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Earth Science 11
ENERGY Research Project Page
LESSON PLAN: Exploring Alternative Energy Sources
Project List
• A list of project ideas appears below.
• Remind students that as part of their project and presentation, they will need to create a brochure, model, experiment, diagram, or some type of interactive or multimedia display that they will use to teach classmates about their alternate energy form/renewable resource.
• Projects need to be high quality with attention to detail, accurate spelling, grammar, punctuation, etc.
Accuracy counts, so students must be sure to thoroughly research their facts.
A. Research solar energy and how it can be used to power homes, schools, and businesses.
Include a thorough explanation of the science that explains how solar energy is collected and
used to generate power.
B. Research wind power and how it can be used in homes, schools, and businesses.
Include a thorough explanation of the science that explains how wind power is used to
generate power.
C. Research water power and how it can be used as energy for homes, schools, and businesses.
Include a thorough explanation of the science that explains how water power is used to
generate power.
D. Research hydrogen and fuel cells and how they can be used as an alternate energy form
Include a thorough explanation of the science that explains how hydrogen and fuel cells can
be used to generate power.
E. Research biomass and how it can be used as an alternate energy form. Include a thorough
explanation of the science that explains how biomass is collected and used to generate power.
F. Research geothermal energy and how it can be used as an alternate energy form.Include a thorough explanation of the science that explains how geothermal energy is used to generate
power.
G. Research nuclear energy and how it can be used to power homes, schools,and businesses. Include a thorough explanation of the science that explains how nuclear energy is created and used to generate power.
H. Research Light Emitting Diodes (LED) and how it could be used in every home, business, and school as an alternate form of energy. Be sure to discuss the positive impact this would
have on the environment.
I. Research Environmentally Friendly Building Design (also known as “green” buildings). Find out what construction and materials/components make these types of buildings
environmentally friendly and what forms of alternative energy they implement.
J. Other: allow students to brainstorm about an appropriate topic and get approval from the
teacher before beginning work.
Online Resources:
Online Renewable Energy Resources: a great site with lots of links: A good place to start
http://www.aresearchguide.com/energy.html
“High Gas Prices Could Mean Cold Classrooms and Cancelled Trips.pdf”
http://www.pbs.org/newshour/extra/features/july-dec05/gascosts_11-21.html
“Can a New Light Bulb Save the Environment?”
http://www.pbs.org/newshour/extra/features/jan-june05/led_6-13.html
Power and Deregulation
http://www.pbs.org/newshour/bb/infrastructure/power/#
Blowin’ in the Wind: Wind Power
http://www.pbs.org/newshour/bb/environment/jan-june01/blowing.html
Light Bulb Technology
http://www.pbs.org/newshour/bb/science/july-dec05/bulb_11-10.html
The Future of Fuel
http://www.pbs.org/newshour/science/hydrogen/index.html
Eco-Friendly Buildings
http://www.pbs.org/newshour/bb/environment/jan-june05/building_4-15.html
The Earth Debate: Energy
http://www.pbs.org/now/science/unenergy.html
American Energy Sources
http://www.pbs.org/newshour/bb/infrastructure/power/#
U.S. Department of Energy
http://www.energy.gov/index.htm
National Renewable Energy Laboratory
http://www.nrel.gov/
Renewable Energy
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Renewable_energy