The digital and green transition requires graduates who can apply physics-based measurements, modeling, and reasoning to sustainability challenges. This exploratory study examines an environmental physics cohort at the University of Maribor, consisting of students majoring in physics and physics teacher education. Based on a competency framework for energy literacy, sustainability, and the green transition, which encompasses systems thinking in energy systems, biodiversity, resource management, technological competence, and policy/regulatory awareness, we developed three hands-on sequences within the course: Infrared Thermography, Electromagnetic Field Measurements, and the Physics of Weather. There are three sources of data: a pre- and post–course self-efficacy questionnaire aligned with the competency framework, semi-structured interviews conducted after each sequence that included brief reflections, and a deductive document analysis of the curriculum and intended learning outcomes. The analyses combine non-parametric within-subjects tests with rank-based effect sizes for the questionnaire, a reflective thematic analysis of the interview data, and a curriculum alignment index derived from the document analysis. We expect to observe an increase in perceived technological competence and energy systems thinking, as well as better articulation of policy and regulatory trade-offs. Based on preliminary curriculum coding, we anticipate strong agreement in the areas of systems thinking, resource management, and technological competence. Tools, coding templates, and matching visualizations will be provided as part of the study to support replication. Given the small cohort and reliance on self-report, any implications are interpreted cautiously. Nevertheless, the design aims to clarify how physics can create favorable conditions for the cultivation of sustainability-relevant competences.

Authors:
Eva Klemencic, University of Maribor, Slovenia
Petra Cajnko, University of Maribor, Slovenia
Matej Mencinger, University of Maribor, Slovenia
Robert Repnik, University of Maribor, Slovenia

About the Presenter(s)
Dr Eva Klemenčič, Assistant Professor of Physics at the University of Maribor, Slovenia, is the leader of the national project Natural Science and Mathematics Contents for the Development of Digital Competences.

Connect on ResearchGate
https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Eva-Klemencic

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