Overview

In Alternative Energy, students explore the basic concepts of energy, as well as the law of conservation of energy. Information is presented about renewable and nonrenewable energy sources and how these resource types are important for meeting global energy demands. The advantages and disadvantages of alternative energy forms such as solar, wind, biomass, geothermal, and hydropower are presented. Hands-on experiences include experiments with a wind turbine, solar cells, hydrogen fuel cell, and building a solar-powered model car.

Description

Objectives

• Learn the characteristics of renewable and nonrenewable energy resources.
• Explore traditional and nontraditional, or alternate, forms of energy.
• Gain an understanding of the scientific law of conservation of energy.
• Learn about the use of wind energy for the production of electricity.
• Perform an efficiency experiment using the wind turbine.
• Learn the important role the Sun plays in the production of energy on Earth.
• Build a solar-powered model car. Perform experiments using hydrogen fuel cell technology.
• Evaluate various energy resources and draw conclusions based upon statistical data.

Activities

Students complete three performance assessments: 1) Energy – investigate various energy resources and their classifications; 2) Solar Energy – name characteristics of solar energy and explain how a solar cell works; and 3) Fuel Cell Energy – understand and explain how fuel cell technology functions.