Alternative energy.

Alternative Energy

Background

Non-Renewable Energy Sources

Energy is the ability to do work. In the United States, 85% of the energy we use comes from fossil fuels. Fossil fuels are created from the remains of plants and animals under intense heat and pressure over millions of years.

The fossil fuels oil, natural gas, and coal are our primary sources of energy. Reliance on fossil fuels has many inherent problems. For one, fossil fuels are nonrenewable sources of energy--we cannot make more fossil fuels than we already have. Also, the burning of fossil fuels releases gases into the air, including carbon dioxide, which contributes to the greenhouse effect and global warming. Also, fossil fuels give off acids, which contribute to acid rain. Finally, relying on fossil fuels, which the U.S. imports from other countries, makes us dependent on other (sometimes volatile) countries for our energy needs. For these reasons, alternative energy sources are becoming much more attractive.

Alternative Energy Sources

TEACHING NOTES (TN)

Supplement to Science Weekly Publication Pre-A through E

We can use energy from the Sun, wind, and moving water to produce electricity. We can make fuels for cars from plants and animals. These renewable energy sources are plentiful and create less pollution than fossil fuels.

Solar power has been used for many centuries. As long ago as 700 B.C.E., people used magnifying glasses to concentrate the Sun's rays and light fires. Today, sunlight is made into electricity using photovoltaic cells. Windmills use the power of the wind to pump water or grind grain. The Chinese created the first simple windmill around 200 B.C.E.! Today, wind turbines and generators are used to convert the wind's energy into electricity. Hydropower uses the water in rivers for energy. When dams are built on the rivers, they create lakes. Water from the lake then flows through turbines connected to generators to make electricity. The energy in ocean waves is used to make electricity, too. Geothermal power plants use the energy stored beneath Earth's surface to produce electricity.

Biofuels are an alternative to gasoline. Biofuels are often mixed with gas and produce less pollution. Biofuels can be made from corn, soybeans, trees, and algae--even used kitchen grease! Hybrid cars combine an electric motor with a small gasoline engine that uses much less gas.

There are advantages and disadvantages to each of these alternative energy sources. Wind turbines, for example, can only be placed where wind is plentiful sometimes far from the major cities where energy needs are greatest. The damming of rivers can cause problems for fish and wildlife. Harnessing the power of ocean tides can only work where there is a large enough tidal range--at least 10 feet--to produce energy economically. Despite these challenges, alternative energy sources will be used more and more in the future.

Initiating Questions Levels Pre-A-C

1. What is energy?

2. What form of energy do we use in cars?

3. What kinds of energy do we use at home?

Follow-up Questions Levels Pre-A-C

4. What are some alternative energy sources?

5. How can we use the energy from the Sun and wind?

6. What plants can be used to make energy?

7, What are some ways to use less energy?

Level Pre-A

Main concept: We can use the energy from the Sun and wind for our houses and our cars.

Picture Activity

Ask students if they have seen a windmill. Have they seen solar-paneled roofs on buildings? Ask students if they have ever seen a dam or a picture of one. Ask students if they can think of ways to use wind power at home--for example, by drying clothes outside or opening up the windows to let in cooling breezes.

Vocabulary

Students will trace the missing letter "n" in the words: energy, Sun and wind.

Weekly Lab

Explain that energy can do work. Energy from the Sun will melt the ice cubes. The ice cubes in the dark place will not melt as quickly.

Math

Students will color the picture and write in the number "5."

Answer: All 5 pictures show items that can be sources of fuel: trees, shortening (kitchen grease), rotting garbage, corn, switchgrass.

DID YOU KNOW??

Alternative energy sources can be placed wherever there is room.

Diesel vehicles can be converted to run on used kitchen grease.

Storytelling

Encourage students to think of all the ways they used energy. Did they watch T.V. or listen to the radio? Did they use hot water? Did they ride in a bus or car?

Bringing it Home

Students will make a pinwheel. They may be able to follow the steps pictured in the student level. (Written instructions are provided below.) However, adult assistance is required, especially for punching holes in the pinwheel corners and in the plastic straws. You may prefer to punch holes in the plastic straws ahead of time.

