ENERGY RESOURCES ACTIVITY Integrated Science 4 Name: Date: Period: Directions: In groups, you will be going from station to station answering questions about differing energy resource. Each individual will be writing the answers to their questions on their own sheet of paper. At each station, you will be labeling the locations where these energy sources are being used in California. Focus Question Why has alternative energy exploration become such a large conversation in our state, country, and the world within your lifetime? Why? 1. Nuclear - What elements are typically used? - Which countries are considering decommissioning (safely closing and breaking down) their nuclear power plants? - What does E=mc 2 mean? - Where do they exist in California?
2. Solar - Photovoltaic - What are Photovoltaic solar cells made of? - What are some of the limitations of using solar as the primary source of energy? Explain. - Where are these found in California? 3. Hydroelectric - How is the power generated? - In 1940, how much of our power was from Hydroelectic origins? Now? - What are some of the limitations of using hydroelectric as the primary source of energy? Explain.
- What are some of the benefits of using hydroelectric as the primary source of energy? Explain. - Where do they occur in California? 4. Wind - Explain how the sun is important to wind power. Be sure to explain the relationship between convection currents and wind. - How is wind similar to hydroelectric? Explain. - Today, how are wind generators used? - Where do they occur in California?
5. Tidal/Wave - In YOUR OWN WORDS (not your partner s words) explain how wave energy works. - How does tidal energy work and how does it differ from wave energy? - Where are tidal/wave power plants being discussed? - Do you think that tidal/wave energy is viable for California s future energy needs? Why or why not? 6. Biofuel - In YOUR OWN WORDS (not your partner s words) explain how biofuels are made. Make sure to include where they come from and how they are processed. - Explain the difference between bioethanol and biodiesel.
- What are two events in history that helped the use of biofuels? - What do you think the cartoon means? - Where does it occur in California? 7. Geothermal - In YOUR OWN WORDS (not your partner s words) explain how geothermal energy works. Include where the heat comes from and how it is used/processed. - How many geothermal plants are in the US? - Why is California a good location for geothermal energy? - Where does it occur in California?
8. Fossil Fuels - Why are fossil fuels called fossil fuels/how are they formed? - What are the three major fossil fuels? Explain what type of matter they each come from, and how they are used to generate electicity 1. 2. 3. - What is the main difference between coal and petroleum? - Why do we use so much petroleum? - Where does it occur in California?
Follow-up Questions 1. Which of these energy resources would you consider to be renewable resources and why? 2. Which of these energy resources do you think are non-renewable and why? 3. Which is the most beneficial form of energy that you studied today? What limitations does that energy source have for ongoing future use? Explain. 4. What do you think is the most detrimental source of energy? Explain. 5. In your own life, give examples of 3 ways that your actions lead to the consumption of nonrenewable energy resources. What are some ways that you can decrease the amount of resources that you consume?