How many acres of potatoes does a society need?

TL;DR

This paper proposes using food energy, specifically potato cultivation, as a relatable context to teach diverse energy units and social policy concepts, illustrated through historical examples like Tenochtitlan and the Irish Potato Famine.

Contribution

It introduces a novel pedagogical approach by grounding energy and social policy education in food production and historical case studies.

Findings

Enhances understanding of energy units through food context

Connects social policy with historical food crises

Provides a practical teaching outline

Abstract

One of the main difficulties in a class on Sources of Energy and Social Policy is the wide variety of units used by different technologists (BTU's, Barrels of oil, Quads, kWh, etc). As every student eats, I think some of this confusion can be resolved by starting and grounding the class with a discussion of food and food production. A general outline for this introduction is provided and two interesting historical cultural examples, Tenochtitlan and the Irish Potato Famine, are provided. Science and Social Policy classes are full of bespoke units and involve many different contexts. Starting the class with a discussion of food energy is a nice way for everyone to start with the same context. In addition, discussion of Food Energy can lead to interesting historical claims.