Alternative Energy

Introduction

In this WebQuest, we will be exploring Alternative Energy and the role that it plays in our future.

 

We are exploring the NGSS Standard: 

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

Task

Task 1:  

Watch this video and answer the following question in a Google Doc titled Alternative Energy WebQuest.

What is Alternative Energy?

 

Task 2: 

Explore this link and answer the following questions in your Google Doc:

A. What is biomass?

B. How does biomass get its energy?

C. What are the four ways energy can be stored in biomass?

D. What are five types of biomass?

E. What is an environmental problem with biomass?

 

Task 3: 

Solar  http://www.need.org/Files/curriculum/infobook/SolarS.pdf

  1. Explain solar energy by explaining nuclear fusion.
  2. Explain how a solar collector works.
  3. Explain how a passive solar home works verses an active solar home
  4. Explain photovoltaics.
  5. E. Explain solar thermal system and how they make electricityF. What is the problem with using solar energy worldwide?

 

 

 

Task 4: 

Wind http://www.need.org/Files/curriculum/infobook/WindS.pdf

A. How do wind power plants make electricity?

B. Name the two types of wind machines and explain how they work.

C. What are two benefits of wind power over fossil fuels?

D. Why will wind power ever completely replace fossil fuels?

 

 

Task 5: 

 Hydropower http://www.need.org/Files/curriculum/infobook/HydroS.pdf 

  1. Explain how hydro power works
  2. How old is hydropower?
  3. What are the three parts of a hydropower station?
  4. What are two benefits of hydropower over fossil fuels?

 

 

 

Task 6:  

 Geothermal http://www.need.org/Files/curriculum/infobook/GeothermalS.pdf

  1. What is geothermal energy and how can we get it from the earth
  2. Is geothermal energy a renewable energy source?
  3. How can geothermal energy be used to make electricity?

 

 Geothermal Part II http://www.kqed.org/quest/television/geothermal-heats-up2

A.  What is the Pacific Ring of Fire?

B.   What is geothermal energy?  Does it produce much energy in California?

C.   How do we find geothermal sites?

D.   Where is the world’s largest producer of geothermal electricity?

E.   How deep is a typical well?

F.    What are some limitations to producing geothermal energy?

G.   Can geothermal energy run out of a reservoir?  Has this happened?

 

 

 

Evaluation

With a partner, you will pick one of the forms of alternative energy that we explored in today's WebQuest and research it in greater detail.  You need to create a short Google Slide presentation and explain to the class why you think that the form of alternative energy that you have chosen is better for our future than fossil fuels.  

 

Image result for google slides

Credits

Thank you to Mr. Dougherty for your resources in creating the WebQuest:

https://www.rtmsd.org/Page/19401