Drawing Geothermal Energy: How Students Understand the Underground

Abstract

Andean territories have a great number of geothermal features, such as volcanoes, geysers and hot springs, however, there is little research about how much people understand one of the most abundant energy resources, geothermal energy. In this context, this paper explores how the Andean Geothermal Center of Excellence, CEGA, has used drawings as a social science methodology to describe conceptual knowledge of young population about geothermal energy and volcanic activity in Chile. This method allows to understand their scientific knowledge regarding high and low geothermal applications in order to build better communication and dissemination strategies. The findings confirm that drawings are a valuable method for exploring perceptions and level of knowledge of geothermal energy.