Students can blow on the pinwheel to make it move or take it outdoors in the wind. Explain that wind has the power to make things move. This power is called "energy." Energy from the wind can be used to make electricity.

Step 1: Cut out the pinwheel pattern. Color the front.

Step 2: Cut the dotted lines from the four corners to the center circle. Do not cut into the circle.

Step 3: Use the pencil to poke a hole in the five dark circles.

Step 4: Use the pencil to poke a hole through the straw 1/2 inch from the top.

Step 5: Make the tiny holes on the four points meet at the center hole.

Step 6: Push the ends of the paper fastener through the holes on the pinwheel. Then push the fastener through the center circle.

Step 7: Place the straw on the back of the pinwheel and push the ends of the fastener through the hole in the straw. Open up the fastener.

Ask, "Does your pinwheel move when you blow on it? Can the wind move your pinwheel?"

Level A

Main Concept: We can use energy from the Sun and wind to do work. We use energy to run machines.

Vocabulary

Students will trace the missing letters in the words: Sun, wind, machines, energy. They will then match the words to the smaller pictures at the top right.

Weekly Lab

Emphasize that both the Sun and wind can dry clothes. You can extend this by comparing the drying time on a sunny day to drying time on sunny, breezy day. Does the wind help the Sun dry clothes even faster?

Math

Answer: 2 people using solar power + 2 people using wind power + 1 person using both wind and solar power = 5 people altogether.

Writing In Science

Students will write about the people-powered activities vs. those that require fuel or electricity. Explain that people-powered activities such as riding a bike save on fuel and electricity. Ask students about the person playing an electric guitar. Explain that some guitars can be played using people power only. But, electric guitars need both people power and electricity to be played.

Challenge

Students will color the picture of renewable energy sources. Ask students if they can think of a time when they have used the power of the Sun, wind, or plants to do work.

Bringing it Home

Decaffeinated tea can be used, if preferred, The heat of the Sun brews the tea. It should be ready in about an hour, or the time may vary up to three hours. Adult assistance is required since instructions call for using a glass pitcher. If doing this activity in class, follow your school's safety guidelines regarding food.

Level B

Main Concept: People use energy every day. Fossil fuels are running out. Energy from the Sun and wind cannot run out. Solar energy can be used to heat water and buildings. Wind power can be used to make electricity.

Vocabulary

Answers: 1) wind power; 2) solar power; 3) fossil fuels

Weekly Lab

The beans in the warm sunny place will produce gas the fastest due to energy from the Sun. The beans in the dark place will produce gas more slowly. Explain that the gas has the power or energy to blow up the bags. This same energy can be used to do other things.

Math

Answers: 1) 7 x $4.50 = $31.50 savings in 7 days; 2) 4 x $8 = $32.00 savings in 4 weeks; 3) 7 x $5 = $35.00 savings in 1 week 4) The Thrifty brothers can save $74.50 in 1 week. Point out to students that they will have to think about this. They will not be able to simply add up all the answers.

Writing In Science

Encourage students to think of ways to use the power of the Sun or wind, such as drying clothes on a line or opening windows to let in the breeze. Ask what are some ways they can use less energy--perhaps turning off lights when they leave the room or walking rather than riding in a car.

Challenge

Answer: for grinding grain and pumping water

Bringing It Home

The wind will be greater in open areas. Places next to a fence or wall will be less windy. Also, less wind will be measured closer to the ground as opposed to higher up.

DID YOU KNOW??

The Chinese invented simple Windmills for pumping water more than 2,000 years ago.

Gas produced by rotting garbage can be harnessed for electricity.

The first wind turbines were built in Denmark in the 1890s.

Level C

Main Concept: Fossil fuels such as oil, gas, and coal, are not renewable. We can also make energy from alternative sources such as wind, the Sun, and moving water.

