Energy Webquest

Introduction:

We've discussed energy resources and have completed the first 2 activities in the Alternate Energy Module. We've learned that energy is a vital part of our daily lives and that the costs, impacts, and amount of energy available are important matters to consider for our future.

Assignment:

- Students in groups of 3-4 will be assigned an energy source.
- Each student will be assigned a role (scientist, mayor, and citizen(s))
- Your role is described on the top of your chart. Keep your role in mind as you will be playing that part when your group presents your PowerPoint to the class.
- Students will research their topic using the internet. Resources are listed below.
- Student groups will use the computer lab to create Powerpoint presentations on their energy surce.

The presentations will include 8-to-10 slides that provide the following information about the energy source:

• A title slide
• a description of the energy source
• where the energy source is found and how it is recovered
• advantages and disadvantages of the energy source (pros and cons)
• economic impacts of the energy source
• environmental impacts of the energy source
• any other interesting facts about the energy source
• a final comment from each role, and the Mayor's final decision.
• A slide listing the resources you used (include weblinks)

Resources

http://www.eia.doe.gov/kids/energyfacts/index.html an intro to different types of energy.

http://www.dailyprogress.com/servlet/Satellite?pagename=CDP%2FMGArticle%2FCDP_BasicArticle&c=MGArticle&cid=1031780899628&path=!news Daily Progress article about protests in Fluvanna about the Lake Anna nuclear plant.

www.need.org/infobooks.htm: NEED’s energy sources fact sheets
www.eia.doe.gov/kids: Energy Information Administration’s Kid’s Page
www.energy.gov/kidz/kidzone.html: Department of Energy’s Kids Zone
www.awea.org: American Wind Energy Association
www.acf-coal.org: American Coal Foundation
www.nei.org: Nuclear Energy Institute
www.hydro.org: National Hydropower Association
www.ases.org: American Solar Energy Society
www.propanecouncil.org: Propane Education and Research Council
www.biomass.org: American Bioenergy Association
www.geotherm.org: Geothermal Energy Association
www.api.org: American Petroleum Institute
www.ngsa.org: Natural Gas Supply Association

we'll be adding more links as we find good resources, but this should provide a good start.