the stability of waste containment lining systems?How does increased temperature affect the stiffness and the strength of soil?Impacts of Increased Severe Storms How do increased severe storms affect infrastructure foundations?How do increased severe storms affect a deep foundation system?How do increased severe storms affect the strength of the soil?Impacts of Increased Inundation and Flooding How do increased inundation and flooding affect the pore water pressure?How do increased inundation and flooding affect the groundwater levels?How do increased inundation and flooding affect the leaching of pollutants and spread of toxic contaminants?Students concluded that climate plays a crucial role in soil stability and strength by influencing water infiltration and evaporation.Water saturation increases pore pressure, reducing soil shear strength.
DOI: 10.18260/1-2--54179
Authors: Simon Ghanat, Scott Curtis
Institution: Citadel
Language: English
Subfield: Media Technology
Field: Engineering
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: gold
OpenAlex ID: W4409294802