Ideas


 * You will be given one of the following energy sources to research
 * Solar Energy
 * Hydroelectric/Tidal Energy
 * Wind Energy
 * Geothermal Energy
 * Nuclear Energy
 * Biofuels (Biomass, Biogas)

Project Setup: Students in the environmental science class will be presented with a situation. They will be told that their team is competing for the $200,000 Alternate/Renewable Source Grant offered by a company. They have already made it through Phase 1 where there application was selected and they are now able to compete for the grant. They are now entering Phase 2 where they need to finalize research on their alternate energy source. Phase 3 of the project will be to present the most current information about the energy source to a panel of judges (the teacher and students in the class). The presentation should try to convince the judges to select their energy source. The group should also be prepared to answer tough questions about the drawbacks of their energy source. In addition to a verbal presentation, the group should be prepared to select a visual that will support and enhance the presentation. They can choose to create a video, build a model, create a detailed map, create graphs and charts, and/or design a website that gives supporting information. Alternate Energy Sources that will be assigned to groups: • Coal, Oil, and Natural Gas • Nuclear Energy • Solar Energy • Hydroelectric/Tidal Energy • Wind Energy • Geothermal Energy • Nuclear Fusion • Biofuels (Biomass, Biogas) Resources: • Online Databases: Science Researcher, SIRS Knowledge Source, and Opposing Viewpoints o magazinearticles o newspaperarticles o maps • Websites (http://tinyurl.com/3cbofu) o flashanimations o streamingvideo o U.S.Dept.ofEnergystatistics • Books • Sustainability subject matter expert EDIT 6400 Lesson Plan Ashley Siegel Questions that will help guide student research: Things to consider: • When was your project created/discovered? • How does project create energy (compared to oil, gas, and coal)? • Talk us through the process of making your energy source work. • What resources do you need? • What type of equipment do you need? Pros: • Is it healthy for the environment? • What resources will be conserved? • How will you conserve the resources you need? • How much energy will be produced? Is it enough? Cons: • Are there any pollutants associated with your project? • Are there any hazardous waste produced? • What are the costs of your project? • How will you fix any issues concerning your project?