Energy Efficiency

Integrated Physics and Chemistry TEKS  6C,D

A Web Quest by Dianne Smithwick

 

Introduction Task Process Conclusion Evaluation Resources

 

Introduction

Think about all of the things in our world that are powered by electricity.  Imagine what your life would be like without electricity.  Would you be able to survive living as your ancestors did?

An energy shortage is not only a possibility but a reality in some parts of the country.  Californians have recently been experiencing power outages and rolling blackouts.  Will the rest of our country soon experience them as well?

Task

Your assignment is in three parts.  In the first activity,  analyze the efficiency of energy conversions that are responsible for the production of electricity. Investigate the environmental and economical impact of  each energy source.  The second activity involves the investigation and comparison of  the economic and environmental impact of using rechargeable, disposable and  solar batteries. Thirdly,  create a Multimedia presentation depicting your findings.

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Process

Using the resources listed below, complete the following activities.

Activity One: Electrical Energy Sources

Fossil Fuels
Coal
Gas
Oil

Geothermal Energy

Movement of Water
Movement of Wind
Nuclear Energy
Radiant Energy

1. Which of the energy sources listed above are renewable energy sources?
2. Which of the energy sources listed above are nonrenewable energy sources?
3. How is electricity produced from each of the above?
4. Which energy source produces the most electricity for the least amount of money?
5. How much of the energy used in the United States is produced by each energy source?
6. How much of the energy used world wide is produced by each energy source?
7. What would happen to our economy if we increased use of renewable energy sources and decreased nonrenewable energy sources?
8. Which of the energy sources above it best for the environment?
9. What would happen to our environment if we increased use of renewable energy sources and decreased use of nonrenewable energy sources?
10. Which of the energy sources above would be most practical or economical in your area?  Why?
11. Which would not be practical?  Why not?

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Activity Two:  Battery Power

Disposable Batteries
Rechargeable Batteries
Solar Batteries

12. How does each of the batteries listed above produce power?
13. Which type of battery listed above is most widely used in the United States?
14. Which is the most efficient source of power?
15. Which is better for the environment?
16. Using Microsoft Excel, create a chart that compares and contrasts the economic and environmental impact of each of the batteries.  (see the sample chart below)
Type of Battery Cost of battery Life of battery Environmental effects
       
       
       

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Conclusion

Create a Multimedia presentation for the class that answers all of the questions in Activities One and Two.  Include the chart created in Activity Two.  You should discuss what was thought about energy before the project began and what has been learned by doing the project.

Evaluation

Your work will be evaluated based on the rubric below.  The content of your presentation counts 50% of your grade.  Mechanics count 25% and Presentation counts 25% of your grade.  A total score of less than 70 points will result in doing the project again.

0 Points 1 Point 2 Points 3 Points 4 points

Score
31% or more of required information missing or incorrect. 70% of required information present and correct. 80% of required information present and correct. 90% of required information present and correct. All required information present and correct.

Content
More than 30 errors in English usage, sentence construction, spelling, capitalization, or punctuation. 30 or fewer errors in English usage, sentence construction, spelling, capitalization, or punctuation. 20 or fewer errors in English usage, sentence construction, spelling, capitalization, or punctuation. 10 or fewer errors in English usage, sentence construction, spelling, capitalization, or punctuation. No errors in English usage, sentence construction, spelling, capitalization or punctuation.

Mechanics
Presentation of information poor in quality and effort.  Overuse of design or no design. Difficult to follow. Presentation of information below expectations. Design occasionally detracts from presentation.  Interesting in areas, distracting in areas. Presentation of information meets expectations.  Design enhances presentation.  Interesting most of the time. Little distraction. Presentation of information above expectations.  Design enhances presentation. Interesting throughout. Presentation of information exceeds expectations. Design is of professional quality.

Presentation 
        Total Points  
Formula for calculating grade:   1) Multiply content score by 2. That is your score for that row. 2)  Add points scored from each row. 3) Divide the total points by 16. 4) Multiply that number by 100 to find your grade. Grade

 

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Resources

The Energy That Surrounds You Wind Energy Program
Internal Energy Annual Review National Renewable Energy Laboratory
National Wind Technology Center Short Term Energy Outlook
Hydropower Program Geothermal Energy Program
Energy Information Administration Millennium Batteries
Geothermal Energy Website International Petroleum Monthly
Energy Review Geothermal Education Office
Monthly Energy Review The Hidden Cost of Fossil Fuels
  Hydropower
 
Introduction Task Process Conclusion Evaluation Resources

 

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