Introduction
One of the hottest topics in today's world is renewable energy. We have all heard the buzz about electric cars, solar panels, and wind turbines, and companies such as Tesla and SolarCity are all over the news. All of these innovations have one thing in common, they use renewable energy. We have learned about fossil fuels and our reliance on oil. Like everything, fossil fuels have their pros and cons, but one thing cannot be avoided...we are running out of fossil fuels at an alarming rate. Your job today is to research the various types of renewable energy (solar, wind, hydropower, geothermal, etc.) to help find a solution to the energy crisis.
Task
Your job, with your partner, is to research various types of renewable energy sources. You will determine the pros and cons of each source (yes, everything has pros and cons). You will design a presentation to give to your local, state, or even federal politician with a plan to use a particular renewable resource for energy production.
Process
Step 1:
Watch the crash course video on The Future of Clean Energy
Step 2:
With your partner, discuss renewable energy, pros and cons, and who you would like to reach in your presentation.
These questions may help guide you along the way.
- What is renewable energy?
- What are three reasons that using renewable energy is important?
- What are three important facts about solar energy?
- Would solar energy be a good option where you live? Why or why not?
- What is a disadvantage or problem in using solar energy?
- What are three important facts about hydropower?
- Would hydropower be a good option where you live? Why or why not?
- What is a disadvantage or problem in using hydropower?
- What are three important facts about wind energy?
- Would wind energy be a good option where you live? Why or why not?
- What is a disadvantage or problem in using wind energy?
- What are three important facts about geothermal energy?
- Would geothermal energy be a good option where you live? Why or why not?
- What is a disadvantage or problem in using geothermal energy?
Step 3:
Conduct research. You can use any reputable source, or choose from the credits in this WebQuest. Be sure to decide which type of renewable energy you are going to pitch.
Step 4:
Create your presentation. This should have visual aids in the form of a slideshow, video, poster, or infographic that will aid in your presentation. You can use tools such as Google Slides, Canva, Adobe Express, or anything else we have used in school. It should include information from your research.
Step 5:
Deliver your presentation to the class, your teacher, and your "politician" pitching the alternative energy source.
Evaluation
|
Category |
4 - Exceeds Expectations |
3 - Meets Expectations |
2 - Approaching Expectations |
1 - Needs Improvement |
|
Content |
Presentation thoroughly covers the chosen renewable energy source with detailed, well-researched information tailored to local/regional context. Includes multiple supporting facts and persuasive arguments. |
Presentation covers the renewable energy source with accurate information and relates it to the local/regional context. Provides relevant facts and arguments supporting the energy source. |
Presentation includes some information on the renewable energy source but lacks depth or local relevance. Arguments are somewhat supported but incomplete. |
Presentation provides minimal or inaccurate information, lacking connection to local context and persuasive support. |
|
Presentation |
Speaks clearly with excellent volume, pacing, and eye contact; uses engaging language; effectively persuades the audience (politician); presentation is well-organized and confident. |
Speaks clearly with good volume and pacing; maintains eye contact; presents information in a logical order; persuasive effort is evident. |
Speech lacks clear pacing or volume; eye contact is minimal; organization is somewhat unclear; limited persuasive language used. |
Speech is difficult to understand due to low volume or pace; little to no eye contact; presentation lacks organization and persuasiveness. |
|
Visual Aids |
Visual aids (slides, posters, models) are creative, clear, well-designed, and enhance understanding of the renewable energy source and its regional fit. |
Visual aids are clear, relevant, and support the presentation. Design is neat and appropriate. |
Visual aids are somewhat relevant but may be unclear, incomplete, or poorly designed. |
Visual aids are missing, irrelevant, or distract from the presentation. |
|
Accuracy |
All facts and data presented are accurate, sourced from credible references, and demonstrate a strong understanding of renewable energy and regional factors. |
Most facts and data are accurate; sources are credible; understanding of renewable energy and regional factors is evident. |
Some inaccuracies or unsupported claims; sources may be incomplete or questionable; understanding is partial. |
Numerous inaccuracies; sources are missing or unreliable; limited or incorrect understanding demonstrated. |
|
Creativity |
Presentation demonstrates original ideas in content and delivery; uses innovative methods to engage and persuade the audience; stands out as highly creative and thoughtful. |
Presentation shows some originality in content and delivery; uses creative elements to engage the audience. |
Presentation shows limited creativity; delivery and content are somewhat conventional with few engaging elements. |
Presentation lacks creativity; content and delivery are routine with no effort to engage or persuade creatively. |
Conclusion
Your research has provided you great insight into one of the most important engineering challenges of our generation. While no one system, or energy source, is perfect we know that we need to do something. Our use of fossil fuels cannot continue at the current rate. You have learned about various forms of lean energy and the role that each can play in a sustainable future. Pay attention to the world around you, you can see solar panels appearing on many houses, highways filled with electric vehicles, and wind turbines being built offshore. Great job on your research today.
Credits
- Energy Kids: https://www.eia.gov/kids/energy.cfm?page=renewable_home-basics
- Biomass Explained: https://www.eia.gov/energyexplained/?page=biomass_home
- Solar Energy: http://www.sciencekids.co.nz/sciencefacts/energy/solarpower.html
- 11 Different Sources of Bioenergy Explained: https://www.renewableresourcescoalition.org/alternative-energy-sources/
- A Complete Guide to the 7 Renewable Energy Resources: https://us.sunpower.com/blog/2018/02/23/learn-about-seven-types-renewable-energy
- Environment for Kids – Renewable Energy: https://www.ducksters.com/science/environment/renewable_energy.php
- Fundamentals of Energy: https://corporate.exxonmobil.com/en/Energy-and-environment/Energy-resources/Outlook-for-Energ
Teacher Page
Chris Seigneuray
Technology Education
ITMMS