Fourth Grade Alternative Energy Webquest

Introduction

Humans use many types of energy in order to maintain their daily lifestyles. Some forms of energy are harness by non-renewable sources such as coal, oil, or fossil fuels. Others are harnessed by using renewable sources of energy such as wind, water, and solar energy. 

More and more energy is needed everyday, but our non-renewable resources are depleting (going down) quickly. We must look to our renewable resources in order to sustain (maintain) our lifestyles in a heathlier, more earth friendly way.

Standards:

NGSS: 4-ESS3-1. Obtain and combine information to describe that energy and fuels are derived from natural resources and their uses affect the environment.

NGSS: 4-ESS3-2. Generate and compare multiple solutions to reduce the impacts of natural Earth processes on humans.

CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RI.4.10
By the end of year, read and comprehend informational texts, including history/social studies, science, and technical texts, in the grades 4-5 text complexity band proficiently, with scaffolding as needed at the high end of the range.

CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.4.2
Write informative/explanatory texts to examine a topic and convey ideas and information clearly.

CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.4.2.b
Develop the topic with facts, definitions, concrete details, quotations, or other information and examples related to the topic.

CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.4.7
Conduct short research projects that build knowledge through investigation of different aspects of a topic.CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.4.8
Recall relevant information from experiences or gather relevant information from print and digital sources; take notes and categorize information, and provide a list of sources.CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.4.9
Draw evidence from literary or informational texts to support analysis, reflection, and research.

ISTE Standards: 4. Critical thinking, problem solving, and decision making. Students use critical thinking skills to plan and conduct research, manage projects, solve problems, and make informed decisions using appropriate digital tools and resources.

Task

Earth's non-renewable resources are running out. Climate Change (global warming) is caused by using fossil fuels. In order to maintain a helathy earth and our lifestyle, we need an alternative.

Is there a solution? Are there ways to help? What can be done? What is the alternative?

 There will be five parts to this webquest:

1. Complete a research worksheet for your interested type of alternative energy.

2. Complete a pros (advantages) and cons (disadvantages) sheet.

3. Create a PowerPoint

4. Create a model/drawing for your energy source.

5. Prepare a presentation with your partner.

ExploraVision offers you the chance to take the technologies you're already interested in and turn them into a project you can be proud of. You can imagine anything you’ve ever wanted and think outside the box! We’re here to help you learn how to turn your excitement and ideas into success. Not only will the tools here will help guide you in the competition, but also in taking what you learn into the real world. - See more at: http://www.exploravision.org/developing-project#sthash.E88D49aa.dpufExp… offers you the chance to take the technologies you're already interested in and turn them into a project you can be proud of. You can imagine anything you’ve ever wanted and think outside the box! We’re here to help you learn how to turn your excitement and ideas into success. Not only will the tools here will help guide you in the competition, but also in taking what you learn into the real world. - See more at: http://www.exploravision.org/developing-project#sthash.E88D49aa.dpufExp… offers you the chance to take the technologies you're already interested in and turn them into a project you can be proud of. You can imagine anything you’ve ever wanted and think outside the box! We’re here to help you learn how to turn your excitement and ideas into success. Not only will the tools here will help guide you in the competition, but also in taking what you learn into the real world. - See more at: http://www.exploravision.org/developing-project#sthash.E88D49aa.dpuf

Process

1. Research - Pick one of the following renewable resources that you and your partner are interested in. Click on any of the links to help you find more information about your interested alternative energy. Complete the note-taking guide as you research.

2. Develop your proposal for an alternative energy. What do you think we should use instead of fossil fuels such as, oil (power cars), coal (electricity), or natural gas (heats homes). List at least 3 pros and 3 cons to your alternative energy.

3. Create a PowerPoint to help teach important information about your alternative energy.

4. Create a small model or drawing of your alternative energy proposal (solution).

5. Presentation - Meet with your partner and determine what will be said and who will say each part.

RESEARCH LINKS:

  • SOLAR ENERGY
  • BIOMASS
Evaluation

Conclusion

The future of our planet will be in your hands. Making healthy earth choices will ensure that the planet continues to grow and evolve for many generations to come.

Teacher Page

To extend this project, have students visit http://www.actewagl.com.au/Community/Kids-corner/What-is-sustainability.aspx

Students may also create an ExploraVision project

ExploraVision offers you the chance to take the technologies you're already interested in and turn them into a project you can be proud of. You can imagine anything you’ve ever wanted and think outside the box! We’re here to help you learn how to turn your excitement and ideas into success. Not only will the tools here will help guide you in the competition, but also in taking what you learn into the real world. - See more at: http://www.exploravision.org/developing-project#sthash.E88D49aa.dpuf