Vocabulary

Answers:

* energy source other than fossil fuels--"alternative"

* used to pump water or grind grain--picture of windmill

* energy from the Sun--picture of solar panels

* the ability to do work--"energy"

* energy from rivers--"hydropower"

* a type of fossil fuel--picture of gasoline can

Weekly Lab

Before beginning the WEEKLY LAB, students will begin writing up the activity as outlined in the WRITING IN SCIENCE ACTIVITY. The force of the air leaving the balloon will cause the balloon to travel across the fishing line. Balloons filled halfway will not travel as far. Larger balloons should travel farther than smaller balloons. Make sure the balloon is taped very securely to the straw before the air is let out.

Math

Answers: 1) 1767 C.E.; 2) 1891-1767 = 124 years later; 3) 1981 C.E.; 4) 2001-1981 = 20 years later

The timeline in Roman numerals would be as follows: 300 = CCC, 100 = C, (B.C.E.); and 1200 = MCC, 1767 = MDCCLXVII, 1891 = MDCCCXCI, 1981 = MCMLXXXI, 1982 : MCMLXXXII, 2001 : MMI (C.E.)

Writing in Science

Students will use correct scientific procedure to write up the WEEKLY LAB activity. They will begin by writing down the date and the name of the lab. They will write down the main question, their hypothesis, and the materials they will use. After completing the WEEKLY LAB, students will follow up by writing down their procedure, results, and conclusions.

Puzzle

(See the Word Search solution, to the right.)

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Bringing it Home

This activity requires adult supervision. Make sure students understand that they need to wash their hands with soap and water after touching raw eggs. The covered pan will cook the egg fastest, due to trapping the heat of the Sun. The egg on the sidewalk will cook the slowest, since the black surface of the frying pans absorb heat more efficiently. If you wish to use an alternative activity, try making Sun Tea: Fill a half-gallon glass pitcher with cold water. Put in seven tea bags. (You may use regular or decaffeinated). Cover with clear plastic wrap. Place outdoors on a warm sunny day. Check the water in an hour. (Time may vary from one to three hours.) When your tea is ready, take out the tea bags. Add ice cubes, sugar, and lemon if you like. (See Level A--BRINGING IT HOME.)

Initiating Questions Levels D-E

1. What is solar power?

2. What is wind power?

3. How have you used energy today?

Follow-up Questions Levels D-E

4. What are some problems associated with fossil fuel

5. What are some advantages of alternative energy sources?

6. What are biofuels?

DID YOU KNOW??

The world's largest solar power facility, in California, produces enough power for about 15,000 homes.

In 1891, Baltimore inventor Clarence Kemp patented the first commercial solar water heater.

Level D

Main Concept: Burning fossil fuels causes some problems. Alternative energy sources such as the wind, the Sun, moving water, and biofuels are renewable and do not cause pollution.

Vocabulary

(See crossword puzzle solution, below.)

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Challenge

Encourage students to visit the website and find out about ocean energy plants. What are some advantages to using the energy from ocean waves and tides? What are some disadvantages?

Weekly Lab

Students will make an instrument for measuring the wind's speed, called an anemometer. Why do they think some places are windier than others? (See Level B--BRINGING IT HOME.)

Writing in Science

Encourage students to think about their yards and their school yards. Which places did they find to be windier? What parts of the country do they think would be more likely to be windy? (Coastal areas and open prairies do not have as much to block the wind, and so are normally windier. Cities with many tall buildings and low-lying valleys tend to be less windy.)

Math

Answers: 1) 1767 C.E.; 2) 1891-1767 = 124 later; 3) 1981 C.E.; 4) 1982-1981 = 1 year later; 5) 24 years between; 6) 2009 + 300 = 2,309 years ago

Puzzle

(See Word Search solution, to the right.)

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DID YOU KNOW??

Ethanol is a fuel made from corn.

Algae produces oil more efficiently than soybeans.

The total energy we receive from the Sun each year is about 35,000 times the total energy used by man.

Level E

Main Concept: People have been using solar, water, and wind power for centuries. Alternative energy sources are renewable and do not cause pollution. Other alternative sources include geothermal energy and biofuels made from plants.

Vocabulary

(See Crossword solution, to the right.)

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Weekly Lab

Before beginning this activity, students will begin to write up their lab using correct scientific procedure as outlined in the WRITING IN SCIENCE activity. The hot water will cause the air in the balloon to expand and blow up the balloon. When the bottle is placed in ice water, the air will contract and the balloon will deflate. This thermal energy can actually lift a small rock.

