Alternative Energy Explorations
One person in each group will visit the site(s) below to learn information about an
alternative to fossil fuel use. You will be the expert in your group, so know your
information well and be able to answer your group’s questions!
In general, find the answers to the following questions:
1) Describe the technology needed to harness these sources of energy or to make
energy use more efficient. How does it work?
2) What are the benefits to using this technology? Drawbacks?
3) How efficient is the technology in harnessing the energy source compared to
using fossil fuels? (remember, every energy conversion loses some energy as heat to
the environment!)
Hydropower
http://ga.water.usgs.gov/edu/hyhowworks.html
http://ga.water.usgs.gov/edu/wuhy.html
Geothermal
http://geothermal.marin.org/GEOpresentation/sld001.htm is a slide show
Solar
http://www.eia.doe.gov/kids/energy.cfm?page=solar_home-basics
Wind
Read pages 164-175 from The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind
http://www1.eere.energy.gov/windandhydro/wind_how.html
Hybrid cars
http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/cars/new-cars/news/2008/04/guide-to-hybrid-
cars/overview/guide-to-hybrid-cars-ov.htm
http://auto.howstuffworks.com/hybrid-car2.htm