Energy Resources
Physical Science – Renewable and Non-Renewable Resources
Grade 8
This project was developed
as part of the Title III Technology Literacy Challenge Grant’s
Capital Region Collaboration for Technology Education
2002
Reema
Ali-Khafaga
Gowana Middle School – Shenendehowa School District
Introduction
This site will help you understand the energy resources that are available now and also those that are being researched for the future. Conservation of energy is a global problem, which needs to be researched and understood. This web list will help provide sites for information and also many ways to help conserve energy. This web list also contains many projects that can be done independently or in small groups by students. Both teacher and student can use this list for additional information on the topic of energy resources.
1.
Energy Story
This site provides
an excellent introduction to the topic of energy resources. It gives some really great easy to
understand summaries of each different type of resource. This site also has an extensive list of
project ideas for students.
http://www.energyquest.ca.gov/story/index.html
2.
The Energy Planet
This
site takes students on a journey of the past, present, and future of
energy. It shows a great synopsis of
the history of energy on earth. It
shows each resource in great detail.
This site contains quizzes on the material. Important biographies of scientist and different cultures are
also in this site.
http://library.thinkquest.org/C004471/tep/en/index.html
3.
Solar Now Inc.
Make a pizza box
solar oven! This site details a great
project on solar energy. The format is
easy to read and follow. There are
diagrams to make it even easier to follow.
Students can then use their oven to make s’mores or cookies.
http://www.solarnow.org/pizzabx.htm
4.
Roofus’ Solar and Efficient Neighborhood
Roofus is a fun
loving dog who will take you on a tour in his house, roof, garage, and backyard
to show you how energy efficient you can be.
This site is a fun alternative way to look at different ways to conserve
energy in your own home.
http://www.eren.doe.gov/roofus/
5.
Arizona Solar Center
This site will
provide you with a easy to understand definition of the greenhouse effect. This site gives a diagram explaining the
concept. It also has link to leaning
more about what the effects could be for life on earth. There are many other links
that are all about solar energy.
http://www.azsolarcenter.com/education/grn011199.html
6.
Fossil Fuels and You!
This site explains
what fossil fuels are and where they came from. There is also a link that will take you to cool facts about
fossil fuels. This site shares some
very important information about non-renewable resources.
http://warrensburg.k12.mo.us/ew/fossilfuels/
7.
Nuclear Energy for Tomorrow
This site gives an
introduction to nuclear power. Students
can find good links for fusion and fission.
Teachers can find many lessons on the aspects of nuclear energy and also
many activities. There is also a link
to historical background of nuclear energy.
http://library.thinkquest.org/C001667/nav.cgi?section=les
8.
From Windmills to Whirligigs
This is another
site, which will appeal to the artistic side of you. This site shows how science can merge with art to produce some
very unique creations that are very functional. Students will love looking at the scrapbook of pictures. This site also contains a video of an
interview of the man behind it all.
http://www.sci.mus.mn.us/sln/vollis/
9.
Foundation for Water and Energy Education
In this site
students and teacher can take a walk through a virtual hydroelectric power
plant. It details every part of the
plant by clicking on the graphic. There
is also a link that will take you to a fish tour. The fish tour shows the interaction with life underwater. This site contains some very interesting
information.
10. The Plus Side of Volcanoes – Geothermal Energy
This site showcases some amazing pictures of volcanoes and geysers. It gives a great summary of geothermal energy. The site also provides information and links to how different states and places use geothermal energy. Students can also navigate through and find even more information on volcanoes.
http://vulcan.wr.usgs.gov/LivingWith/PlusSide/geothermal.html
Teacher Notes
Process
Students can use this site to learn the basic definitions of each energy resource. They are also able to use many of the sites for research into a particular area. Some sites offer great graphics, which students can use in a presentation. There are also many sites, which offer students suggestions on environmental conservation and actions that they can take in their lives. There are also many project ideas that can be found. These sites can also help review important terms in a self-test or game. Students would use this page after they have gone over an introduction with a teacher to work independently on research projects and other activities.
NYS Learning
Standards and the National Technology Educational Standards
Science
Standards
Standard
1: Analysis, Inquiry, and Design Students
will use mathematical analysis, scientific inquiry, and engineering design, as
appropriate, to pose questions, seek answers, and develop solutions.
Standard
2: Information Systems Students
will access, generate, process, and transfer information using appropriate
technologies.
Standard
4: Science Students will understand and apply
scientific concepts, principles, and theories pertaining to the physical
setting and living environment and recognize the historical development of
ideas in science.
Standard
6: Interconnectedness: Common Themes Students will understand the relationships and common themes
that connect mathematics, science, and technology and apply the themes to these
and other areas of learning.
Standard
7: Interdisciplinary Problem Solving Students will apply the knowledge and thinking skills of
mathematics, science, and technology to address real-life problems and make
informed decisions.
ISTE
Standards:
Technology
Foundation Standards for Students
1.
Basic operations and
concepts
o
Students demonstrate a
sound understanding of the nature and operation of technology systems.
o
Students are proficient
in the use of technology.
2.
Social, ethical, and
human issues
o
Students understand the
ethical, cultural, and societal issues related to technology.
o
Students practice
responsible use of technology systems, information, and software.
o
Students develop
positive attitudes toward technology uses that support lifelong learning,
collaboration, personal pursuits, and productivity.
3.
Technology
problem-solving and decision-making tools
o
Students use technology
resources for solving problems and making informed decisions.
o
Students employ
technology in the development of strategies for solving problems in the real
world.
Credits and
References
Energy graphics –r http://www.golden.doe.gov/images/ImageShaded.jpg
Graphic Images used on this page courtesy of Microsoft Design Gallery Live