Math Answers: 1) .70 x $200 = $140 per month savings; 2) 12 x $140 = $1,680 per year savings; 3) .50 x $180 = $90 per month savings; 4) $90 x 12 = $1,080 per year savings

Writing in Science

(See Level C.) Make sure students understand that it is not important whether or not their hypothesis was correct. Encourage students to think of follow-up experiments they could do to expand their knowledge.

FYI--Further Your Interests

Hydropower is the most-used renewable energy source in the U.S. Encourage students to visit the website and learn more about this alternative energy source.

Answers: According to the website, as of 2007, the top energy producing states in order are:

1) Washington, 2) Oregon, 3) California, 4) New York and 5) Montana

Puzzle

Answer: About 85% of the energy used in the U.S. comes from fossil fuels.

DID YOU KNOW??

Tidal energy from the ocean has been used since the 11th century, when small dams were built to turn water wheels.

Weekly Resources

Helpful Sources for Planning Your Science Weekly Classroom Activities

Recommended Resources

Books

* Farndon, John. Energy. New York, NY: Benchmark Books, 2003

* Gale, Thomson. Energy Alternatives. San Diego, CA: Greenhaven Press, 2006

Internet Resources

* Dept. of Energy kids pages with information about renewable and non-renewable sources of energy and ways to save energy--

http://www.eia.doe.gov/kids/energyfacts

* Energy science projects using wind, solar, and geothermal power--

http://www.energyquest.ca.gov/projects

* A glossary page for energy terms--

http://www.idahoptv.org/dialogue4kids/season9/greenenergy/glossary.cfm

* Alternative energy sources--

http://www.cc.utah.edu/~ptt25660/tran.html

* Information about how human activities, such as burning of fossil fuels, affect climate change http://www.exploratorium.edu/climate/index.html

Math

These people are using alternative (al-ter-na-tive) energy from the Sun and wind, How many people do you count?

Science says ... Solar power and wind power are alternative energy sources.

I count         I count      I count      I count
             +             +           =
people          people       people       people
using solar     using wind   using wind   altogether.
power.          power.       and solar
                             power

Writing

Some things need electricity. Other things use "people power," Write about what you see, You will need a separate sheet of paper.

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Challenge

Wind and solar energy are renewable (re-new-a-ble) energy sources, We cannot use up the Sun and wind. Color the picture of renewable energy sources. Then draw a picture of someone using renewable energy.

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Bringing it Home

Adult Supervision Required

People need hot water to make tea. Many people use a stove or microwave to heat water. Did you know heat from the Sun can also make water hot?

Sun Tea

Step 1: Fill a half-gallon glass pitcher with cold water.

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Step 2: Put in seven tea bags.

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Step 3: Cover with clear plastic wrap.

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Step 4: Place outdoors on a warm sunny day.

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Step 5: Check the water in an hour. Did it turn into tea?

Step 6: When your tea is ready, take out the tea bags. Add ice cubes, sugar, and lemon if you like.

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"Did you know that hawks have amazing eyesight?"

"Yes, a hawk can spot a mouse from hundreds of feet in the air.

"You will learn all about hawks in our next issue."

We use energy (en-er-gy) in houses.

We use energy to run machines (ma-chines).

We use energy to run cars and trucks.

Did you know we can use energy from the Sun?

Did you know we can use energy from the wind?

New Words:

energy

machines

Sun

wind

Vocabulary

Trace the missing letters, below, Connect the picture with the right word.

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[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] wind

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Weekly Lab

We can use energy from the Sun and wind to do work, See how solar (so-lar) energy and wind energy can dry clothes, Which T-shirt will dry faster? From solar energy? Or wind energy?

You need: old T-shirts, plastic clothes hangers,

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Step 1 Wet the T-shirts with cold water. Wring out the extra water.

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Step 2: Hang one of the T-shirts on a fence, pole, bush, etc. Do this on a sunny day.

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Step 3: Hang one of the T-shirts indoors. Turn on a fan.

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Step 4: Check your T-shirts every hour. Was your prediction right?